The KMT is trying to distance itself from former chair Hong Xiu Zhu 洪秀柱's
attendance at tomorrow's CCP military parade in Beijing.

Hong arrived in Beijing yesterday saying that history must not be distorted,
adding that the KMT was the party that established the Republic of China and
led the 8-year war against Japanese invasion that ended in 1945.

China has named the September 3 parade a “Victory Day” spectacle to claim
part of the credit for Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II 80 years
ago.

The KMT, on the other hand, says that Hong doesn't represent the party, and
that she can travel there as a private citizen freely, a right protected by
the Constitution.

Meanwhile the DPP has condemned Hong's attending China's show of military
force, saying that her attendance puts her in aligment with the PRC.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stressed that her appearance there does
not reflect mainstream Taiwanese people's feelings...

and may send the wrong message to the international community regarding
Taiwan's sovereignty.

(AH)

The Tourism Administration is pushing low-carbon travel with over 170 new
promotions.

The agency is working with Taiwan Railways Corporation, Taiwan High Speed
Rail, and hotel operators to combine eco-friendly transport with certified
“sustainable” accommodations.

Visitors staying at hotels with sustainability labels can exchange vouchers
for Taiwan Railways bento meals or VIP lounge passes.

TRC is also bundling discount packages with sightseeing trains.

Meanwhile, THSR is offering discounted hotel-plus-ticket deals, with up to 22
percent off fares.

The operator says its services have carried a carbon reduction label for ten
years, cutting emissions by at least 3 percent annually.

Officials say the goal is to make public transport and sustainable stays more
attractive ... while lowering the sector’s carbon footprint.

(IG)

Taipei health officials say more than a quarter of ice products tested in May
and June failed inspection.

The city’s Department of Health checked 108 items, including frozen
desserts, edible ice, and cold beverages.

Twenty-nine failed the first round of testing — that’s nearly 27 percent.

Even after follow-up inspections, about 10 percent still did not meet food
safety standards.

Officials say the main issues involved excessive levels of bacteria,
indicating possible hygiene problems during production or handling.

Businesses that failed twice now face fines up to 3-million NT under the Act
Governing Food Safety and Sanitation.

(IG)

The Executive Yuan will launch a series of events for the National Disaster
Prevention Day aiming to raise people's awareness for natural disasters.

The National Fire Agency announces that this year's theme is "Surviving a
Major Earthquake, Strengthening Preparedness."

Starting September 17, large-scale earthquake and tsunami rescue drills will
be conducted in Yi-lan County and New Taipei City, simulating a magnitude 8.5
earthquake in east of Taiwan that triggers a tsunami.

On September 19, a nationwide earthquake alert will be sent out starting at
9:21 a.m., followed by a tsunami alert in coastal areas at 9:30 a.m.

At 10:59 a.m., 13 Public Television Service channels will switch over to
broadcast a major news drill and a pre-recorded presidential address.

Interior Minister Liu Shi-fang says as of this week, the N-F-A has offered
disaster prevention training to 60-thousand people, and over 100 Community
Emergency Response Teams have also been established.

She is encouraging the public to develop their ability to save and help
themselves, and rescue others as well.

Germany’s Bavarian State Government has teamed up with Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Company to establish a new AI chip research and development
center at the Technical University of Munich.

The Munich Advanced Technology Center for High-tech AI Chips, will focus on
high-performance, customized AI chips and train students in semiconductor
processes, with technical backing from TSMC.

The center will receive about 4.5 million euros in joint funding from
Bavaria’s science and economic affairs ministries.

Officials say the project will boost Europe’s chip design capabilities while
addressing Germany’s shortage of AI semiconductor talent.

Bavarian ministers have praised TSMC’s role in cultivating local expertise
in advanced chip technologies.

(CNA_IG)

President Lai Ching Te is inviting DPP lawmakers to dinner at his
presidential residence, as an effort to improve communication channels
between the executive and legislative branches.

Presidential Office Spokesman Karen Kuo added that the move was in an attempt
to understand caucus leaders' thoughts.

Kuo said that Lai will dine with lawmakers from different groups in four
different batches in order to ensure the smooth passage of bills, especially
the 2026 general budget plan.

Lai hopes to strengthen exchanges and, through constructive discussions,
ensure the smooth implementation of other government programs and key
livelihood policies.

The spokesperson also said that this year's dinners mark the fourth time that
the president has held similar meetings with lawmakers.

(AH)

Olympic Gold Medalist Boxer Lin Yu Ting says, she will not attend this year's
World Boxing Championships, due to a lack of response regarding her "sex
tests" from the organizer, World Boxing.

Officials said that they had submitted all relevant tests to the World Boxing
federation, but that they had not received a response as of the departure
date yesterday.

Therefore, Lin will skip the games, with officials saying that they want to
prevent athletes traveling to the UK, where the games are being held, if they
will not be able to participate.

This comes after some raised concerns last year that Lin was not allowed to
participate in women's boxing, despite the International Olympic Committee's
continued confirmation of her eligibility.

She has since been forced to miss multiple international competitions.

(AH-CNA)

The 2025 Taipei Jazz Festival kicks off tomorrow, with performances happening
across the city.

The month-long festival is themed "Jazz Everywhere," and organizers say it
aims to bring jazz music to the streets, cultural centers, and outdoor venues
of Taipei's 12 districts.




Scheduled performances will take place in jazz clubs and music venues, but
also make their way into museums, outdoor markets, and even the zoo.

The final event will take place from September 26th to the 28th at the Taipei
Music Center's outdoor stage, featuring local and international artists,
including Chris Babida, and the Blue Note Tokyo All-Star Jazz Orchestra.

(NS)

Taiwan shares are down today, with the benchmark tai ex closing at 24016,
after losing 54 points.

The turnover was 409.6 billion NT.

The Presidential Office says, rally leaders must pay attention to the safety
of police officers at their events.

That's after participants at a TPP rally allegedly assaulted police officers
on Saturday, in videos posted on social media.

Officials say that 8 police officers sustained injuries at the rally.

The Ministry of the Interior said that offenders were being charged with
obstruction of official duties, coersion and violations of the Assembly and
Parade Act.

Meanwhile, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan An says that police must enforce the law,
but added that he understood why TPP supporters were protesting.

He also called on the public to demonstrate to support the rights of former
party chair Ke Wen Zhe.

He added that the root cause of the incident is Ke's ongoing detention, which
has now resulted in the injury of 8 police.

(AH)

Two review meetings over minimum wage and electricity rates are schedueld
this month, and Taipei-based Chinese National Federation of Industries
expresses strong opposition to an increase in electricity bills.

C-N-F-I chair Pan Jun-rong (潘俊榮) says raising the minimum wage is
reasonble given the fluctuations in prices and the challenging economic
environment , adding that businesses should be able to afford it.

He also says that he's confident that there's consensus on this issue.

Regarding electricity rates, Pan stresses that he's already advised Economics
Minister Gong Ming-xin that they must not be raised.

Noting that any increase will affect everyone’s livelihood, Pan says the
government should find ways to allocate additional subsidies to Taiwan Power
so the state-run company wouldn't bear excessive financial burdens.

He has also suggested that Taiwan should diversify its energy sources, and
that state-owned enterprises should take the lead in investment.

(JL)

The Tourism Administration has expanded Taiwan PASS to include "Taichung Go",
making travel around the city easier for tourists.

Starting September 1st, foreign travelers can use a single QR code ticket to
enjoy unlimited rides for 48 hours on the Taichung Metro, city buses, and
four Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes.

The pass also links to popular destinations including Gaomei Wetlands, the
Taichung Aquarium, Dasyueshan National Forest Recreation Area, and the
city’s cultural hubs such as Calligraphy Greenway.

Officials say the upgrade covers three existing Taiwan PASS products — the
classic versions of Taiwan High-Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways ... as well as
the Easy Go edition.

They add that the goal is to improve transport for tourists, while gradually
expanding digital ticketing nationwide.

(IG)

minister

New Economics Minister Gong Ming-xin has vowed to take action on response
measures to tariffs.

On his first day of officially taking the office today, Gong said the
20-percent U-S tariff is a complicated matter, adding that it also meant very
good opportunities in other countries.

Gong expressed thanks to the Legislature for passing a special act to
strengthen economic, social and defense resilience amid global challenges,
noting that the measure provides $93 billion NT in industrial support.

He said he would meet with industry and commerce representatives later today,
then visit central and southern Taiwan over the next couple of days to "learn
about the situation of individual enterprises and propose countermeasures."

Gong, a veteran government official, served as National Development Council
chair and Deputy Economics Minister at one point.

(CNA-JL)

Taoyuan has rolled out 136 new electric buses, boosting its share of e-buses
from under 1 percent to 18 percent.

Mayor Chang San-cheng says the long-term goal is to replace all diesel buses
with electric ones by 2030.

He notes that with another 137 vehicles on order this year, Taoyuan's e-bus
fleet could exceed 35 percent by next year.

Officials say the new buses will serve five major routes, bringing not just
environmental benefits but also more comfort, lower operating costs, and a
modern image for public transport.

The city is also providing subsidies and helping bus companies set up
charging facilities to encourage a faster transition.

(IG)

The Ministry of the Interior says people who clashed with police at a TPP
rally in Taipei on Saturday will be referred to prosecutors for
investigation.

The ministry says Taipei police had collected evidence of obstruction of
public officials and coercion by "disorderly" rallygoers, as well as
violations of the Assembly and Parade Act, which will be sent for
investigation by prosecutors.

Officials say eight police officers suffered injuries amidst "pushing and
jostling" by some rallygoers, including one officer who was sent to a
hospital afterlosing consciousness.

The TPP held the demonstration near the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial
Hall to mark the one-year anniversary of a raid by Taipei prosecutors
targeting former TPP chair and Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je.

Ko has denied charges, calling them politically motivated, and remains in
detention as his trial proceeds.

(CNA - NS)

The Food and Drug Administration has announced further easing the
restrictions on food imports from Fukushima and four other Japanese
prefectures.

It will lift the dual-certification requirement and 100% batch-by-batch
inspections.

The FDA says imported Japanese food items will be treated like those from
other countries with source management and border control, which could take
effect at the end of this year.

Following the Fukushima nuclear plant accident in 2011, Taiwan banned food
imports from Fukushima and four other prefectures for nearly 11 years.

The government relaxed the ban in 2022 and 2024 but imposed
dual-certification requirement and 100% inspections.

Health Minister Shi Chong-liang noted that out of the 53 countries and
regions that had imposed restrictions on Japanese food after the nuclear
disaster accident, 49 have now fully lifted them.

FDA's data shows that over the past 14 years, more than 263,000 food
shipments from Japan have been inspected at the border, with all test results
meeting both Taiwan’s and Japan’s standards.

(JL)

The Presidential Office is announcing personnel changes for the National
Security Council...

beginning with Taipei City Councilor Zhao Yi Xiang 趙怡翔 and Presidential
Office Spokesman Li Wen 李問, who will jointly take on the role of Deputy
Secretaries-General.

Additionally, the president is appointing former NSC Deputy
Secretaries-General Xu Si Jian 徐斯儉 and Liu De Jin 劉得金 as advisory
members.

According to Presidential Office Spokesman Karen Kuo, these changes are meant
to strengthen responses to hostile forces.

Kuo added that Xu has served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and inthe
Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, and is a fellow at Academia Sinica.

Meanwhile, Liu, taking on the role of advisory member, previous served in the
Ministry of National Defense and as a military member.

The Presidential Office also announced today the appointment of Zheng Jun
Sheng 鄭俊昇 as the office's new Deputy Secretary-General.

According to Karen Kuo, Zheng previously served in the DPP's central polling
center and as a secretary in Former President Tsai's office.

These changes are effective immediately.

(AH)

The Taiwanese show Zero Day is drawing international attention, with critics
in the US saying that other countries facing authoritarian pressure should
learn from Taiwan's example.

The show depicts what could happen in a potential Chinese invasion, showing
what have now become commonplace "gray zone" tactics turning into a blockade.

Elisabeth Braw of Foreign Affairs writes that the show makes people consider
so that they may prepare.

Braw writes that the purpose of the show is to alert Taiwanese audiences to a
pattern of Chinese military behavior and to warn that it could turn into
something more serious than just drills.

She emphasizes that, with threats growing from China and Russia, Zero
Day-type media is needed not just in Taiwan, but in other countries too.

Braw points out that Zero Day isn't the first such series; about 10 years
ago, the Norwegian show Occupied depicted a fictional future where Norway is
occupied by Russia.

Perhaps, she says, national security is the best entertainment theme.

(AH)

The Central Weather Administration is warning that all of Taiwan can expect
short, localized thunderstorms this afternoon, as moisture levels rise.

The CWA says, the heaviest rain is likely to be in the south and mountainous
central areas.

Some rain may persist across the west into the evening.

Meanwhile, highs today are expected to range between 32 and 34 degrees
Celsius, with high UV index readings likely around noon.

Experts say that the weather through wednesday is likely to be cloudier and
cooler with some afternoon showers.

Then, from Thursday through Saturday, the weather will again turn sunny and
hot, with temperatures in the north getting up to 38 degrees.

(AH-CNA)

Taiwan's retail sales fell on year for a fourth consecutive month in July.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs said consumers are scaling back their
purchases amid uncertainties created by U.S. tariff policies.

The ministry's data show that retail sales fell 3.6 percent from a year
earlier in July to NT$388.4 billion. It was the steepest decline in four
months.

Sales posted by car and motorcycle vendors in July fell by nearly 20% on year
as potential buyers wait for the finalization of auto tariffs on cars made in
the United States.

The economics ministry said AI and other emerging technologies are expected
to drive sales growth of the local wholesale industry in the second half of
this year, but old-economy industries such as building materials and chemical
items will likely experience fragile demand.

demolishment

Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai visited Chiayi County today to inspect areas
damaged during Typhoon Danas.

Cho said that if residents decided to move rather than repair seriously
damaged homes, the government would foot the bill for demolishing the
structures ... in the interest of rapidly restoring the cityscape.

He stressed that aid was progressing and pledged to disburse disaster
recovery payments rapidly so that homes can be quickly repaired.

The Mainland Affairs Council said Friday that 23 Taiwanese entertainers have
been verbally warned for actions deemed by the Taiwanese government to
constitute "cooperation" with the Chinese authorities.

Back in early March, some Taiwanese entertainers reposted an image from CCTV
with superimposed text that read, "Let's repost this together! This is the
only designation for Taiwan! #ChinaTaiwanProvince#"

A MAC spokesperson used the image from China's state broadcaster as an
example of a message that prompted a government investigation.

He said it wasn't the content that was investigated, but acts of cooperation.
In other words, the act of posting messages that were clearly from the
Chinese Communist Party.

The spokesperson said that many of the entertainers claimed their posts were
handled by management companies, while others said they were unaware such
actions violated Taiwan statutes.

Some of the entertainers said after they were warned that they would not be
reposting such Chinese messages again.

A teenaged motorcyclist who collided with other riders last year, killing one
and injuring two, has been sentenced to 5 years in prison.

The motorcyclist didn't hold a driver's license and was driving while under
the influence of alcohol.

CNA reports that he collided with a man and his daughter in New Taipei City
in mid-November, causing injuries to both; he then collided with a solo
motorcyclist, who subsequently died from wounds sustained in his fall.

As the rider's blood alcohol level was above 0.25 mg/liter, the maximum
penalty was death, but the judge took into consideration the fact that the
rider had just turned 18, his remorse and his poor background while
sentencing him.

Two visiting U.S. senators yesterday pledged to strengthen deterrence against
what they described as the "axis of aggression" led by China.

In a rare news conference held at Taiwan's Presidential Office, Republican
Senator Roger Wicker stressed the need for the United States and its allies
to build up deterrence against China, which he described as "the pacing
threat" to US interests.

Wicker and fellow Republican Senator Deb Fischer spoke with President Lai
Ching-te ahead of the press conference. Both are on the Senate Committee on
Armed Services, which Wicker chairs.

Fischer said that both Washington and Taipei must "invest wisely to
strengthen deterrence and to ensure that our defenses are prepared for the
threats of tomorrow."

Neither Wicker nor Fischer specified what sort of efforts are needed to more
effectively deter China other than citing enhanced cooperation between the
Taiwan's and the U.S.'s militaries and defense industries.

parks

KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling said today that large solar and wind power
generation equipment in national parks should be dismantled. She has proposed
an amendment that would in her words "prevent national parks from becoming
victims of solar power."

New Taipei City councilor Dai Wei of the DPP had countered that if solar
panels aren't installed as planned in mountain huts in the country's national
parks, would Weng advocate using diesel power generators instead?

Weng responded today that solar panels on private cabins and at weather
stations aren't covered by her proposal. She stressed that her goal is to
avoid large areas of nature from being despoiled by expanses of solar panels.

A TPP protest in support of detained leader Ke Wen-zhe was facing off against
police this morning.

Marchers led by current chair, Huang Kuo-chang, gathered in front of the CKS
Memorial around 7 a.m. and marched toward the Presidential Office only to
find their progress halted by barriers and police blocking access.

Huang and other protestors marched to demand stricter secrecy around
investigations and holding those responsible for leaks accountable. They're
also demanding the elimination of what they're calling abusive detention to
extract confessions as well as greater prosecutorial independence and
increased judicial transparency.

Ke Wen-zhe was detained about a year ago after a corruption investigation.

Authorities told this morning's marchers that they were in violation of the
Assembly and Parade Act, as they hadn't applied for a permit for their
protest.

Protestors in turn started chanting that the act should be abolished, mixed
in with calls to free Ke Wen-zhe.

Taiwan's legislature passed amendments to the Cyber Security Management Act
yesterday, imposing restrictions on the use of products deemed a threat to
national security and raising the maximum fine for failing to report certain
cyber security breaches.

Under the changes, government agencies are prohibited from downloading,
installing, or using products that could endanger national security -- unless
specifically approved by the relevant authorities.

The products targeted by the act are defined as those supplied by "enemy
forces" or groups they control.

The maximum fine for designated NGOs that fail to report cybersecurity
incidents has been increased to NT$10 million from the previous NT$5 million.

The organizations covered include state-owned enterprises, telecom providers
and other infrastructure operators as well as legal entities established or
funded by the government

Taiwan's legislature passed amendments yesterday to a law that will expand
eligibility for work visas while extending certain visa categories in a bid
to enhance the country's global competitiveness.

After the changes go into effect, foreign graduates from the world's top
1,500 universities will be able to work in Taiwan without the previously
required two years of work experience. The threshold is currently limited to
graduates from the top 500 universities.

The law also allows foreign nationals who obtained a bachelor's degree or
higher within the last five years from one of the world's top 200
universities to directly apply to the Ministry of Labor for a professional
work permit valid for up to two years.

Lawmakers also extended Taiwan's "digital nomad" visa, enabling remote
workers to stay in the country for up to two years, compared with the current
maximum of six months.

The amendments ease residency requirements by allowing foreign professionals
with degrees earned in Taiwan to count their study years toward residency
qualifications -- three years for a doctorate, two years for a master's
degree, and one year for a bachelor's or associate degree.

The Central Weather Administration says Taiwan may see one or two typhoons
this fall, along with above-average temperatures and rainfall.

The CWA says the forecast number of autumn typhoons is about average, but
they're more likely to form closer to Taiwan and could bring heavier rainfall
in combination with the seasonal northeasterly winds.

The prediction is based on historical data linked to La Nina weather
patterns, which the bureau expects to develop by fall due to cooler Eastern
Pacific sea temperatures.

At the same time, the CWA says central and southern Taiwan are likely to see
a dry spell this fall, and the public should conserve water and monitor the
CWA's weekly and monthly forecasts.

The weather agency said that in July, five typhoons, low-pressure systems and
southwest currents combined to bring "prolonged heavy rainfall," averaging
767 millimeters nationwide -- the highest for that month since 1951.