ICRT

Posted on 2026-05-26 20:09:13

Taiwan High-Speed Rail is describing yesterday's service disruption as its
most serious in over a decade ...

... with the last major operational incident dating back to a signaling
failure in 2013.

The company says about 180 thousand passengers were affected by cancellations
or delays ...

... after problems emerged in a newly replaced power module linked to the
network's signaling system.

Passengers delayed by more than 30 minutes are eligible for a 50 percent
refund, while those delayed by more than an hour can receive a full refund.

THSR says refund requests can be submitted within one year without any
handling fees.

The operator also handed out snacks, bread and bottled water at stations this
morning as a gesture of apology to passengers.

THSR resumed normal operations this morning ... after engineering crews
worked overnight to fix the issue.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 20:09:16

Taiwan is set to face dramatic weather swings this week.

The Central Weather Administration is forecasting another day of scorching
heat for tomorrow across the island ...

... before a weather front brings rain later this week.

According to the CWA, that front could bring localized showers and
thunderstorms to central, northern, and northeastern Taiwan this Thursday
when it arrives ...

... with possible heavy rain in northern Taiwan and Yilan.

Meanwhile, a developing tropical system east of the Philippines is also being
monitored.

Forecasters say the system could strengthen into a typhoon as early as
tomorrow ...

... though it's not forecast to directly affect Taiwan.

However, the storms outer cloud bands could bring brief showers to northern
and northeastern Taiwan early next week.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 19:32:13

The Centers for Disease Control has issued an alert to medical professionals
after Kaohsiung reported Taiwan's first locally transmitted dengue fever case
of the year.

According to the CDC, the patient is a man in his 60s living in Kaohsiung's
Cianjhen District who tested positive for Type-1 dengue fever after seeking
treatment for fever, headaches and muscle pain.

Health officials say the case appeared earlier than last year's first local
dengue infection ...

... but they believe the overall public health risk remains limited because
the patient was diagnosed on the same day symptoms appeared, leaving almost
no hidden transmission period.

Authorities have expanded testing to more than 400 people connected to the
case, with all results so far returning negative.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed Taiwan's first meningococcal
disease death of the year.

The CDC says the patient is a woman in her 60s from central Taiwan who died
just one day after falling ill.

The woman, who had a history of hypertension, developed fever, vomiting,
diarrhea, dizziness, chills, and general weakness on May 7th.

She sought emergency care the following day, but rapidly deteriorated,
passing away on May 8th.

Health authorities have identified 20 close contacts including family members
and hospital staff, all of whom have received preventive antibiotics.

Officials say none of the contacts have shown symptoms so far.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

In similar news,

The CDC is also reporting a new imported measles case.

According to the CDC, the patient is a foreign woman in her 30s who developed
symptoms including fever and a rash after arriving in Taiwan for travel.

Health officials say she is believed to have contracted the disease in
Thailand before entering Taiwan.

The CDC says Taiwan has now recorded 10 measles cases this year -- including
eight imported infections and two domestic cases.

Officials also warned that measles outbreaks remain a concern in Bangladesh
and Japan, as well as parts of Europe and the Americas.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

Former foreign ministers from the Czech Republic and the Philippines will
speak at the first-ever Forum for Democratic Cooperation (FDC), set to be
held in Taipei tomorrow.

The FDC is being organized by the Forum 2000 Foundation, to get democratic
actors to address shared challenges in "an increasingly contested global
environment," the foundation said in an earlier press release.

The foundation's executive director says Taipei was chosen as the forum's
first stop as Taiwan plays a crucial role in the growth of artificial
intelligence and the restructuring of the global economy.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is co-organizing the FDC, and has
facilitated discussions by inviting parliamentarians and city councilors from
10 European countries to attend Wednesday's forum.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 18:07:13

An elderly dog that drew national media attention after its owner offered a
500-thousand NT reward for its return has been found safe in Yunlin County.

The mixed-breed dog, named Chen Mei-chi, had gone missing over the weekend
during a family visit in Erlun Township.

Its owner posted notices across social media offering the large reward,
sparking widespread discussion online.

The dog was eventually discovered Tuesday morning in a nearby resident's
yard, about 800 meters from where it disappeared.

The man who found the dog said he contacted the owner after his family
recognized the animal from online posts, but added he did not plan to accept
the full reward.

The owner said she was relieved to be reunited with her pet, but added that
the publicity also led to hundreds of scam calls and fake messages claiming
the dog had been found.

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says the government will study stronger controls to
prevent drug use after a rise in drug-impaired driving cases.

It comes after lawmaker Chen Chao-tzu (陳昭姿) says drug use has become easier
because new drugs can be mixed into vape oil.

She says some members of the public want electronic vaporizers listed as
regulated drug-use tools.

Cho says e-cigarette devices are already banned items in Taiwan.

But he says any measure that helps prevent drug use will be reviewed.

Chen says etomidate can be mixed into vape oil and absorbed quickly.

She says that has made drug use more convenient and worsened drug-driving
risks.

Several public proposals now call for heavier penalties and tighter controls
on e-cigarette devices.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging its nationals to leave the
Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as soon as possible.

The ministry says both countries are under a red travel alert after recent
Ebola outbreaks, and that the public should not travel there for now.

Official Yen Chia-liang (顏嘉良) says MOFA is staying in close contact with
Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control.

He says overseas offices responsible for the two countries have posted
outbreak information on social media.

Taiwan's CDC raised its travel health notice for both countries to Level 2 on
May 17.

MOFA says it has also updated alerts for 10 other African countries listed as
high risk.

Officials say Taiwan will continue tracking the outbreak and follow the
latest health measures.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 16:03:13

Three pantropical spotted dolphins have safely left a Penghu fishing harbor
after staying there for several days.

The Ocean Conservation Administration says the dolphins left Shagang West
Fishing Harbor this morning during the spring tide.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) says Shagang was once known
for hunting dolphins.

But she says the area now protects dolphins and treats them like treasures.

Officials say the dolphins had no obvious injuries, though one showed unusual
behavior.

Experts believe the group may have stayed because dolphins often protect and
accompany each other.

Conservation teams worked with local officials to monitor the animals and
reduce human disturbance.

Officials urge the public to report injured or trapped dolphins, and not
intervene on their own.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says plans to bring workers from diplomatic
ally Eswatini to Taiwan remains in the feasibility assessment stage,

The ministry made the statement this morning while reporting on the current
state of labor and vocational training cooperation between Taiwan and
Eswatini.

Officials say the immediate priority is helping Eswatini upgrade its
vocational training centers rather than recruiting Swati workers for Taiwan.

On the question of whether Swati workers or professionals might eventually
come to Taiwan, the ministry says any migrant workers from any country must
meet Taiwan's existing legal requirements for foreign worker recruitment, and
that filling specific labor shortages and promoting bilateral technical
exchange would be the key considerations in any future planning.

The Ministry of Labor has dispatched a team to Eswatini to conduct an on-site
assessment of vocational training centers, evaluating their current capacity
in manufacturing, tourism and hospitality, energy, and construction skills
training.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai says Taiwan High Speed Rail must find
the cause of Monday's signal abnormality and review online refunds for
affected passengers.

Chen says THSR resumed normal operations this morning after crews completed
overnight repairs.

He says the company has replaced equipment and formed an investigation team.

The disruption began Monday morning after a signal problem on a section of
track near Miaoli.

It led to train cancellations and rescheduling, and forced northbound and
southbound trains to share a single track.

THSR says more than 200-thousand passengers were affected.

Chen says some passengers may receive a 50-percent refund, while others may
get a full refund.

He says asking passengers to apply at station counters would be inconvenient,
especially for those who bought tickets online.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:58:13

Two young anglers who caught an alligator gar in Taipei's 228 Memorial Park,
ate it and then posted about it online will be fined.

The incident came to light when the Facebook page for the National Cheng Kung
University (NCKU) fishing club in Tainan posted a photo of two men holding a
meter-long fish identified as an alligator gar.

The post claims the fish was invasive, and also contained a video of the men
filleting the fish, then display several dishes apparently cooked from the
fish to eat.

The post drew angry responses with several noting that fishing at the park is
illegal, adn the fish was well-known to park visitors, having been there for
over 20 years.

The Taipei City government says the men would be fined $3,600 NT each for
illegal fishing.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:18:13

Film score composer Hans Zimmer will perform in Taiwan for the first time
this September.

The two-time Oscar winner will bring "Hans Zimmer Live - The Next Level" to
Kaohsiung Arena on Sept. 19.

He will also perform at Taipei Arena on Sept. 20.

Zimmer has written music for more than 500 film and television works.

His scores include "Dune," "Interstellar," "Inception," "Gladiator," and
"Pirates of the Caribbean."

Organizers say the show will feature upgraded staging, visuals, and sound.

Zimmer says he wants the audience to feel like they are at a carnival or
riding a roller coaster.

Tickets will go on sale at noon on June 2.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 15:18:13

The 2026 East Coast Land Arts Festival will take place in Taitung from June
through September.

The annual event brings together local and international artists, who will
showcase a wide range of works for visitors to enjoy along Taiwan’s east
coast.

This year’s Moonlit Sea Concerts are scheduled for late June, as well as
July, August, and September.

The festival highlights sustainability, environmental awareness, and local
culture through art, music, and community activities.

In addition to performances, visitors will also be able to take part in
workshops and explore art markets during the festival.

More information is available on the Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival
website.

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Premier Cho Jung-tai says Taiwan can meet electricity demand through 2032 as
it works to supply more clean energy for industry.

He made the comment after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Taiwan needs more
energy, adding that there is no economic growth without energy.

Cho says the government is pushing a second energy transition to support
modern industries.

He says Taiwan Power Company has calculated that electricity demand will not
fall short before 2032.

Cho says several coal-fired power plants are being converted into gas-fired
plants.

He says traditional nuclear power plants are also under review for possible
restart plans.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Formosa Petrochemical is speeding up sustainable aviation fuel development as
global energy risks raise pressure for transition.

Chairman Tsao Minh (曹明) says the U.S.-Iran war has highlighted the urgent
need for energy transition.

He says the company is building new equipment to recycle waste cooking oil
for SAF production.

Tsao says Formosa Petrochemical made about 5-thousand-500 metric tons of SAF
in 2025.

He says output is expected to rise by another 1-thousand metric tons this
year.

But the figure remains far below the company's medium- to long-term goal of
50-thousand metric tons.

Tsao says raw material supply and airline demand are the main challenges.

He says wider SAF use will depend on government rules, airline costs, and
passenger acceptance.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 12:42:13

Kaohsiung will reopen Singuang Riverside Park on May 30 after upgrading it
into a larger water recreation site.

The city's Public Works Bureau says the park covers about 2.9 hectares in
Asia New Bay Area.

It says the water play zone covers about 1.3 hectares.

The upgraded area adds water slides, water swings, shaded walkways, seats,
and outdoor shower areas.

Officials say visitors can also see sunset views over Kaohsiung Harbor.

The bureau says last year's trial run drew about 80-thousand people over a
three-day holiday.

The park will open from April 1 to Oct. 31 each year.

It will open Fridays to Sundays, with maintenance scheduled from Mondays to
Thursdays.

(PB)

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:13

The High-Speed Rail Corporation resumed regular services this morning - with
all trains departing according to the timetable - following major disruptions
on Monday after the network experienced a signal abnormality on a section of
track near Miaoli.

The signal problem resulted in the cancellation and rescheduling of trains
from 8AM yesterday.

Regular scheduled services were replaced with three hourly trains offering
only non-reserved seating and both northbound and southbound trains were
forced to use a single track.

The corporation says more than 200,000 passengers were affected.

According to the rail operator, an investigation found that the disruption to
services was due to faulty power module in a track switch control cabinet.

Repair work began at 11:30 last night and was completed at 1:43 this morning.

The corporation convened an Emergency Response Meeting at 3:30 last night at
which it was confirmed that all equipment and facilities were operating
normally.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:14

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is insisting that K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng
Li-wun adhere to the policy of diplomacy transcending party lines and serve
Taiwan's national interests when she travels to the U-S.

Speaking to reporters ahead of meeting of the Legislative Foreign Affairs and
National Defense Committee, Lin said diplomacy should not be divided along
partisan lines and he hopes Cheng's visit will convey the Lai
administration's policy positions.

According to Lin, Cheng should make it clear while in the U-S, that peace
must be backed by strength and both the government and the public are firmly
committed to defending the country.

The statements come amid reports the K-M-T chairwoman will travel to the U-S
next Monday and visit major East and West Coast cities.

The trip is reportedly focused on the "normalization of peace" in the Taiwan
Strait and Cheng is expected to meet with U-S lawmakers and think-tanks while
in Washington D.C.

The foreign minister is also insisting that the Lai administration maintains
institutional channels of communication with the U-S and arms sales to Taiwan
will continue to follow the Taiwan Relations Act and strengthen Taiwan's
defense capabilities.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:19

The US-Taiwan Business Council's 9th annual defense delegation will be
visiting Taiwan from today through Friday.

According to the council, the delegation is being led this year by retired
general Charles A. Flynn - who last served as Commanding General of United
States Army Pacific from 2021 to 2024.

It consists of 41 senior executives to promote expanded bilateral cooperation
with the U-S and in support of the national security goals of both countries.

The council says the delegation will be meeting with senior government
officials responsible for political, military, and security issues.

The talks are expected to focus on matters ranging from expediting U-S
weapons deliveries to supporting development and production of indigenous
platforms and systems.

The delegation will also visit think tanks, tour centers of defense
innovation, and participate in the public 2026 Taiwan-US Defense Industry
Forum - which will be held in Taipei on Thursday.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:21

The Ministry of Transport is planning to raise airport service fees in two
phases starting in September.

The move will see the current fee of 500 N-T increased to 1,000 N-T when
fully initiated.

According to the transport ministry, the airport service fee will be
increased to 750 N-T from September 1 in the first phase, while the second
phase will be implemented on September 1 of 2028 -- when it will be raised
further to 1,000 N-T.

The airport service fee is paid by departing passengers and has been frozen
at 500 N-T for 10 years -- which the transport ministry argues is lower than
the same fee paid in neighboring countries.

Ministry officials say the increase in the fee will be used mainly to fund
infrastructure projects at airports, particularly the construction of a third
terminal and runway at Taoyuan International Airport.

Currently, 50-per cent of the airport service fee is allocated to the
country's Tourism Development Fund, and the remaining 50-per cent to the
Taoyuan International Airport Corporation.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:26

The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office has indicted a former engineer at
Avago Technologies for allegedly leaking the company's trade secrets,
including client orders and executive meeting materials.

Prosecutors say the former employee has been charged with violating the Trade
Secrets Act and related offenses.

The indictment follows an investigation triggered by an internal
whistleblower report.

The employee worked at the company from August 2012 to March 2025, serving as
an application engineer and a regional sales engineer in the semiconductor
solutions division.

According to prosecutors, he allegedly used a company-issued laptop to access
Avago's client order analysis system, without authorization.

Prosecutors say he downloaded and reproduced customer orders, financial
forecasts, product development schedules, client lists and operational data,
which he later compiled into lecture material for use at paid seminars.

He allegedly earned 2.9-million N-T in speaking fees from the seminars.

Avago Taiwan is a subsidiary of Broadcom -- a global semiconductor and
infrastructure software company headquartered in California.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:27

A woman has died after falling several floors inside the Taipei 101 shopping
mall.

Police says emergency service personnel found her with no vital signs and
rushed her to nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead after
resuscitation efforts failed.

According to police, the woman apparently fell from the mall's fifth floor
for unknown reasons to the second floor, with the incident immediately
reported to authorities by security personnel.

The cause of the fall is still under investigation.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts in Taiwan, please call the 1925,
1995, or 1980 hotlines for help.

Posted on 2026-05-26 07:00:29

And,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued its condolences over the passing
of former Foreign Minister Timothy Yang who died on Sunday.

He was 83.

Yang served as Taiwan's top diplomat from September 2009 to September 2012.

According to the foreign ministry, Yang was one of the key promoters of
Taiwan being granted preferential visa and/or visa-free treatments and of
signing trade agreements with foreign countries ..

.. and "his hard work and outstanding diplomatic achievements will be truly
missed by all his colleagues."

In his memoir, which was published in January, Yang said he saw the opening
of Taiwan's representative office in Ireland in 1988 and facilitating
visa-free entry to the European Union for R-O-C passport holders in 2011 as
the greatest achievements of his diplomatic career.

Prior to being appointed foreign minister under then-President Ma Ying-jeou,
Yang served as Taiwan's top envoy to Ireland, Australia and Indonesia.

Posted on 2026-05-25 20:07:13

Taiwan High-Speed Rail says it will announce tomorrow's operating schedule
before service begins, after signal problems disrupted trains throughout the
day.

The operator says the exact cause still needs to be confirmed through
overnight inspections ...

... but preliminary findings suggest unstable electrical currents developed
after a power module was replaced in an SMC switch control unit.

THSR says the malfunction caused the system to lose track-position signals,
preventing normal system control of train operations.

Trains instead had to move under manual authorization, leading to longer
travel and dispatch times.

Repair crews are expected to work through the night, and the company says
tomorrow's service update will be posted on its website before operations
begin.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-25 20:07:13

The head of the Washington-based The Jamestown Foundation says recent remarks
by U-S President Donald Trump about Taiwan do not signal a change in
long-standing American policy.

Today in Taipei, foundation president Peter Mattis said the key point was
that Trump repeatedly stated U-S policy toward Taiwan had not changed during
a recent interview following his trip to China.

Trump had said he was 'not looking' for Taiwan to declare independence, while
also emphasizing that 'nothing's changed' in U-S policy.

Mattis said Washington's position has long been that Taiwan's future should
be decided peacefully and without coercion.

He also rejected speculation that pending U-S arms sales to Taiwan could be
tied to American military operations in Iran.

Taiwan's Presidential Office says it has not received any formal notification
from Washington regarding changes to planned arms sales.

Posted on 2026-05-25 20:07:13

The Ministry of Finance has released the winning numbers for the March-April
uniform invoice lottery, with the top special prize set at 10 million NT.

The draw also includes a 2 million NT grand prize and three first prizes
worth 200-thousand NT each.

Additional cash prizes are available for receipts matching the final digits
of the winning numbers, while separate rewards are also being offered through
the cloud invoice lottery program.

The ministry says prizes can be claimed from June 6th through September 7th
at designated banks, credit cooperatives and convenience stores across
Taiwan.

Posted on 2026-05-25 19:09:13

Taichung is moving ahead with plans for its proposed Orange Airport MRT Line
...

... as the city government opens public review for the next stage of project
planning and design.

The planned line would begin at Taichung International Airport and run
through districts including Daya, Xitun, Beitun, North, East, South, Dali and
Wufeng.

City officials say the project moved closer to the detailed planning stage
after the Ministry of Transportation and Communications resubmitted the
proposal to the Executive Yuan for review earlier this year.

The Orange Line is expected to stretch about 29 kilometers, with 26 stations,
including both elevated and underground stops.

Officials say the route is designed not only to improve transportation links
to the airport, but also to support broader urban development and boost the
city's competitiveness.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-25 19:09:14

Taiwan Seminconductor Manufacturing is denying rumors of a 15% reduction in
employee bonuses.

Recent social media speculation regarding bonus cuts sparked frustration
among some employees, with some threatening strike action similar to recent
protests seen at Samsung.

In a statement today, TSMC emphasized its gratitude for employee
contributions, and says it is confident that the annual growth rate of
employee bonuses will exceed the growth rate seen last year.

The chipmaker acknowledged that it is increasing the proportion of its
earnings allocated toward social sustainability initiatives to give back to
the community, but says it expects employee bonuses to continue increasing in
line with its steady future development.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 18:34:13

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications is planning to raise the
airport service fee starting in September.

In the first phase, the airport service fee will be increased to $750 NT
effective Sept. 1st.

And the MOTC says the second phase will be implemented on Sept. 1, 2028 and
raise the fee further to $1-thousand NT.

The ministry says the airport service fee, which is paid by departing
passengers, has been frozen for 10 years at $500NT, which is lower than the
same fee paid in neighboring countries.

Officials say the increase will be used mainly to fund infrastructure
projects at Taiwan airports, particularly the construction of a third
terminal and runway at Taoyuan International Airport.

(CNA - NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 18:34:13

New Taipei officials say the newly opened Danjiang Bridge is quickly becoming
a popular weekend sunset spot — and that is now causing heavy traffic in the
area.

The city's Transportation Department says traffic has been mostly smooth on
weekdays since the bridge opened two weeks ago.

But on weekends, cars start pouring in after 10 in the morning, with the
worst congestion usually hitting between 2 and 6 P-M as crowds head to Tamsui
and Bali districts.

According to the department, traffic backups have sometimes stretched as long
as three kilometers.

The city says weekend crowds on the bridge now include growing numbers of
pedestrians and cyclists, and is reminding people to watch for strong winds
and slow down.

Transport officials are also urging visitors to take the MRT, buses or
YouBike to avoid long traffic jams.

(IG)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

Taipei police have launched a special drug task force to crack down on drug-
and alcohol-impaired driving...

saying in the first day after launching, the task force caught 7 people
suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Police add that they dispatched 500 officers to support the effort, which
aims to launch in full by the end of August.

Authorities say that the operation will increase officers' knowledge of
saliva screening tools, enforcement procedures, and legal basis.

It will also aim to strengthen prevention efforts, targeting suspicious
vehicles and seeking out high-risk areas to improve efficacy.

This comes as there has been a string of drug-impaired driving cases recently.

Cabinet spokesman Michelle Lee says, Premier Zhuo Rong Tai has expressed that
he believes relevant existing laws to be insufficient...

and has ordered the Ministry of Justice to conduct a thorough review.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

The Central Weather Administration issued high temperature alerts for 13
municipalities today, with temperatures in Tainan hitting a sweltering 39.6
degrees Celsius by early afternoon.

As of 2:00 PM, the highest temperature was recorded in Tainan's Yujing
District at 39.6 degrees, followed by 38.6 degrees in the city's Nanhua
District.

New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung also reported temperatures
exceeding 37 degrees, while Taipei, Chiayi County, and Hualien saw
temperatures climb above 36 degrees.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 17:09:13

A woman has died after falling from the fifth floor to the second floor of
the Taipei 101 shopping mall this morning.

Emergency services received a call at 10:49 a.m. after mall security staff
discovered the woman and alerted authorities.

Paramedics found her without vital signs and transported her to hospital,
where she was pronounced dead.

Police say preliminary investigation has not found evidence of third-party
involvement.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 16:07:48

A proposed national rocket launch facility in Pingtung County has cleared its
first hurdle in the environmental review process, with some conditions.

The Ministry of Environment convened an initial expert committee review today
for the National Space Center's plan to establish a launch facility in
Jiupeng Village.

The proposed site covers about 26 hectares and would include a core launch
zone, and a space technology museum.

The committee echoed concerns of a nearby indigenous community about access
to coastal waters for fishing and shellfish harvesting, and worry that
pollution from rocket launches would blow toward the village.

They also called for stronger assessments of instantaneous noise, vibration,
and air pollution from test launches on nearby residents and ecosystems.

The committee voted to send the case back for supplementary revisions before
a second review.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 16:07:48

350 files related to the Core Pacific City case have arrived at the Taiwan
High Court.

That's after prosecutors and defendants both appealed an earlier ruling
doling out prison time.

The Taipei District Court sentenced Former Taipei Mayor Ke Wen Zhe to 17
years back in March...

while other defendants like KMT City Councilor Ying Xiao Wei got 15 and a
half years.

7 defendants in total appealed the sentences, while prosecutors appealed the
sentences of all 9 defendants found guilty, believing the rulings to be too
lenient.

The case is now in the hands of the Taiwan High Court.

(AH)

Posted on 2026-05-25 15:24:13

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research says business sentiment improved
across all three major industry sectors in April despite ongoing Middle East
conflict.

TIER released its April business climate monitor today, showing the
manufacturing sector index rising 0.9 points, the service sector edging up
0.5 points, and the construction sector ended three consecutive months of
decline with a 2.6-point gain.

TIER forecasters say the AI boom continues to fuel strong demand in IT
technology, and rising raw material prices linked to the Middle East conflict
have stimulated restocking and procurement activity in traditional
industries.

As for whether the institute will follow some forecasters in revising
Taiwan's full-year economic growth projection above 9 percent, TIER says an
upward revision is possible.

But key factors to watch include whether NVIDIA chief Jensen Huang's
prediction of a busy second half for Taiwan's supply chain materializes, and
how quickly the Strait of Hormuz reopens once the conflict ends.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 15:24:13

Taichung City is expanding its free school lunch program to include private
junior high and elementary school students starting next school year,

Mayor Lu Shiow-yen says once the expansion takes effect, all public and
private junior high and elementary school students, as well as disadvantaged
students at senior high and vocational schools across the city, will receive
free school lunches.

The mayor says the change will benefit an additional 25-thousand students.

The expansion will increase annual spending on the program from roughly $3.6
billion NT to about $4 billion.

(NS)

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

The Tai-Ex surged over 1,000 points this morning at it broke through the
43,000-point mark.

The main board added just over 1,100 points to reach a high of 43,438 and
setting a new all-time record.

The electronics and semiconductor indices all rose by more than 2-per cent as
investors were buoyed by the arrival in Taiwan of Nvidia C-E-O Jensen Huang.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing rose 2.2-per cent from Friday's close to
hit a high of 2,305 N-T.

MediaTek hit its daily limit of 4,245 N-T, setting another new all-time high,
while Delta Electronics surged over 8-per cent to hit a high of 2,280 N-T.

Huang is scheduled to meet with T-S-M-C Chairman C.C. Wei and Quanta Computer
Chairman Barry Lam in Taipei this - boosting expectations of announcements of
new deals and sparking strong interest in tech stocks in early trading.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

Defense Minister Wellington Koo says the first payment for the High Mobility
Artillery Rocket System from the U-S is due by the end of this month and the
government applied for emergency funding under Article 84 of the Budget Act.

The Article dictates the legal framework for reviewing and executing special
budgets.

According to Koo, after the Cabinet approves the 800-million N-T first
payment, it will be sent to the Legislative Yuan for approval, after which
Article 84 will be invoked and the first payment can be made.

Koo says he believes there should be no problem with meeting the May 31
deadline.

The Cabinet last week approved an initial 295-billion N-T special defense
budget for a package of weapons already approved for sale to Taiwan by the
U-S, which has been sent to the Legislative Yuan for a final review.

The budget items include the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems,
self-propelled howitzers, anti-armor drone weapon systems and anti-tank
missiles.

Posted on 2026-05-25 11:05:13

The Central Weather Administration says hot and mostly stable weather is
expected across Taiwan through Thursday, before another seasonal rain front
moves in on Friday.

Temperatures in some areas are likely to hit 37-degrees or higher early in
the week.

A "red" heat alert - meaning maximum temperature could reaches 38-degrees for
three consecutive days - has been issued for the Tainan area.

"Orange" heat alerts are in effect in Keelung, New Taipei, Taipei, Changhua,
Yunlin, Chiayi City, Kaohsiung and Pingtung - where the mercury could reach a
daily maximum temperature of 38-degrees today, or reaches 36-degrees for
three consecutive days.

While "yellow" heat alerts have been issued for Taoyuan, Chiayi County,
Hualien and Taitung, where temperature are forecast to reaches 36-degrees.

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

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

The Coast Guard Administration says it has been involved in a standoff since
early Saturday with a Chinese coast guard vessel found entering waters near
the Dongsha Island in the South China Sea.

The 5,500-ton Chinese patrol vessel was spotted operating outside restricted
waters near Dongsha Island early Saturday morning as it headed toward the
island.

The administration's Dongsha-Nansha Branch dispatched the 1,000-ton patrol
vessel "Taichung" to monitor the Chinese ship.

The "Taichung" approached the Chinese vessel after it entered Dongsha's
restricted waters and the two vessels exchanged radio warnings in both
Chinese and English, each ordering the other to leave the area.

The Chinese vessel claimed jurisdiction over the island, while the Taiwan
side rejected the claim.

The Chinese coast guard ship left the area Sunday.

The Coast Guard Administration says latest incident marks the sixth time a
Chinese coast guard vessel has entered waters near Dongsha Island.

Dongsha Island is located some 450-kilometers southwest of Kaohsiung and is
currently staffed by around 300 Coast Guard personnel.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

Reports say K-M-T Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun will travel to the U-S on June 1
for a two-week trip to promote "normalization of cross-strait peace" and
exploring a "sustainable solution for cross-strait peace."

Cheng is expected to lead a delegation including K-M-T International Affairs
Department chief Tung Chia-yu and the head of the party's Overseas
Department, Wennie Wu.

The visit is expected to kick off on the West Coast, but no details of which
cities they will visit have been released.

Cheng will then travel east, with stops in New York, Washington, D.C., and
Boston, where she is expected to meet with U-S politicians and think tank
representatives before returning to the West Coast to meet overseas Taiwanese
communitiess.

The itinerary is being drafted by the K-M-T's representative to the U-S,
Victor Chin.

Details of Cheng's upcoming trip emerged days after American Institute in
Taiwan Director Raymond Greene said many U-S politicians and scholars are
looking forward to meeting with her to determine whether the KMT is
"fundamentally changing the party's political orientation."

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

An internal probe into two ex-employees of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation has
found no evidence of financial wrongdoing.

An investigation committee said its probe found that former foundation chief
executive Hsiao Hsu-tsen, who also serves as a K-M-T vice chair, had not
meddled in the foundation's finances.

It also confirmed that former foundation employee Wang Kuang-tzu had kept
comprehensive accounting records and documentation in her role handling the
organization's finances.

The three-person committee says it conducted the investigation via multiple
meetings held over a month and three days, using foundation records and other
internal documents sent to the foundation's board of directors on April 20.

However, the committee says its investigation was "anything but smooth."

Former National Security Council secretary-general King Pu-tsung has claimed
that he was authorized by Ma to handle the case, but the committee says he
never presented a letter of authorization.

Hsiao and Wang both left their positions in late February amid allegations of
a "power struggle" at the foundation.

Both Hsiao and Wang also persistently denied any wrongdoing.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed the first domestic dengue fever
case of this year.

The patient is a man in his 60s who lives in Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen District
who has tested positive for the dengue virus type 1.

The man didn't travel overseas during the incubation period and remains
hospitalized for treatment.

The Kaohsiung Department of Health says it has now launched a disease
prevention campaign and the area around the man's home has been disinfected

Similar measures are being taken in other high-risk areas of the city to
eliminate potential mosquito breading sites.

The C-D-C has also confirmed two new imported dengue fever cases in
Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen and Sanming districts.

They involve two university students who had recently traveled to Malaysia.

A total of 64 dengue cases have been confirmed this year - one local and 63
imported.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

President Lai Ching-te is promoting his administration's program to boost
childcare benefits and increases to farmers’ allowances.

During a visit to Chiayi County's Wangling Temple, Lai said families will
receive 5,000 N-T per month for each child from birth through the age of 18
starting from next January.

If payments continue for the full period, each child can expect to receive a
total amount of 1.08-million N-T when they reach adulthood.

Lai said parents will be advised to set aside part of the allowance for the
children's college or future business plans.

Meanwhile, Lai also said his administration plans to raise the old-age
farmers’ allowance to 10,000 N-T a month.

That comes as the Cabinet has proposed amendments to the Provisional Act
Governing the Welfare Allowance for Older Farmers, which is still under
review in the legislature.

Older farmer current subsidy payments 8,110 N-T.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

Premier Zhu Rong-tai is urging a crackdown on drug driving and for new laws
to be enacted to tackle the issue of drug driving accidents.

This comes after two separate suspected drug-impaired driving incidents in
New Taipei and Changhua County killed three people and left two others
injured.

The drivers of the vehicles involved in both accidents have been arrested.

In Changhua County a truck, crashed into a residence Friday night, killing a
man and his daughter, leaving the man's wife injured.

The driver Lee sustained minor injuries... police found etomidate vape
products in his vehicle.

The other incident occurred in New Taipei's Zhonghe District, when a car ran
over motorcycle rider and a passenger.

Police say the driver of that vehicle tested positive in a rapid drug
screening, and an etomidate vape cartridge and vaporizer were found in his
possession.

Posted on 2026-05-25 07:01:47

And,

Uni-President Group Chairman Lo Chih-hsien says Cosmed and Starbucks Taiwan
will continue their retail expansion after hitting a milestone of 600 stores
for each brand nationwide on Sunday.

Lo says the company is already gearing up to establish "the next 600 outlets."

The Uni-President Group chairman made the announcement at the opening
ceremony of a new mega-combination store in Taipei's Nangang District.

That location marks the simultaneous launch of both Cosmed's 600th outlet and
Starbucks Taiwan's 600th branch.

Named "Yuen-Hsiu," the flagship store honors the Uni-President Group's late
founder Kao Ching-yuen and his daughter, Kao Hsiu-ling, who is Lo's wife and
heads Uni-President's beauty and wellness businesses.

The venue was jointly launched by Cosmed, Starbucks, and 7-Eleven, which are
all subsidiaries of Uni-President Group.

Sunday's opening also marks the first time that Cosmed has overtaken its
major foreign-backed competitor Watsons in total store count, making it
Taiwan's largest drugstore chain by number of outlets.

Posted on 2026-05-23 16:06:13

CPC Corp. said today that it will maintain fuel prices at the same levels has
it has for the past two months from May 25th to the end of the month.

This leaves 92-octane gasoline at 32.4 NT per liter and premium diesel at 31
NT.

CPC said it was keeping prices unchanged despite higher costs in the face of
war in the mideast in order to minimize the impact that higher prices would
have on consumers as well as industry.

The state oil company said it's taking a loss of 3.6 NT a liter for gasoline
and 5.4 NT a liter for diesel. It has absorbed around 15.7 billion NT in
costs for gasoline and diesel since the Israel and the US attacked Iran on
Feb. 28.

CNA_zh_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 14:08:13

Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation is urging followers of the religious
group I-Kuan Tao against travel to China after three more Taiwanese believers
were detained there earlier this month.

SEF Secretary-General Luo Wen-jia said the three cases involved two separate
incidents in Fujian and Guangdong provinces.

He said the trio were restricted from leaving and later detained for unclear
reasons. He didn't say whether they are currently still being held.

According to the SEF, a total of 19 Taiwanese nationals in 17 separate cases
have been detained in China for religious reasons since 2019.

Luo said that 14 of the 19 were followers of I-Kuan Tao.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 14:08:13

The Supreme Court has upheld a seven-year jail sentence for a former Air
Force officer found guilty of leaking military documents to China in exchange
for money.

The court rejected an appeal by Hsu Chan-cheng (許展誠), saying the lower court
made no errors in its findings. It made the ruling final and unappealable.

While still on active duty, Hsu was recruited in 2021 by retired Air Force
Major Shih Chun-cheng (史濬程), who had been co-opted by Chinese intelligence
after leaving the military in 2008.

Over nearly four years, Hsu provided internal Air Force training materials,
including documents detailing fighter jets armed with Hsiung Feng III
anti-ship missiles and operational responses to Chinese military flights
around Taiwan.

He was found to have received NT$226,000 (US$7,175) in total.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 13:07:13

US President Donald Trump will decide on Taiwan arms sales soon, a source
familiar with the matter told CNA, after media reports said Washington had
paused a proposed US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan.

The source refuted reports citing the war with Iran as the reason for a delay
in approving the arms package for Taiwan, saying, "These sales take years to
process and are unrelated to Operation Epic Fury."

Meanwhile, chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said overnight that that
details regarding prospective foreign military sales and security assistance
QUOTE "remain pre-decisional until finalized by the President."

Parnell said, "Our Taiwan policy remains unchanged, and the US continues to
adhere to longstanding commitment consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act."

The comments follow Thursday's testimony from Acting US Navy Secretary Hung
Cao, who reportedly said the US was withholding the package to ensure it had
sufficient munitions for the Iran conflict.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 13:07:13

In community news,

The 2026 East Coast Land Arts Festival will take place in Taitung from June
to September.

The annual event brings together local and international artists, who'll
showcase a wide range of works for visitors to enjoy along Taiwan's east
coast.

The festival highlights sustainability, environmental awareness, and local
culture through art, music and community activities, including regular
Moonlit Sea Concerts

Visitors will also be able to take part in workshops and explore art markets
during the festival.

More information is available on the Taiwan East Coast Land Arts Festival
website.

Posted on 2026-05-23 12:08:13

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) is calling for Taiwan and Europe to
deepen strategic cooperation.

Speaking at the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, Lin said Taiwan and Europe should
work together to build resilience centered on democracy, rule of law and
trusted technology.

Lin said the partnership between Taiwan and Europe is built on decades of
economic cooperation and shared democratic values.

Lin said Taiwan's semiconductor industry and trusted supply chain position
have made it a natural partner for Europe in the AI era.

Addressing global security challenges, Lin said Russia's invasion of Ukraine
has demonstrated the risks posed by unchecked authoritarian aggression.

He also accused China of promoting an authoritarian model based on "control,
dependency and coercion" through military and economic pressure.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 11:07:48

The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics says Taiwan's
jobless rate dropped to 3.3 percent in April, the lowest level for that month
in 26 years.

The jobless rate fell slightly from March, ending increases over the previous
two months.

The data show that 397,000 adults were unemployed in April, down 5,000 from
March.

Nevertheless, the number of people who lost their jobs to downsizing and
business closures increased by 1,000.

A DGBAS Census official said the decrease is in line with seasonal trends, as
many workers who resigned around the Lunar New Year have found new
employment.

She said the rate will likely stay low in May and then climb again between
June and August, as new graduates enter the job market.

CNA_JvW

Posted on 2026-05-23 11:07:48

Southern Taiwan is hosting one of its biggest cultural celebrations of the
year this weekend: the Kaohsiung French Festival.

Running from yesterday through tomorrow, the festival is being held for the
first time at the iconic Weiwuying performing arts center. Co-organized by
the Kaohsiung City Government, the Bureau Français de Taipei, and the
Association des Français de Taiwan, the three-day event is free and open to
the public.

Organizers are expecting more than 200,000 visitors over the weekend.

Highlights include a sprawling French-style market featuring food, wine and
lifestyle brands ... along with workshops and hands-on activities throughout
the day. The main stage will host a full lineup of free public concerts and
performances -- including a special Saturday night show by French musical
theatre artist John Eyzen, who is making a highly anticipated return to
Taiwan.

Families are welcome ... with interactive activities and sports programming
for all ages.

That's the Kaohsiung French Festival -- free this weekend at Weiwuying.

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