Iranians unhappy with ceasefire deal burn US and Israeli flags in street protests
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Associated Press reported that Iranians unhappy with the ceasefire deal burned US and Israeli flags in street protests, reflecting the anger of hardliners. After US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure, Iranians formed human chains to protect power plants, and senior officials said they were willing to make sacrifices. Although the war between Iran, the US and Israel has lasted more than 5 weeks and killed members of Iran’s leadership, an attack on energy facilities would mark a major escalation in the conflict.
Trump: Ceasefire is a “total victory” for the US; enriched uranium issue will be handled properly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran a “total victory” and pointed to a 15-point agreement and progress toward an appropriate resolution of the enriched uranium issue. Negotiations are aimed at a long-term deal.
Israel backs Trump’s pause in attacks on Iran but insists ceasefire does not include Lebanon
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The United States and Iran agreed to a 2-week ceasefire 1 hour before the deadline of President Trump’s ultimatum. Iran will guarantee the safety of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and talks to end the war with the United States will begin in Pakistan. Israel supports President Trump’s decision, but says this is conditional on Iran opening the strait and stopping attacks on the United States, Israel and the Middle East region. Israel explicitly stated that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, contradicting an earlier statement by Pakistan’s prime minister.
Wang Hui-mei presents list seeking sports infrastructure support; Lee Yang refuses it, citing unapproved budget
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
At the opening ceremony of a sports center, Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei sought to submit a list of sports infrastructure projects to secure support, but Lee Yang refused to accept it, citing the unapproved budget. The awkward scene highlighted communication and budget obstacles in efforts to secure construction projects.
Lu Hsiu-yen reiterates support for the Cheng-Xi meeting, saying the right thing should be done bravely
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen reiterated her support for a “Zheng-Xi meeting” during Cheng Li-wun’s visit to China. She said promoting cross-strait peace was the right thing to do and congratulated the sides on the outcome.
Oil supply concerns persist; Japanese PM Takaichi confident supply can be secured beyond year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japan’s Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi said she expects oil supplies to remain secure through the year-end and New Year period despite uncertainty over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Procurement through alternative routes is also underway.
Second-stage university applications to begin; universities urge applicants to disclose AI use in application materials
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s university admissions committee announced the first-stage screening results for applications for the 115 academic year on March 31, with 65,914 applicants passing. For the second-stage review, applicants must submit their materials by April 30. National Taiwan University, National Tsing Hua University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University have issued specific guidelines on the use of AI tools. National Tsing Hua University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University require applicants to specify how AI was used, what assistance it provided and the scope of its use, and to retain original materials. If false information is discovered, admission may be revoked or the student may be expelled.
Forestry circular use: Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency and businesses unveil new essential-oil fragrance products
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Chiayi Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency partnered with local company Da Yi Biotechnology to extract red cypress and Taiwan incense cedar essential oils from leftover Alishan forestry materials and launch co-branded fragrance products, promoting circular use of forest resources and supporting net-zero carbon emissions.
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles again; expert says they signal rejection of peace overtures
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles, which experts view as a signal rejecting South Korea’s proposals for peaceful reconciliation. South Korea’s military detected launches from the Pyongyang and Wonsan areas, and the missiles flew about 240 kilometers. Reports have also covered past drone incursions and diplomatic exchanges between Kim Yo-jong and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. North Korea’s Foreign Ministry denounced South Korea as “the most hostile country.”
Education Ministry partners with universities to train AI talent, launches online programming courses for high school students
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of Education has teamed up with universities to launch an online Python AI course for high school students, aiming to improve programming skills and digital literacy.
Suspected food poisoning at New Taipei bento shop sends 99 people to seek treatment; city says consumer ombudsman will help with claims
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A suspected food poisoning incident at the Qingliu Cafeteria bento shop in Xindian District, New Taipei City, had sent 99 people to hospitals by 10 a.m. on April 8. Of those, 87 had eaten bentos from the Gongshuo branch and 12 from the Zhongxing branch before reporting symptoms including abdominal pain and fever. The 3 Qingliu Cafeteria branches have suspended operations, and test results for food ingredients and human samples are expected in 2-3 weeks. The New Taipei City government expressed concern and support for those affected and said consumer protection officials would assist with claims for compensation.
US-Iran ceasefire to last 2 weeks; Trump says China is believed to have brought Iran back to the negotiating table
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former US President Donald Trump said China had mediated ceasefire talks between Iran and the United States. Trump said Iran had submitted a 10-point proposal that he considered a “workable basis” for negotiations. The proposal includes an end to US aggression, Iran’s continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of uranium enrichment and the lifting of sanctions. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also announced the proposal’s main points in a statement.
Tsai Ming-yen: PLA caught in a purge driven by absolute loyalty; joint operations logistics face disruption
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen said the Chinese Communist Party has entered a “purge mode of absolute loyalty,” leaving a large number of vacancies in the military command structure and potentially causing “disruptions” to joint operations and logistical support. While this is advantageous to Xi Jinping’s control of the military in the short term, Tsai warned that in the medium to long term military decision-making could become skewed toward “political correctness,” and cautioned against rash actions by junior officers in the Taiwan Strait. He also said the main theme of China’s Taiwan policy, “opposing independence and promoting unification,” remains unchanged, but that the methods of its united front work are being adjusted, with a particular focus on Taiwan’s young people, businesses and grassroots communities. Taiwan investment in China has remained sluggish amid a deteriorating investment climate there. Tsai further warned that China’s proposed “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress of the Chinese Nation” is part of legal and public-opinion warfare that infringes on Taiwan’s sovereignty, and said Taiwan residents should be aware of legal risks when traveling to China.
Panama seizes container terminal; 香港長和 launches arbitration against 馬士基
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
香港長和 has launched arbitration proceedings against Danish shipping giant 馬士基 over a dispute concerning the operating rights for a container terminal in Panama. A company under the 香港長和 group previously operated the terminal before the Panamanian government canceled its contract.
April auction by the Administrative Enforcement Agency sells assets for NT$218.28 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Administrative Enforcement Agency announced that a nationwide joint auction in April brought in NT$202.26 million for real estate and NT$16.01 million for movable property, for a total of NT$218.28 million. The highest-priced real estate was a garment factory in Wujie Township, sold by the Yilan Branch for NT$85.1 million, followed by a commercial office sold by the Taoyuan Branch for NT$51.18 million. Among movable assets, the Changhua Branch sold 230,000 shares of Chung Ho Textile for NT$11.84 million and a Mercedes-Benz belonging to a fraud suspect for NT$1.02 million. Tether and MAX tokens were also sold for a combined NT$660,702. The auction is held at each branch on the first Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m.
Most hacked LINE accounts belong to Taiwan Mobile users; Ministry of Digital Affairs says issues on both sides combined to create vulnerability
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A large-scale hijacking of LINE accounts occurred on the night of March 31, particularly affecting Taiwan Mobile users. Digital Affairs Minister Lin Yi-ching said a lack of coordination between Taiwan Mobile’s voicemail feature and LINE’s authentication system created a vulnerability that criminals exploited. There have been 16 complaints so far, but the actual number of victims is believed to be higher. Lin said neither side alone was responsible; rather, their lack of coordination created the vulnerability. He stressed that closing it as soon as possible was the top priority. The Ministry of Digital Affairs has contacted LINE and Taiwan Mobile, and the vulnerability has been fixed, but the ministry also noted that criminals may look for new vulnerabilities.
Vietnamese man and accomplices kidnap unlicensed taxi driver for ransom; Changhua court sentences him to 10 years and 4 months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Vietnamese man and compatriots abducted an unlicensed taxi driver in Changhua County under the pretense of booking a ride and demanded ransom. The court sentenced the ringleader to 10 years and 4 months in prison.
Landowners change course over saleability, cutting Taipei metro-area development sites by 2
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
According to the Taipei City Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, 87 land development sites in the Taipei metropolitan area had been approved as of the end of 114, down 2 from the end of 113. The 2 sites removed were the Guangci-Fengtian Temple Station site on the Xinyi Line East Extension in Taipei (Jie 3) and the Y22 Station site on the North Circular Line in New Taipei. Their landowners judged that redevelopment proposals for sites outside the metro system would sell better. However, the number of completed sites rose to 65, accounting for 74.7% of all sites. The Taipei Metro Department emphasized that the joint development model involving landowners, investors and the government continues to drive progress. The department manages 2,083 rentable units in land development buildings, including offices, shops, commercial facilities and housing, with an occupancy rate of 98.8%.
Central Election Commission hopes new members can take office promptly to ensure smooth election administration
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan voted on Central Election Commission appointments on March 13, approving 4 nominees, including the nominee for chairperson, while rejecting 3, including the nominee for deputy chairperson. The Executive Yuan has indicated it will resubmit nominations to fill the vacant seats. The Kuomintang criticized the Executive Yuan for failing to issue appointments more than 2 weeks after the nominees were approved, calling it a destruction of constitutional order. The Central Election Commission stressed that the new members must take office soon to handle year-end public elections, particularly the issuance of election notices and candidate registration announcements. It was also noted that introducing voting rights for 18-year-olds could affect voter-roll preparation and costs.
Taichung elementary school baseball coach sexual assault case; Lu Hsiu-yen says victim count includes duplicates and there was absolutely no cover-up
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In a sexual abuse case involving an elementary school baseball coach in Taichung, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen told the city council that some victims had been counted more than once and stressed that the city had not covered up the case. The coach, surnamed Song, repeatedly sexually abused boys starting in 2018. Dozens of schoolchildren have been victimized in 3 indictments to date. The city is providing counseling and assistance with national compensation claims for victims, and Mayor Lu has called for severe punishment. The Democratic Progressive Party city council caucus called on the city to conduct further investigations and reform its education administration system.
International parcel conceals 3 kilograms of marijuana; Pingtung uncovers drug trafficking ring
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Pingtung District Prosecutors Office busted a drug smuggling group that used international mail to bring about 3 kilograms of dried cannabis from Canada. It indicted 3 defendants, surnamed Peng, Xu and Zheng, for violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. The group hid cannabis in ordinary cargo and recruited people online for “package pickup” and “delivery” services, paying them to act as couriers. This made it harder for investigators to track the shipments. The seized cannabis was estimated to be worth more than NT$1 million on the black market.
Japan’s FY2026 budget bill enacted at a record ¥122.3092 trillion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Japanese government's fiscal 2026 budget was enacted 1 week later than Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's target. The total was ¥122.3092 trillion, up ¥7.1114 trillion from the previous fiscal year and the largest on record. Major outlays include ¥39.0559 trillion for social security, ¥8.9843 trillion for defense-related spending and ¥6.0406 trillion for education, science and technology. Tax revenue reached a record ¥83.735 trillion, but a ¥29.584 trillion funding shortfall will be covered by new government bonds.
Teng Kai-wei hits 153 kph in relief outing, gives up homer in 0.2 innings; decision unaffected
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Baseball player Teng Kai-wei threw a career-high 153 kph while pitching in relief, giving up a home run and 1 run in 0.2 innings. The 太空人隊 lost, leaving Teng with no decision; his ERA is 2.84.
National Cheng Kung University receives threat to stop screening “State Organs”; police check finds no irregularities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
National Cheng Kung University received a threatening letter demanding it stop screening the documentary “State Organs,” which exposes the forced harvesting of organs in China, or the sender would set off an explosion. The university reported it to police, who found that the IP address appeared to be in Hong Kong. No irregularities have been found so far.
Does drinking milk before bed stunt children’s growth? Doctor says refined sugar is the key
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Doctor Wang Lu-ting said children’s growth is affected by lifestyle habits, not by drinking milk before bed; excessive refined sugar intake is the main factor suppressing growth hormone secretion. She advised parents to maintain a balanced diet and regular routines.
Drug dealer uses sexual slang to disguise transactions, but Taichung police see through the ruse and arrest him
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung police busted a drug trafficking ring. The ringleader, a man surnamed Chiu, used messaging apps and social media ads to recruit members and disguised drug-laced coffee packets as “red wine” or sold them as “products.” The ring even disguised ketamine as escort services to attract buyers. Police eventually made arrests and seized drugs and illicit cash.
US and Iran agree to 2-week ceasefire: key events in the Iran war
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A fictional war broke out between the US and Iran, lasting from late February through April, with both sides attacking key military and energy facilities. A ceasefire agreement was finally reached on April 7, with talks expected to begin on the 10th.
Underground factory operated by Jiang Cheng Co. discharged waste that polluted the Keelung River; prosecutors indict 32 suspects and seek heavy sentences
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Keelung District Prosecutors Office indicted 32 people, including the person in charge of Jiangcheng Company, accusing the company of illegally processing ship waste oil at an underground plant and discharging untreated wastewater into the Keelung River, contaminating tap water in Keelung City and the Xizhi District of New Taipei City. Jiangcheng Company conspired with Manjin Company in Kaohsiung, Juzhen Company in Miaoli County and Taiqing Company in Taoyuan to illegally resell the processed waste oil as industrial oil, earning more than NT$402.97 million in illegal proceeds. Prosecutors are seeking severe sentences for violations of the Waste Disposal Act, Water Pollution Control Act and Criminal Code.
台電 temporarily dispatches Mailiao Power Plant; 國民黨 says energy policy has failed completely
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台電 temporarily dispatched units at the Mailiao Power Plant in response to the impact of the situation in the Middle East. 國民黨 criticized the move, saying it exposed the民進黨’s energy policy as overly reliant on natural gas and structurally fragile.
People create LINE mule accounts for scam ring; Criminal Investigation Bureau arrests 12
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Criminal Investigation Bureau's Central Taiwan Crime-Fighting Center arrested 12 people in a fraud ring that used fake LINE accounts. The group abused mobile carriers' number-change services to create large numbers of LINE accounts and sell them to fraud rings. Police statistics show the group obtained 8,226 phone numbers and linked 2,642 LINE accounts registered under other people's names; 52 LINE accounts were involved in fraud cases. There were 74 victims, with financial losses exceeding NT$80 million. The 12 people, including the alleged ringleader surnamed Zhan, were referred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office on fraud charges, and prosecutors have already indicted them.
Taiwan stocks surge 1,478 points intraday; Delta Electronics and top stock Alchip hit limit-up
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he would delay major military action against Iran for 2 weeks eased concerns over worsening tensions in the Middle East and sent U.S. crude oil prices sharply lower. Taiwan's stock market surged in response, with the TAIEX briefly gaining 1,478 points. Major electronics stocks, including TSMC, Hon Hai and MediaTek, rose, while Delta Electronics and Lite-On hit their daily limits. AI-related and low-Earth-orbit satellite stocks also performed strongly, and Aspeed Technology, the market's highest-priced stock, hit a new record.
Republican Fuller wins Georgia special election for US House seat
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Republican Clay Fuller, 44, defeated Democrat Harris to win a special election for Georgia's 14th Congressional District in the state's northwest. The victory gives Republicans a boost in their narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. Fuller is a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and served as a White House Fellow during Trump's administration. Former representative Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned after clashing with Trump, while Fuller fully agrees with Trump's policies.
Taiwanese baseball players 李灝宇 and 鄭宗哲 made progress in the US minor leagues. 李灝宇 singled in his first at-bat after returning to 3A, while 鄭宗哲 hit his first triple of the season.
Nuclear Safety Commission: Substantive review of Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 license renewal begins; briefing to be held in late April
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Nuclear Safety Commission has begun a substantive review of the application to extend the operating life of the Third Nuclear Power Plant. A review team made up of outside academic experts and commission staff will conduct a rigorous technical assessment of the restart plan submitted by Taipower. Review items include the units' current condition, staffing arrangements, regular equipment maintenance, operating-period requirements and quality verification plans. The commission will publish review-related information on its website and plans to hold a public briefing in late April in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, where the plant is located, to hear local views.
Responding to the AI wave, Nobel laureate says “developing people” is more crucial
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
As part of its “Taiwan Bridge Program,” Academia Sinica invited Professor Kurt Wüthrich, the 2002 Nobel laureate in chemistry, to give a lecture titled “Life Molecules, Artificial Intelligence and Human Health.” Wüthrich said AI is accelerating research in structural biology, but stressed that “developing people” is more important in the AI era. He said universities should not merely teach tools that are constantly changing, but should foster the ability to keep learning and reinvent oneself.
Taichung man drank Paolyta and rode motorcycle before alcohol wore off, charged after fatally hitting pedestrian
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man in Taichung drove after drinking, fatally struck a pedestrian and was indicted by prosecutors. The incident highlights the grave dangers of drunk driving and has raised public concern over safety.
Supermicro launches independent probe as co-founder charged with violating export controls
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Supermicro, headquartered in San Jose, California, has launched an independent investigation after the U.S. Justice Department indicted co-founder Yihsien Liao and others, accusing them of routing U.S.-made servers through Taiwan to Southeast Asia and smuggling them into China. The company has also begun an internal review of its global trade compliance program. Supermicro itself is not a defendant in the case, but it suspended Liao and sales manager Jui-tsang Chang and terminated its contract with contractor Ting-wei Sun.
Chiang Chi-chen meets Canadian delegation, hopes for continued cooperation on more international issues
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Legislative Yuan Vice President Chiang Chi-chen met a delegation of Canadian federal senators led by Senator Housakos, hoping the exchange would deepen understanding and cooperation between the Taiwanese and Canadian parliaments and peoples. Chiang thanked the Canadian Parliament for its longstanding support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations and stressed the importance of cooperation and mutual trust among democracies. The two sides maintain close exchanges in areas including trade, education, culture and technology, and signed the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). Taiwan and Canada will expand cooperation in technology innovation, educational exchanges, industrial partnerships and supply chain resilience, and establish a Taiwan-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Association.
Rainfall boosts water supply; Wu Cheng-wen says science parks’ water supply stable for the next 2 months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
According to Wu Cheng-wen, recent rainfall and infrastructure plans will ensure stable water and energy supplies for Taiwan's science parks over the next 2 months.
New Taipei City Art Museum marks anniversary with Bii and Cosmos People performing on the 25th and 26th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The New Taipei City Art Museum will celebrate its anniversary with performances by singers including Bii and Cosmos People on the 25th and 26th. Events will include music performances, a market, and a fireworks and drone show.
Flights were canceled in Kinmen due to dense fog, and more than 700 people remain stranded after days of transport efforts. 國民黨 lawmaker Chen Yu-jen called for assistance to move travelers, hoping those stranded could return to Taiwan safely that day.
Koo Chung-liang acquires more than 5% stake; 台泥 says it is open to investors who support its strategy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Koo Chung-liang acquired more than 5% of 台泥’s shares. 台泥 said it is open to investors who support its strategy and will decide whether to increase its stake further based on market conditions.
Roadside tree falls in Taichung, damaging parked vehicles; no injuries reported
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A roadside tree fell in Taichung City, damaging vehicles parked along the road. No one was injured. Authorities have cleared the scene and reminded the public to watch for changing weather and hazards in their surroundings.
AI-related stocks surged in Taiwan, with Aspeed Technology, MPI and Taiwan Union Technology among those hitting their daily limits. Aspeed reached NT$12,615 in early trading, setting a record high. MPI has benefited from demand for AI chips and semiconductors, while Taiwan Union Technology has seen business grow on increased demand for key AI materials. Auras, U-MEDIA, Chroma, Delta Electronics, Zhusheng Technology, Browave, Innodisk and H-Tek also hit their daily limits, signaling strong investor interest in AI-related shares.
High-speed rail adds 30 trains for Mother’s Day travel; bookings open 4/10
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan High Speed Rail said it will add 30 trains from May 8 to 11 to meet Mother’s Day travel demand, providing a total of 708 services. Tickets will go on sale at 0:00 on April 10, with early-bird discounts available for trains departing before 8 a.m. on May 9. In addition, 8 trains on May 8 and 11 will offer university students 5折 fares to encourage them to return home. During the travel period, some trains serving sections north of Taichung will increase the number of non-reserved-seat cars to 9, and 4 trains will extend their operating hours, arriving as late as 0:30 a.m.
DPP: The KMT’s so-called peace trip ends with a death warrant for the Republic of China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
民進黨 criticized the 國民黨’s “peace trip” as a political maneuver that weakens Taiwan and threatens the survival of the Republic of China. It said the 中共’s “peace” is an extension of pressure and united front work, and that the Taiwan Affairs Office’s remarks underscore its intent to “oppose foreign interference” and frame cross-strait relations as an internal affair.
US and Iran agree to 兩-week ceasefire; Pentagon to hold briefing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A 2-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced, and the Pentagon is scheduled to hold a news conference. The White House is considering in-person talks and is presenting the ceasefire as a U.S. “victory.”
Lin Yu-chang says he will become a visiting scholar at a Washington think tank and temporarily leave Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
民進黨’s Lin Yu-chang said in a Facebook post that he had been invited to serve as a visiting scholar at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security Studies (IIPS) in Washington and would leave next week, temporarily departing Taiwan for a time. He will draw on insights from his visits to the United States and Israel last year to conduct a systematic study of key issues affecting Taiwan’s future development. In the first half of the year, he will take part in events in Washington and meet American friends; in the second half, he will travel to key U.S. election states to observe the elections. Lin said the trip is a process of “training” and “self-cultivation,” and thanked President Lai Ching-te for his advice and encouragement.
Strengthening submarine cable resilience: Ministry says cables will be buried deeper and reinforced with steel armor
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs released its first report analyzing submarine cable damage and outlining countermeasures, saying that threats to undersea cables in 114年度 have been characterized by “human interference near shore and natural disasters offshore.” Minister of Digital Affairs Lin Yi-ching said the ministry will build an innovative, secure and people-centered digital nation around 四 main priorities: “promoting AI industry development,” “strengthening cybersecurity resilience,” “cracking down on fraud” and “strengthening digital government.” To bolster cable resilience, the ministry has proposed amending Article 72 of the Telecommunications Management Act to add provisions for confiscating and disposing of tools used in the intentional destruction of submarine cables. Newly laid cables will be buried deeper and reinforced with steel armor, while monitoring and repair speeds will also be improved.
Outstanding woodworking alumnus: KTU teacher Su Chieh-jen admitted to graduate programs at Tsinghua and 3 other schools
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Su Chieh-jen, a graduate of Kung Tung Technical Senior High School, was admitted to graduate programs at 3 universities: National Tsing Hua University, National Taipei University of Technology and National Taiwan University of Arts. After studying at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, he returned to teach at his alma mater, contributing to the development of technical and vocational education. Su said his experience shows that vocational education can lead to admission to top design schools. He is also promoting “什光序,” an exhibition of works by students in the furniture and woodworking program, to develop their design thinking and practical skills. His success embodies Kung Tung Technical Senior High School's educational approach of “building a foundation in technical skills and innovating in design.”
Taiwan Ratings: Taiwan life insurers’ reserve levels may not withstand severe exchange-rate fluctuations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Ratings said that although Taiwan's life insurance industry has introduced a new system of foreign exchange fluctuation reserves, current reserve levels are not enough to absorb the shock of severe currency swings. The Financial Supervisory Commission proposed a new foreign exchange accounting system last December and revised the rules on foreign exchange price fluctuation reserves this February, strengthening currency risk measures through a total of 4 reserves. However, Taiwan Ratings forecasts that a 10% appreciation of the New Taiwan dollar would hurt life insurers' earnings. It expects long-term currency risk management and prudent capital management to widen credit differences among companies.
伊朗 agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz for 兩 weeks and will begin negotiations to end the war in Pakistan. The conditions include charging ships transit fees and recognizing 伊朗’s right to enrich uranium.
Tsai Ming-yen warns that cross-strait exchanges have political and united front objectives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen warned that cross-strait exchanges serve the Chinese Communist Party's political and united front objectives. He said they are aimed at dividing Taiwan and weakening U.S.-Taiwan cooperation. He also cited the 2-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, predicting that tensions in the Middle East would stabilize. Tsai said China established an airspace reservation zone off Jiangsu and Zhejiang to test U.S. military aircraft activity and probe U.S. influence. He said the government has established an interagency coordination mechanism to counter “gray-zone harassment” against Taiwan.
Trump’s threat to destroy Iran draws global condemnation; White House says it is merely a negotiating tactic
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former President Donald Trump's threat to destroy Iran drew worldwide condemnation, but the White House described it as a negotiating tactic. Trump demanded that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stop supporting armed groups in the Middle East. He eventually announced that he had agreed to a 2-week ceasefire with Iran. An aide said Trump's hard-line remarks reflected his desire to end an unpopular war quickly and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Hong Kong officials list 4 major security risks, with hostile external forces at the top
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang cited 4 major risks to Hong Kong’s security: external hostile forces, fugitives, homegrown terrorism, and “soft resistance.” He said that since the Hong Kong National Security Law came into force, 389 people had been arrested, 208 charged, and 179 convicted. Secretary Tang urged vigilance against smears of Hong Kong by external forces, “Hong Kong independence” propaganda by fugitives, and the spread of misinformation.
Japan IT Week opens; Pegatron showcases AI solutions to deepen its market presence
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Pegatron showcased its AI solutions and vertical integration strategy at Japan IT Week, including next-generation AI platforms and GPU servers, to deepen its presence in the AI market.
信驊, Taiwan’s most expensive stock, surges NT$1,145 to limit up at NT$12,615, setting another Taiwan stock market record
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The share price of Taiwanese server management chipmaker 信驊 (Xinhai) rose 1145 yuan to reach its 12615-yuan limit, setting a new record on the Taiwan stock market. Rising demand for AI servers, driven by demand for AI infrastructure, is spurring institutional investors to buy.
Plastic bag shortages hit some commercial districts, including Chiayi; Kung Ming-hsin says supplies will be coordinated
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin said the government would step up coordination with distribution channels and procurement to address plastic bag shortages in commercial districts such as Chiayi. Domestic polyethylene supply has risen to 27,500 tons, exceeding demand, and there is no overall shortage of materials. Easing tensions in the Middle East have brought international crude oil prices down from $100 to the $90s, easing cost pressures on CPC. The Executive Yuan has adopted 3 main measures to support CPC’s finances: loans, budget subsidies, and capital increases. Electricity prices are confirmed to remain unchanged through September. The situation will be assessed from October onward, taking into account price stability and Taipower’s financial capacity.