377 received, 377 listed, 3 sources ・ Page 4 of 4
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 289 items from 2 sources; Taiwan, 88 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
The Nantou County Government announced the launch of the “Nantou Starry Sky Season,” combining visual arts, culture and astronomy education. It features 4 major themed days and aims to promote tourism.
Companies mentioned：交通部観光署
Original柯震東と王柏傑主演の影集「乩身」は、3200以上の特殊効果ショットを使用しており、各エピソードが1本の特殊効果映画の規模に相当すると特效総監の郭憲聰が述べた。劇中では、柯震東の必殺技である法器「九龍神火罩」の特殊効果が最も衝撃的とされている。地獄のシーンは全CGと仮想スタジオ技術を組み合わせて制作された。全8話のこのシリーズは現在Netflixで配信中である。
A man surnamed Tsai ran a drug-manufacturing operation in a metal-roofed building next to a temple in Pingtung County, using the smell of incense to mask odors. The Third Special Police Corps investigated and seized more than 55 kg of ingredients for drug-laced coffee packets. Tsai and 1 accomplice, 2 people in total, were indicted in March 2026 for violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. The seized drugs could be packaged into more than 20,000 drug-laced coffee packets, with an estimated market value of more than ten million New Taiwan dollars.
Songshan Airport launched its One ID smart travel service in April, allowing passengers to use facial recognition to move quickly through check-in, baggage drop, immigration and boarding. The service is expected to cut immigration processing time by 30% and labor needs by 20%, with a total budget of about NT$300 million. The Civil Aeronautics Administration said the Japanese translation in the system has been corrected and passenger data will be automatically deleted within 24 hours after departure, in line with information security requirements.
More than 1000 filmmakers, actors and industry figures signed an open letter opposing Paramount Global’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They warned the deal would weaken competition, harm employment and reduce choices for audiences. High-profile actors including Jane Fonda, Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Ruffalo also signed. The proposed acquisition is expected to face strict reviews by regulators in the United States and Europe.
At noon on April 14, 2026, pavement burst at the intersection of County Min Boulevard Section 2 and Minsheng Road Section 2 in Banqiao District, New Taipei City. The cause was found to be an underground 20,000-volt power cable, resulting in a sinkhole about 2 square meters in size. No one was injured, and a temporary power outage has since been resolved. Taiwan Power Company is carrying out repairs and investigating the cause, while councilors have called for a comprehensive inspection of high-voltage cables.
On April 14, 2026, Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control under the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that a 65-year-old foreign woman had been diagnosed with meningococcal disease. She entered Taiwan on April 1, developed symptoms on the 3rd and remains hospitalized. Health authorities identified 21 contacts and are monitoring their health; preventive medication is being considered for 3 of them. Cases of meningococcal disease have also been reported in Vietnam and the United Kingdom.
Golden Horse Best Actor Tony Leung attended a press conference for his new film “你是不會當樹嗎” on April 14. He said filming in Germany felt like fulfilling his dream of attending university and compared himself to night-blooming jasmine. Director Ildikó Enyedi also attended and praised Leung as a “master of the highest caliber.” The film opens in Taiwan on April 17.
The DPP’s nomination committee decided on April 14, 2026, to recommend Deputy Minister of Justice Huang Shijie for Taoyuan mayor and former legislator Chuang Ching-cheng for Hsinchu mayor. The nominations will be sent to the party’s Central Executive Committee the following day, with a press conference planned after approval. Huang is regarded as a legal expert with extensive experience in Taoyuan, while Chuang is considered a technology specialist who previously taught at National Chiao Tung University. The party is continuing discussions on its Taipei mayoral candidate.
The DPP criticized Keelung’s social safety net staffing rate of just 70%, saying Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang lacked the ability to implement policy and had turned the city into an “unloved city.” The city government countered that its social safety net workforce has the lowest turnover rate in Taiwan and said it continues to work on recruitment and support measures. It has been pointed out that local recruitment has not kept pace despite central government resources.
Prolonged heavy rain during the Tomb Sweeping Day period caused root rot and plant deaths in some watermelon and pumpkin fields in Erlun Township, Yunlin County. County Magistrate Chang Li-shan and others inspected the area and confirmed that damage to watermelons and pumpkins in Erlun had reached 40%. The county government plans to apply to the central government for cash disaster relief. Yunlin County has 472 hectares of watermelon fields and 282 hectares of pumpkin fields, with Erlun Township its largest growing area.
A Korean media report said foreign engineers working on Taiwan’s indigenous submarine program were hired on short-term contracts and dismissed once they were no longer considered useful. In response, Defense Minister Kuo Li-hsiung said the submarine program was proceeding normally and that potential suppliers for follow-on vessels had been identified. He also discussed plans for joint exercises simulating a Chinese maritime blockade and the defense budget proposal.
The Chiayi desalination plant project passed its 2nd preliminary environmental review. The Water Resources Agency is promoting the project to meet rising water demand in Chiayi amid climate change and industrial park development. The developer plans to build the plant inside the northern breakwater of Budai Commercial Port in Budai Township, Chiayi County, with a planned output of 100,000 cubic meters of water per day in 2032. Environmental review committee members called for a stronger assessment of effects on oyster farming and quarterly monitoring.
Japan’s Environment Ministry announced on April 14, 2026, that domestic greenhouse gas emissions totaled 1.046 billion tons in fiscal 2024, the lowest level since fiscal 1990. That was a 1.9% decline from the previous fiscal year. Net emissions, after subtracting absorption by forests and other sources, were about 994 million tons, falling below 1 billion tons for the first time. The main factors were lower manufacturing output and renewable energy and nuclear power accounting for more than 30% of the electricity mix. The Japanese government aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
As the global price of diesel has soared amid conflict in the Middle East, some Estonians have begun using vegetable cooking oil as vehicle fuel. According to Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR), cooking oil costs less than half as much as diesel. The trend has been seen among owners of older vehicles with relatively simple diesel engines. However, starting the vehicles in cold conditions can be difficult, and the oil may need to be mixed with some diesel.
Original嘉義縣政府は本日、「2026螢光奇緣」記者会見を開催し、縣長翁章梁が4月から5月がホタル観賞の最適時期であると発表した。特に山間部でのホタルの「大爆発」は壮観で、親子での訪問を推奨。県は23ヶ所のホタル観賞秘境を選定し、生態教育保護と低干渉観光を強調。注音版ガイドブックも提供し、親子連れに環境尊重を促している。
Taiwan’s stock market rose 838.83 points on April 14, with the three major institutional investors recording combined net purchases of NT$68.762 billion. Foreign investors accounted for net purchases of NT$68.908 billion, their 5th-highest level on record.
Original高雄市警察局刑事警察大隊は、2024年10月から捜査を開始し、2025年3月以降、羅姓と丁姓の主犯格を含む10人を逮捕した。この詐欺グループは高雄左営に詐欺水房を設置し、実店舗の仮想通貨門市を利用して、市民を騙して詐欺グループの電子ウォレットに送金させ、新台幣1億元以上のマネーロンダリングを行った。被害者は20人以上で、財産的損害は新台幣1千万元を超えた。
Chinese President Xi Jinping met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Beijing. The two agreed to defend multilateralism and oppose protectionism, and affirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation.
Companies mentioned：国連、欧州連合(EU)
A fire broke out late at night in a multi-story parking garage in Pingshan District, Shenzhen, belonging to Chinese EV giant 比亜迪（BYD）. No one was injured. The cause was attributed to faulty work by an outside contractor, and spontaneous combustion of an EV was ruled out.
Companies mentioned：比亜迪（BYD）
The Baisatun Mazu pilgrimage is due to arrive in Beigang on April 16, with more than 450,000 pilgrims expected to visit. Beigang Township Office has launched a townwide cleanup and disinfection campaign to prevent dengue fever. Traces of Aedes aegypti were found in ovitraps set by the National Health Research Institutes last December, indicating a potential risk from disease-carrying mosquitoes. The township office is urging people to follow the principles of “巡、倒、清、刷”: inspect, empty, clean and scrub.
More than 460,000 people have taken part in the pilgrimage for Baishatun Mazu, a famous religious event in Taiwan. Taichung City police deployed a “drone police unit” and established an integrated land-and-air security system.
Companies mentioned：白沙屯拱天宮、笠毅公司、台中市警局烏日分局
A male passenger on a Taiwan Railways local train continued shouting loudly despite the conductor’s attempts to stop him and was removed from the train by police.
Companies mentioned：台湾鉄路公司（台鉄）、鉄道警察
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced that more than 500 companies are currently applying for initial public offerings (IPOs) in Hong Kong, including firms in AI, semiconductors, robotics, autonomous driving and biotechnology. The average daily trading value on the Hong Kong stock market in March this year was about $39 billion, up 8% from the same period last year. As of the end of March, IPO fundraising exceeded $14 billion, ranking No. 1 globally. China’s “十五五” plan also supports Hong Kong’s development as an international financial center.
A federal judge dismissed Donald Trump’s defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal. The suit alleged that an article about a birthday card to the late Jeffrey Epstein was defamatory. The judge ruled that Trump, as a public figure, had not met the “actual malice” standard required to win a defamation case. Trump has indicated he intends to refile the lawsuit by April 27.
China’s General Administration of Customs released March trade figures on April 14, 2026. Exports in March rose 2.5% year on year in dollar terms, down 37.1 percentage points from February and the lowest level in 5 months. Imports, meanwhile, rose 27.8% year on year, up 14 percentage points from February. Rising fuel and transport costs due to the Middle East conflict were cited as factors behind the slowdown in exports, while imports of crude oil and natural gas also declined. Customs spokesman Lü Daliang said the increase in China’s imports was due to market opening and stronger industrial cooperation.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a strong protest over remarks by Brazil’s representative to Taiwan, 桑路易, that “Taiwan is part of China.” Premier Cho Jung-tai also voiced protest, saying Taiwan would tell the world the fact that the Republic of China exists in Taiwan. The remarks have sparked debate across society.
Taipei’s Department of Transportation extended by 6 months, through the end of August, its trial of dockless shared electric-assist bicycles in partnership with MOOVO. The trial initially placed 30 bicycles and 19 rental stations in Da’an District. Usage has been steady, with no disruption from illegal parking. The number of rental stations has now grown to 30, and the operator is considering increasing the fleet.
The Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League will hold “Lu來Lu快樂,” a collaboration theme day with popular character 罐頭豬LuLu, at their Xinzhuang home stadium on April 18 and 19. Buyers of infield tickets will receive limited-edition blind-pack badges, and snacks will also be offered on select days. The event will include interactive attractions, limited collaboration merchandise, and a first pitch and photo session with LuLu豬.
The Nikkei Stock Average surged more than 1,300 points in Tokyo trading amid market expectations that the United States and Iran would hold a 2nd round of talks aimed at ending the war.
Companies mentioned：特になし
On April 14, 2026, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office held a meeting with police, investigators, military police and immigration agencies to prepare for year-end elections. The meeting confirmed plans to establish an integrated system for gathering, verifying, reporting and analyzing information, identify high-risk areas, and crack down hard on acts of election interference. Chief Prosecutor Wang Chun-li instructed officials to identify vote-buying hotspots and high-risk targets, ensure information is actionable, make use of the reward system, and crack down on election gambling. The meeting also stressed strengthening awareness of the enforcement of the National Security Act and Anti-Infiltration Act, and promptly addressing election-related disinformation.
A 24-year-old woman was beaten with a baseball bat by several men over a debt of 200,000 Taiwan dollars in Taiwan’s Keelung City, leaving her in critical condition. Police arrested 8 suspects within 5 hours of the incident.
Companies mentioned：基隆市警察局、基隆地検
Police arrested 12 members of a gang who allegedly tried to extort money from construction contractors in Taiwan’s Tainan City, calling it a “local handling fee.”
Companies mentioned：台南市政府警察局、台南地検
The European Chamber of Commerce in China warned that strict Chinese government controls on rare-earth exports are prompting European companies to reconsider doing business in China and actively seek alternatives. It said the current review process remains slow, unpredictable and lacking in transparency. The business community sees China’s export-control system as a long-term commercial risk.
On April 13, 2026, fertilizer costs surged sharply amid the war in the Middle East, putting U.S. farmers under significant pressure. North American farmers Andy Koliha and Russell Hedrick are facing simultaneous increases in fertilizer and diesel prices. In particular, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drove urea prices up by about 50% at the Port of New York. Many farmers have been forced to reduce fertilizer use, raising concerns about the impact on crop yields. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said 80% of farmers had secured fertilizer in advance, but that leaves farmers without the funds or storage capacity in an ironic situation.
On April 14, 2026, Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed the Childcare Services Act on third reading to prevent a recurrence of child abuse cases. The new law strengthens mechanisms for handling improper care cases and includes mandatory installation of security cameras at childcare facilities and tougher penalties for offenders. In particular, a demerit-point system similar to that for traffic violations will be introduced for home-based childcare providers, who could lose their licenses in the most serious cases. Chang Mei-mei, deputy director of the Social and Family Affairs Administration at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said the Executive Yuan plans to establish about 20 enabling regulations within 1 year.
On April 14, 2026, Cathay Securities announced that the number of accounts opened by minors had surpassed 160,000 by early April this year, up 95% from the same period last year. New accounts were concentrated among children aged 6 and under, indicating that parents are planning their children’s asset-building early. Market-cap-weighted ETFs were the main investment choice, with Yuanta Taiwan 50 accounting for more than 50%, followed in popularity by Cathay Sustainable High Dividend.
On April 14, 2026, the Consumers’ Foundation announced the results of plasticizer testing on 15 commercially available probiotics for children. Trace amounts of DEHP were detected in 3 products, but all were well below the 1 ppm limit set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, measuring 0.06–0.08 ppm. All products met safety standards. To improve the safety of health products for children, the foundation urged manufacturers and relevant authorities to increase testing frequency and identify and address sources of contamination in the manufacturing process.
A container truck tractor-trailer overturned after an emergency braking incident at the 23.4-kilometer mark on the southbound side of Highway 61 in Dayuan District, Taoyuan City. The southbound lanes were closed, but there were no injuries, and the driver’s alcohol test reading was 0. The Dayuan Precinct of the Taoyuan City Police Department activated its rapid traffic-response mechanism to clear the vehicle and direct traffic. The vehicle was removed by 2:30 p.m., and 1 lane was temporarily reopened.
The Vietnam subsidiary of Taiwanese cooling-components manufacturer AVC has signed a contract worth approximately NT$979 million for electromechanical equipment and interior fit-out work. The project aims to expand production and operational capacity.
Companies mentioned：奇鋐科技 (AVC)、AVC TECH. (VIETNAM) CO., LTD.、創興國際建設有限公司
In its 2025 report, Estonia’s Internal Security Service (ISS) warned that China conducts influence operations under the guise of cultural exchanges and recruits technology and security experts through LinkedIn.
Companies mentioned：エストニア国家保安局 (ISS)、中国社会科学院、MI5 (英国保安局)
At the Taipei International Auto and Motorcycle Parts & Accessories Show, 東元 displayed electric vehicle power system solutions and unveiled its T Power Pro 400kW flat-wire oil-cooled direct-drive motor and commercial drone power systems. The company is expanding into Japan, Mexico, India, North America and Europe in the electric bus market. 王榮邦, general manager of the electromechanical systems business group, forecast that electric vehicles and drone applications would account for more than 5% of the group’s performance in 3 years. The company has invested in and established a drone power system production line at its 中壢 plant, with mass production scheduled to begin in the second half of this year.
A bento shop in Taoyuan City is suspected of causing food poisoning, with 38 people seeking medical care after reporting vomiting and diarrhea. The Taoyuan City Health Bureau said it received reports of symptoms after people ate the shop’s food at lunch and dinner on the 13th. The bureau ordered the business to suspend operations and collected samples for testing. If violations are confirmed, the business could face a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$200 million.
The Digital Industry Administration of the Ministry of Digital Affairs warned that email scams impersonating invoice prize notifications and payment reminders are on the rise. The scam emails pose as official agencies and attempt to steal personal information through fake links. The administration said official agencies do not send important notifications from unknown email addresses, and urged people to verify messages through official websites or apps. People should not click suspicious links or provide personal information.
On April 14, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Crown Prince Khalid of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and put forward 4 proposals to promote peace in the Middle East. They include establishing a sustainable security framework for the Middle East and Gulf region, respecting national sovereignty, upholding the principles of international rule of law, and creating a favorable environment for development. China reaffirmed its commitment to playing a constructive role in the Middle East peace process.
A 20-year-old Texas man was charged with attempting to kill OpenAI CEO Sam Altman after throwing a Molotov cocktail at his home in San Francisco. A statement claiming responsibility carried the slogan “Against AI.”
Companies mentioned：OpenAI、中央通訊社
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Pingtung County will hold an information session on the 19th for its “Young Farmer Workforce Development Program,” which is open to young people aged 18 to 45. The program aims to help young people return to their hometowns to work in agriculture and support the shift to smart farming. This year, it will focus on 6 main areas, including agritourism, innovative marketing and smart farming, and will offer individual consultations with experts as well as startup loan support from the Ministry of Labor. Previous participants have achieved results, including 達魯法樂可可工坊 winning a bronze award at an international chocolate competition.
國票金控 issued a statement emphasizing its steady management policy as it faces an excess of nominations ahead of its board re-election. The company said its long-term investment return rate ranks among the highest in the financial holding company industry. Its after-tax net profit for January-March 2026 rose 123.34% year on year to NT$890 million, with EPS of NT$0.25. It also highlighted its diverse shareholder base and strong corporate governance rating.
On April 14, 2026, the Taipei stock market rose 838.83 points to close at 36296.12. April electronic futures rose 64.95 points to 2295.65, while April financial futures rose 27.4 points to 2477.6. Spot electronic shares rose 58.97 points to 2289.64, and spot financial shares gained 25.11 points to 2475.81. April electronic futures recorded a premium of 6.01 points over spot, while April financial futures recorded a premium of 1.79 points.
Original2026年4月14日、台北株式市場は838.83点上昇し、36296.12点で取引を終えた。4月台指期は36381点で引け、921点の上昇を記録し、現物との正価差は84.88点だった。台湾期貨交易所は、4月期貨の開盤参考価格を35460点、5月期貨を35650点と定めた。この日の台股の取引金額は新台幣9717.31億元に達した。
Following its merger with 元富證券, 台新證券 faced a wave of investor complaints over abnormal orders and the inability to cancel them due to a system outage. Reports said the value of erroneous transactions exceeded NT$100 million, but 台新證券 said it was “investigating” and would confirm the details with customers after the market close. The company said its system had returned to normal and customers’ rights were unaffected. The merger took place on April 6, making it the 4th-largest securities brokerage in Taiwan by market share.
On April 14, 2026, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister 孫衛東 was removed from office. Born in September 1966, 孫衛東 became ambassador to India in July 2019 and had served as vice foreign minister since November 2022. Deputy ministerial-level officials typically retire at 60, and 孫衛東 is due to turn 60 in September this year.
To coincide with the Dajia Zhenlan Temple Mazu pilgrimage, which begins on April 17, 2026, 永靖鄉公所 in Changhua County will distribute pilgrimage blessings. 頂新和德文教基金會, 永靖鄉永北社區發展協會, 成美文化園 and 永靖鄉共好協會 have jointly set up an eco-friendly pilgrim service center. The center, located at 頂新大樓 and 永靖慈濟環保站, will provide sleeping mats, vegetarian meals, showers and a charging and rest area. From April 17 to 30, 2026, 成美文化園 will offer half-price admission at NT$150 to pilgrims wearing a temple hat or carrying a temple banner.
A body believed to be that of a child was found in a mountainous area of Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, on April 13, 2026. Japanese police are working to confirm the identity and determine whether a crime was involved. The clothing matches that of an 11-year-old boy who went missing in late March, including a navy fleece top and beige trousers. The Nantan City Board of Education announced that Sonobe Elementary School would suspend classes temporarily on April 14, 2026, due to the potential psychological impact on students. The boy went missing after getting out of a vehicle in front of the school’s after-school care facility on March 23, 2026. His backpack was found in a mountainous area on March 29, 2026, and a suspected shoe was found there on April 12, 2026.
On April 14, 2026, Taiwan’s weighted index rose 838.83 points to a record closing high of 36296.12. The gains were mainly driven by 台積電, which closed at NT$2055, up NT$65, bringing its market capitalization to NT$53.29 trillion and contributing about 516 points to the broader market, as well as 信驊, which closed at NT$13005, up NT$825. Electronic shares including 鴻海, 聯發科, 大立光 and 台光電 also rose, lifting the electronics index 2.64%. Traditional industry and financial stocks also broadly advanced, while total market trading value reached NT$971.731 billion.
The Taipei stock market opened higher and continued climbing on April 14, 2026, closing at 36296.12, up 838.83 points, or 2.37%, from the previous day. Total trading value was NT$971.731 billion. The weighted index opened at 35584.09, reached an intraday high of 36341.44 and a low of 35584.09. The index excluding financial stocks stood at 32642.69, up 789.86 points.
China’s Xiamen Xiang’an Airport is scheduled to open at the end of this year, and Kinmen County councilors have voiced concerns about flight safety, air pollution and noise. Kinmen County Magistrate 陳福海 proposed that the county government and council establish a special committee with experts and public representatives to discuss the issues together. The county government has also raised related topics with the central government.
The fraud case involving 恆大集團 was heard in Shenzhen from April 13 to 14, 2026. Founder 許家印 admitted guilt and expressed remorse in court, with a verdict to be announced at a later date. 恆大集團 faces charges including illegal absorption of public deposits, fundraising fraud and fraudulent securities issuance. 許家印 was placed under coercive measures in 2023, and the company received a liquidation order from the Hong Kong High Court in early 2024.
Tamkang Bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on May 12, 2026. The Northern Region Branch of the Highway Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications conducted a joint traffic safety and emergency response drill on April 14, 2026, with the New Taipei City Police Department and Fire Department. The exercise simulated strong-wind traffic controls, handling a multiple-vehicle collision, assisting injured people, and traffic restrictions and guidance, aiming to strengthen coordination among the agencies involved. At about 920 meters long, with a 450-meter main span, Tamkang Bridge is the world’s longest single-pylon asymmetric cable-stayed bridge. It was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Hsiao Ching-yen, a candidate for the New Taipei City Council, was suspended from the Kuomintang (KMT) for 1 year by the party’s disciplinary committee on April 13, 2026, over controversial remarks. While campaigning at a market on April 14, 2026, Hsiao stressed that he would appeal and, if necessary, take the matter to court. The KMT’s New Taipei City chapter said Hsiao remains eligible to run until the appeal is decided. The suspension came during the KMT primary telephone poll for New Taipei City Council’s Electoral District 11, held from April 13 to 15, 2026.
The United States and Iran are working toward holding new face-to-face talks on April 16, aiming to reach an agreement before the ceasefire expires. The talks are intended to end the 6-week war. U.S. President Trump warned that he would destroy Iranian attack boats if they approached the U.S. Navy’s blockade line. The blockade applies to all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
In November last year, a man surnamed Wu fired a submachine gun in Taoyuan City. In December last year, he posted photos of firearms on Instagram and made statements threatening the public. The Beigang Precinct of the Yunlin County Police Department arrested Wu on January 7 this year, seizing 1 modified handgun and 4 live rounds. The Yunlin District Court initially set bail at NT$200,000, but after prosecutors appealed, Wu was ultimately remanded in custody. The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office today indicted Wu for violating the Controlling Guns, Ammunition and Knives Act and for intimidating the public under the Criminal Code.
The Liberal Party led by Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau won a by-election on April 13, securing a majority in Parliament. The Liberals now hold 172 of 343 seats, allowing the prime minister to advance legislation more effectively. Previously reliant on Conservative support, the party is now expected to pass bills without compromise. The majority government is expected to last until the next general election in 2029.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry announced on April 14 that the nationality field on alien resident certificates would continue to list “South Korea.” The decision was made under the principle of reciprocity in response to South Korea’s electronic arrival card incorrectly identifying Taiwan, after the South Korean side removed the relevant field. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei strongly condemned China for coercing Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and undermining regional peace. He also cited Palauan President Whipps’ rejection of China’s demand that Palau abandon diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, underscoring the strong ties between Taiwan and Palau. Taiwan said it would continue to strengthen ties with its allies and expand its international space.
Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met with incoming Lithuanian representative to Taiwan Karen Peltier, expressing hope for deeper cooperation in strategic industries including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green energy and drones. In 2025, Taiwan’s imports from Lithuania totaled about US$60 million, up 63.47% year on year, while exports reached US$105 million, up 13.6%. Lithuania is scheduled to hold the rotating presidency of the EU in 2027, and the two countries aim to strengthen the resilience of democratic supply chains.
Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said on April 14 that it continues to engage with all political parties in Honduras, following President Asfura’s support for restoring diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Reports say that after losing access to the Taiwanese market, Honduras’ white shrimp farming industry saw at least 95 farms and 1 processing plant close, resulting in the loss of more than 25,000 jobs. The Foreign Ministry urged the Honduran government to respond to public expectations. Honduras severed ties with Taiwan and established diplomatic relations with China in 2023.
On April 14, 2026, the intertidal zones along the Penghu coast were covered with green, brown and red seaweed as the tides ebbed and flowed. According to the Penghu County Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Center, seaweed such as green sea lettuce and Ulva grows abundantly every year from December through March. During winter, local residents harvest it using a traditional method known as “liu hai cai” for eating, selling, processing or livestock feed. As spring arrives, the seaweed naturally detaches; some becomes nutrients on the seabed, while some washes ashore.
On April 14, 2026, Taiwan’s weighted stock index closed at 36296.12 points, up 838.83 points, setting a record closing high. Trading value reached NT$971.731 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) closed at NT$2,055, up NT$65, bringing its market capitalization to NT$53.29 trillion and lifting the overall market by about 516 points. Alchip Technologies also closed at NT$13,005, up NT$825, setting a record high. Electronics stocks including Hon Hai Precision Industry, MediaTek and Taimide Tech rose, and the electronics subindex gained 2.64%.
A man surnamed Duan in Hsinchu City assaulted a taxi driver while drunk on October 16 last year. When the driver sought help at Nanmen Police Station, Duan also attacked the station chief. On April 10, the Hsinchu District Court sentenced Duan to 2 months in prison for obstructing a public official in the performance of his duties, with the sentence convertible to a fine. Duan said he had no memory of the incident.
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The Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced a draft proposal to prohibit health foods from using the names of 38 traditional Chinese medicine formulas, including “Si Wu Tang” and “Shi Quan Da Bu.” The proposal would set dosage limits for low-dose Chinese herbal products for the first time, aiming to clarify the regulatory distinction between food and medicine. It divides Chinese medicinal materials permitted as food ingredients into 2 categories and sets daily intake limits for certain items. Products would be regulated as medicines if the total amount of Chinese medicinal materials or the content of specific items exceeds set standards. The rules apply only to health foods made by pharmaceutical and food manufacturers, and do not cover purchases from traditional Chinese medicine shops or medicinal cuisine served at restaurants.
Kota Murata, a 23-year-old third lieutenant in Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, was arrested on suspicion of entering the grounds of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo’s Minato Ward on March 24. Murata told investigators he had received a divine revelation in a dream and wanted to stop China’s hard-line statements. A kitchen knife with an 18cm blade was found on the embassy grounds, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department today rearrested Murata on suspicion of violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law. He had previously said he intended to take his own life if the ambassador would not accept his views.
At 6:34 a.m. on April 14, 2026, a portable battery carried by a student caught fire spontaneously aboard a Taiwan Railways local train. The fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher and no one was injured, but the train was delayed at Hsinchu Station for 32 minutes while dust was cleared from the carriage and evidence collected. Service resumed at 8 minutes past 7 a.m. Taiwan Railways urged passengers to use products certified by the BSMI and to charge them safely.
The UK government said it would not support the use of products from a planned wind turbine manufacturing facility in Scotland by China’s Ming Yang Smart Energy Group, citing national security risks. The project involves an investment of 1.5 billion pounds sterling (about NT$63 billion). China’s Ministry of Commerce strongly objected on April 14, saying the UK’s decision went against the principles of an open and free market and would harm bilateral economic and trade cooperation. It urged the UK government to provide Chinese companies with a fair business environment and promote healthy development of UK-China economic and trade relations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation, including in trade and investment, during a visit to China in January 2026.
L is B Co., Ltd. filed an amended securities report for its 16th fiscal year, covering January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
DyDo Group Holdings, Inc. filed a securities report for its 51st fiscal year, covering January 21, 2025, to January 20, 2026.