Financial Times: Iran secretly buys Chinese spy satellite to precisely track U.S. military bases
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2026-04-15 15:00–18:00 JST
347 received, 347 listed, 3 sources ・ Page 4 of 4
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 274 items from 2 sources; Taiwan, 73 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Taiwan | 中央社 CNA (continued)（73）
70 teachers and students from Taoyuan’s Pingzhen Junior High fall ill after meal during graduation trip to Yunlin; hospitalized
70 students and teachers from Taoyuan Municipal Pingzhen Junior High School reported feeling unwell after dinner at Janfusun Resort Hotel during a school trip and were taken to hospital. Their symptoms have improved, while the health bureau investigates the cause.
Companies mentioned：剣湖山（Janfusun）、旅行会社
Black-faced spoonbill with fishing line tangled around beak and feet found collapsed on Houlong coast, dies
An endangered black-faced spoonbill became entangled in fishing line on the coast of Houlong Township, Miaoli County. It was rescued but later died. The Miaoli County Government's Agriculture Department said the bird was found with fishing line wrapped around its beak and legs and was believed to have been trapped for several days. The department warned that marine waste such as fishing nets and fishing line pose a deadly threat to wildlife and urged people not to discard them carelessly. The bird will be preserved as a specimen for ecological education.
Nantou plans to build a garbage incinerator; environmental groups protest, citing procedural controversy
The Nantou County Government held a scoping meeting for the second-stage environmental impact assessment of a waste treatment center, but residents and environmental groups protested, alleging procedural deficiencies. The groups said there were too few committee members and experts in attendance and that the review lacked representative expertise across fields. The meeting descended into chaos, with residents throwing banknotes and climbing onto tables. The Nantou County Environmental Protection Bureau said there is no limit on attendance because a scoping meeting is not a formal review meeting.
Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen announces retirement; Olympic double golds cannot overcome recurring back injuries
Danish men's singles badminton player Viktor Axelsen has announced his retirement at age 32 because of recurring back injuries. He won gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics, and held the world No. 1 ranking for 132 weeks. Axelsen said his career as a player was over, but that he would continue to be involved in badminton in another capacity. His retirement follows a difficult choice between long-term health and professional competition.
Finnish president: NATO is a defensive alliance; rejects involvement in U.S.-Iran war
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stressed that NATO is a defensive alliance and signaled that Finland would refuse to take part in the U.S.-Iran war. This was a clear response to former President Trump’s criticism of NATO allies. Stubb announced that Finland would attend a security conference on the Strait of Hormuz, but said the specific form of its participation had yet to be decided. He also agreed with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deepen military cooperation between Finland and Canada. Stubb said responsibility was being redistributed within NATO, with European countries set to assume primary responsibility for traditional ground operations.
Europe drafts postwar plan to restore Hormuz shipping, excluding U.S. participation
European countries are working on a plan to organize a broad coalition of nations to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after the war ends. The plan, led by France and the United Kingdom, includes deploying minesweepers and other warships, while excluding the United States, Israel and Iran as “belligerent” parties. Germany is likely to join, contributing financial resources and military assets. The mission would require coordination with coastal countries, including Iran, and aims to assure shipping companies of their safety, using the “Shield” operation in the Red Sea as a model.
Xi Jinping speaks out on U.S.-Iran war; New York Times says U.S.-China ties face new challenges
Original中国国家主席習近平は、米伊戦争について初めて発言し、国際法治の権威を維持する必要性を強調した。これは、国際法を都合よく利用するトランプ米大統領を暗に批判するものとニューヨーク・タイムズが報じた。トランプ大統領の5月訪中を前に、米中関係に新たな課題が浮上している。記事は、米国がイラン港湾を封鎖した後の中国の態度の変化や、トランプ大統領が中国に対し中東戦争への軍事援助をしないよう警告し、関税引き上げを示唆したことにも触れている。
Peng Jinlong: Closely monitoring development of AI agent transactions, will draw up response measures
Financial Supervisory Commission Chairman Peng Jinlong said he was closely monitoring the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly the evolution of transactions conducted by AI agents. AI agents can autonomously and quickly complete payment transactions based on users’ preferences. As the new technology could bring new risks, the commission plans to consider related response measures. The National Credit Card Center and Mastercard co-hosted the “AI Era Payment Security and Data Trust Summit,” where participants discussed new consumer ecosystems and authentication mechanisms that AI agents could bring to commercial applications.
Report: World Cup train fares in New Jersey to rise more than 7 times; U.S. Senate leader says FIFA should foot the bill
New Jersey reportedly plans to raise train fares more than 7 times during this year’s World Cup for travel between New York City and the stadium. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said FIFA should cover the transportation costs. He criticized the plan as unfair to residents, given that FIFA expects to earn $11 billion from the tournament. The New York governor has also opposed the fare increase, while the New Jersey governor has rejected shifting the cost to local taxpayers. Similar fare hikes have also been reported in Boston.
Japanese stocks close higher as Middle East tensions seen easing
Progress in U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks and President Trump’s remarks suggesting an end to the war eased tensions in the Middle East. Investor sentiment improved, and the Tokyo stock market rose today.
Companies mentioned：東京証券取引所
Three major institutional investors net-buy NT$41.193 billion in Taiwan stocks
Taiwan stocks rose 426.02 points today to close at 36722.14 points. Led by buying from foreign investors and others, the three major institutional investors recorded net purchases totaling NT$41.193 billion.
Companies mentioned：台湾証券取引所
Penghu Fireworks Festival opens May 4; tour operators promote hidden gems in the northeastern sea
The Penghu International Fireworks Festival will run from May 4 to Aug. 25, with this year’s event, titled “Dragon Ball Z Penghu Summer Fireworks Festival,” partnering with Japanese animation. In conjunction with the festival, travel companies have planned limited tours to hidden gems in the northeastern sea, such as Mudou Islet and Hujing Islet, offering alternatives to conventional tours of Penghu's main island. UNI Air and Lion Travel are promoting “Penghu Blue Romance: Island-Hopping to Hidden Gems,” while Lion Travel is also offering various fireworks-themed experiences, including seats for viewing the 600-second fireworks display and a fireworks night on a secluded islet.
A master craftsman from Penghu creates a Guan Dao to guard Tamsui Xingtian Wusheng Temple
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Huang Shijie to run in Taoyuan, Chuang Ching-cheng to vie for Hsinchu City; Lai Ching-te: End the 4-year void
The Democratic Progressive Party's Central Executive Committee nominated former Deputy Minister of Justice Huang Shijie as its candidate for Taoyuan mayor and former legislator Chuang Ching-cheng as its candidate for Hsinchu City mayor. President Lai Ching-te praised both candidates for their strong abilities in local and industrial development and their resilience in overcoming adversity. Huang, a Hakka from Taoyuan, has legal expertise and extensive local government experience. Chuang is a biomedical engineering expert who will promote the integration of Hsinchu's high-tech and biomedical industries. Lai said the two were the best candidates to help Taoyuan and Hsinchu City move beyond a “lost 4 years” and grow again.
Chinese white dolphins spotted in Tainan waters, showcasing marine restoration results
The Tainan City Government released footage of Chinese white dolphins spotted for the first time in Tainan waters, calling it evidence of marine restoration in a major fishing ground off Taiwan's west coast. The footage, filmed by fisher Chen Dewei in mid-March 1.5 nautical miles off Anping, shows 2 Chinese white dolphins. The city government and the Tainan City Fishermen's Association are jointly promoting various measures to protect fishery resources, including compliance with fisheries management rules, releasing fish fry, encouraging environmentally friendly fishing methods and cracking down on illegal fishing. However, illegal catches and oil pollution remain concerns, and raising public awareness of conservation is still a challenge.
Lai Ching-te: Unification packaged as peace will bring Taiwan endless trouble
President Lai Ching-te said peace should not be achieved by compromising or yielding on sovereignty, and that placing Taiwan within a “one-China framework” and aligning with an authoritarian regime would bring Taiwan endless trouble. He stressed that packaging unification as peace not only goes against public opinion but is also not the future the people of Taiwan seek. Lai said the Republic of China, Taiwan, is founded on freedom, democracy and human rights, values it shares with the democratic world. He urged opposition parties to promptly review and pass the overall budget and the special legislation to strengthen national defense, in order to safeguard Taiwan's vibrant development.
Responding to Lee Chen-hsiu, Huang Kuo-chang: No need to spend energy on unimportant people or things
Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang responded to criticism from Lee Chen-hsiu, who was expelled from the party, saying there was “no need to spend energy on unimportant people or things.” At a Central Committee meeting, the party decided to nominate Lin Yao-tsung for a Chaozhou Township representative seat in Pingtung County and Kuo Tai-an for a Pingtung City representative seat in 2026. Huang stressed that the goal for 2026 was to bring the Taiwan People's Party's voice to local councils across Taiwan. He also said there had been progress on a mechanism for coordinating mayoral and county magistrate nominations with the Kuomintang.
U.S.-Iran talks show signs of progress; Taiwan stocks and heavyweight shares extend records, setting multiple highs
The possibility of renewed U.S.-Iran talks signaled an improvement in the Middle East situation, and all 4 major U.S. stock indexes rose. Taiwan stocks briefly hit a record 37064.16 points before closing at 36722.14, a new closing high. Major stocks including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Delta Electronics also reached new highs, with TSMC's market capitalization reaching NT$53.94 trillion. The market is looking to earnings growth among Taiwanese companies, and further growth in the AI supply chain is also forecast. However, margin balances remain high, and investors should be alert to short-term risks.
Vehicle crashes into transformer box, cutting power to 300 households; Taichung City Council also affected
A power outage affecting the entire building occurred during the lunch break at Taichung City Council. It was caused by a car crashing into a transformer box, cutting power to about 300 households. Power was restored before 1 p.m., and legislative proceedings were unaffected.
Companies mentioned：台電公司、中央社
Children’s carnival in Zhubei to feature Paper Windmill Theatre’s “Lantern Monster”
The Zhubei City Office in Hsinchu County announced that it will hold a children’s carnival from April 24 to 26 at East Park and West City Park. Attractions including a mini train and an airship will be set up, and the Paper Windmill Theatre will perform “Lantern Monster” at the County Government Sixth Road Plaza. Zhubei Mayor Cheng Chao-fang hopes residents will take a break from 3C products and enjoy an artistic feast in the park. Fast-pass tickets exclusively for residents will also be available, allowing them priority access to attractions.
Baosheng Cultural Festival to open at Taipei’s Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, showcasing temple plaza culture
The Taipei City Department of Civil Affairs announced that the Baosheng Cultural Festival will be held from April 19 to June 16 at Dalongdong Bao’an Temple, a national historic site. The 33rd festival will feature a wide range of events, including the opening gong ceremony, family opera performances, folk arts troupe showcases, the Fire Lion ceremony, 三-offering rites, scholarship presentations, free medical consultations, a sketching competition, an art exhibition, opera performances and a religious studies conference. The Fire Lion ceremony, featuring tens of thousands of firecrackers, is expected to draw particular attention. The festival is part of the temple’s efforts to bring together local cultural resources and revitalize temple plaza culture.
Hiker lost for 4 days during Maboh traverse finds way out; helicopter takes him off mountain
A Huang-surnamed porter in a 5-person group hiking the Maboh traverse got lost on April 11 while returning alone to the campsite and fell into a ravine 2 or 3 stories deep. He remained conscious and suffered minor injuries, and made his way back to the original route. He was rescued by an air force helicopter today and taken to hospital. The Hualien County Fire Department dispatched 2 teams totaling 15 people, from the fire department, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, the Yuli Precinct and East Search, to conduct search and rescue operations.
Kaohsiung Medical University teams up with Taiwanese manufacturers to localize medical devices and build a resilient national medical team
Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital (KMUH), citing instability in petrochemical supply chains amid tensions in the Middle East, signed a letter of intent to cooperate with Taiwan Advanced Co. The two sides will work to localize key medical devices, including instruments for minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, and aim to build a “resilient national medical team.” Under a “clinical co-creation” model, doctors will be directly involved in optimizing medical device designs to improve their clinical utility and shorten development time. Plans also call for building a smart minimally invasive surgery platform in the future, promoting the expansion of Taiwan’s high-quality medical devices into global markets.
HSBC survey: 88% of global companies adjust capital allocation in response to market volatility
A survey by HSBC Group found that amid heightened market volatility, 88% of companies had readjusted their capital allocation strategies. 50% of respondents said acquiring AI, key technologies and related infrastructure would be most important to their international strategies over the next 3 years. In addition, 94% of companies were optimistic about international growth opportunities, and 93% planned to increase cross-border trade and investment over the next 5 years. Taiwan is expected to attract international capital and serve as a bridge between Asia and the world, drawing on its strengths in semiconductors and ICT supply chains.
Car crashes into traffic island in Taichung; driver trapped, rescued by police and firefighters in critical condition
On the morning of the 15th, a car driven by a 66-year-old man crashed into a traffic island in Taichung’s Dali District. The man was rescued but was in cardiac arrest and was taken to hospital.
Companies mentioned：台中市消防局、台中市警局霧峰分局、大里仁愛醫院
Active Taiwan stock ETFs become mainstream; 5 launched since April
Active ETFs have become mainstream in Taiwan. Since April, 5 actively managed Taiwan stock ETFs from fund companies including Cathay, Morgan, Nomura, Fubon and Uni-President have been listed or opened for subscription. Uni-President Investment Trust’s “00981A” surpassed NT$100 billion in market capitalization in early April, becoming Taiwan’s first active ETF to exceed NT$100 billion in size. Since the Financial Supervisory Commission announced the opening of active ETFs at the end of 2024, more than 25 have been listed in less than 1 year, with total market capitalization exceeding NT$270 billion.
National Education Action Alliance: Gender Equality Education Act causing collective anxiety on campuses; proposes 3 directions for amendments
Taiwan’s National Education Action Alliance (國教盟) said the current Gender Equality Education Act is causing collective anxiety on campuses and called for amendments at a hearing in the Legislative Yuan. It cited 3 problems with the law: “unclear boundaries,” “procedures that cause harm” and “a lack of education,” and proposed 3 directions for amendments: clarifying definitions, routing cases appropriately and returning to an educational approach. In particular, it argued that the legal liability for mandatory reporting should be adjusted and a “good-faith judgment” exemption added, so school staff do not make excessive reports under administrative pressure.
TVBS denies Chen Ya-lan will not renew contract; Taiwanese opera reality show in preparation
Amid rumors of layoffs at TVBS, the broadcaster denied reports that its actor Chen Ya-lan would not renew her contract. The two sides are currently preparing a reality show about Taiwanese opera.
Companies mentioned：TVBS、鏡週刊
Original男撞死人肇逃4天辯感冒不知情 嘉檢起訴
Last December, a man surnamed Xia struck and killed a woman riding a bicycle in Chiayi County. He fled for 4 days after the crash and claimed he had been unaware of what happened because he was sick with a cold, but surveillance footage led investigators to conclude that he knew about the accident. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office indicted him for negligent homicide and hit-and-run, and sought a heavy sentence.
Hsinchu woman sentenced to 10 days’ detention after dog without leash or muzzle injures someone
A woman surnamed Zhang in Hsinchu was sentenced to 10 days’ detention for negligent injury after her aggressive dog injured someone while not wearing a leash or muzzle. The incident occurred on March 5 last year, when Zhang’s dog lunged at a woman surnamed Chen in an elevator lobby and caused a laceration to her abdomen. The court denied a suspended sentence because Zhang did not admit to the offense and no settlement was reached with the victim. The court emphasized that pet owners should ensure their pets are properly controlled and use protective equipment.
US military: Iran’s maritime trade completely cut off less than 36 hours after blockade of its ports
The commander of US Central Command said Iran’s maritime trade had been completely halted in less than 36 hours after the blockade of Iranian ports. Maritime trade accounts for about 90% of Iran’s economy. President Donald Trump suggested that US-Iran peace talks could resume this week. The Chinese tanker Fu Xing, which is under US sanctions, turned back toward the Strait of Hormuz after leaving the Persian Gulf. The US military said it had blocked 8 Iran-linked tankers since the blockade began on the 13th.
6 current and retired military personnel sentenced in China espionage case involving military aircraft secrets
6 current and retired Taiwanese military personnel were convicted by the High Court of being recruited by China to investigate, collect and hand over military secrets. Yang Bozhi uploaded classified information from a colleague’s military computer to the cloud and passed it to China through his sister, Yang Qianhui. Wang Wenhao and 5 others worked for a Chinese organization, collecting and leaking classified materials. Under the National Security Act, the court sentenced Qiu Hanlin to 8 years and 6 months in prison, Yang Qianhui to 8 years, Tan Junming to 7 years and 2 months, Wang Wenhao to 7 years, and Lu Fangqi to 6 years for attempted offenses. Yang Bozhi was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months under the Armed Forces Punishment Act. Criminal proceeds of between NT$80,000 and NT$500,000 will be confiscated.
April Taiwan stock index futures rise 266 points
Taiwan stocks closed 426.02 points higher at 36722.14 on the 15th, while April Taiwan stock index futures ended up 266 points at 36643.
Companies mentioned：台湾先物取引所 (期交所)
April electronic and financial futures both rise
April electronic and financial futures both rose in Taiwan trading on the 15th. Electronic futures closed up 21.55 points, while financial futures gained 0.6 points.
Companies mentioned：台湾先物取引所 (期交所)
Taiwan stocks rise 426.02 points
Taiwan stocks closed at 36722.14 on the 15th, up 426.02 points from the previous day. Trading value exceeded NT$982 billion, with machinery and electrical stocks leading the gains.
Companies mentioned：友達、群創、元大台灣價值高息、統一台股增長、台玻、柏承、誠美材、元晶、鴻碩、普安、旺宏、台化、瑞軒、志聖、鼎元
US influencer sentenced to 6 months in South Korea for kissing comfort woman statue
US YouTuber Johnny Somali, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, sparked public outrage after posting a video of himself kissing a South Korean comfort woman statue. The Seoul Western District Court sentenced him to 6 months in prison for disturbing public order and obstructing business. Somali had previously stirred controversy by posting provocative videos in South Korea and Japan. He deleted the video and apologized, but faced harsh public criticism. South Korean authorities indicted him in 2024 and barred him from leaving the country.
Indian migrant worker policy sparks debate; Lin Po-feng says easing caps is more important than countries of origin
Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce Chairman Lin Po-feng said that, in Taiwan’s foreign worker policy, easing limits on the share of foreign workers is more important than debate over sending countries such as India.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、三三會、勞動部、IMF
Unemployed Tainan woman arrested after hiding 2 knives and robbing fast-food restaurant
A 47-year-old unemployed woman carrying a concealed knife tried to steal cash from a fast-food restaurant's register. When discovered, she turned to robbery and was arrested.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、台南市警察局第二分局
NBA: Trail Blazers' Avdija scores 41, beats Suns to advance to Western Conference playoffs
In the NBA play-in tournament, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns 114-110 to advance to the Western Conference playoffs. Trail Blazers player Deni Avdija scored 41 points and recorded 12 assists, helping secure the win. Despite the loss, the Suns still have a chance to compete for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Tsai Ming-chung and Tsai Ming-hsing lead Fubon talks, focusing on 4 topics including fraud prevention
Fubon Group held “FUBON Talks” featuring employee speakers to mark its 65th anniversary. Frontline staff shared their practical experience on 4 major themes, including financial fraud prevention and the use of AI.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、富邦集團、富邦金控
59 students fall ill after meal on Pingzhen Junior High School's graduation trip to Yunlin; 30 remain hospitalized
During a graduation trip to Janfusun Resort in Yunlin County, 59 students from Taoyuan Municipal Pingzhen Junior High School reported symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea after a meal and were taken to hospital. Initial diagnoses indicated acute gastroenteritis, and 30 students are currently under observation at National Cheng Kung University Hospital. The Taoyuan City Education Department said it would hold the operator accountable and seek compensation if problems are found with its hygiene management. The students are scheduled to return to school at 1:40 p.m. today, and the department will continue to monitor their health.
TSMC closes at a record NT$2,080; Taiwan stocks finish at 36,722, setting another record
Taiwan's stock market closed at a record 36,722 points, buoyed by gains on the U.S. market. Leading the rally, TSMC shares also set a new closing record at NT$2,080.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、台積電（TSMC）
Workshops at 3 New Taipei schools transformed into creative hubs, winning 4 design awards
Three technical high schools in New Taipei City revamped their training workshops and won 4 international design awards, including Japan's Good Design Award. The awards recognized the modernization of educational environments and the creation of learning spaces suited to industry needs.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、三重商工、淡水商工、瑞芳高工、新北市教育局
Tainan to hold cybersecurity attack-and-defense competition, using city government information systems as a live training ground
Tainan City will work with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and others to hold a cybersecurity attack-and-defense exercise in June, using the city's live systems as its setting.
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、台南市政府、美國在台協會（AIT）
Japan | EDINET 金融庁開示（2）
Amended Annual Securities Report — 28th Fiscal Year (2024/10/01–2025/09/30)
株式会社サイバーエージェント submitted an amended annual securities report for the 28th fiscal year (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025). The filing corrects errors in previously submitted information and ensures the accuracy of its financial information and disclosures.
Companies mentioned：株式会社サイバーエージェント
Amended Annual Securities Report — 66th Fiscal Year (2025/01/01–2025/12/31)
株式会社ミルボン submitted an amended annual securities report for the 66th fiscal year (January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025). The filing corrects errors in previously submitted information and ensures the accuracy of its financial information and disclosures.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ミルボン