KMT suspends membership rights for 1 year; Hsiao Ching-yen wins New Taipei’s Xijin-Wan district council primary poll
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the KMT’s New Taipei City council primary, Hsiao Ching-yen, who is serving a 1-year suspension of party rights, won the opinion poll. A rival candidate also declared a victory, causing confusion.
Companies and workers affected by reduced shifts both decline; labor ministry says orders have stabilized
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The latest figures released by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor show that 245 companies and 3,442 workers are covered by unpaid leave, down from previous figures. A recovery in orders is cited as the main factor.
Social worker in Kai-kai case sentenced to 2 years; Yu Fang: Any sentence would be too lenient
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the abuse death case of 1-year-old boy Kai-kai, the social worker in charge was sentenced to 2 years in prison for negligent homicide. Support groups and public figures have protested that the sentence is “too lenient.”
Higher education internationalization forum warns of concern that Taiwan degrees are becoming career stepping stones for talent
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Experts at a forum on the internationalization of Taiwan’s higher education expressed concern that Taiwan degrees are becoming “career stepping stones” for foreign talent.
Cho Jung-tai: After the general budget is referred to committee, agencies will be asked to implement NT$71.8 billion in new projects
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Agreement was reached in Taiwan’s 立法院 to send this year’s general budget bill to committee for review, and the 行政院 will move ahead with implementing NT$71.8 billion in funding for new projects.
Police: Traffic controls to be imposed in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District for April 18 rally and march supporting marijuana decriminalization
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Police will impose traffic controls as groups supporting marijuana decriminalization hold a rally and march in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District on April 18.
Kaohsiung woman drives under the influence of drugs in Tainan, hits motorcycles stopped at a red light; 3 injured and hospitalized
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A 43-year-old woman from Kaohsiung drove under the influence of etomidate in Tainan and crashed into 3 motorcycles waiting at a traffic light, injuring 3 people.
Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries hit a record high in February; Taiwan ranks among the top 10 holders with NT$9.9 trillion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries reached a record $9.49 trillion in February this year. Taiwan remained the world’s 10th-largest holder, with NT$9.9 trillion (about $313.5 billion).
Tainan secures more than NT$35 million in subsidies; baseball field renovations completed at 6 schools
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan City secured about NT$35.52 million in subsidies from the 中央政府 and completed renovations to baseball fields at 6 elementary and junior high schools in the city. The improvements will enhance the safety and quality of sports facilities.
Baishatun Mazu arrives in Beigang, welcomed into temple by crowds of thousands
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage from Miaoli arrived in Beigang Township, Yunlin County. More than 460,000 people took part, a record, and the procession received an enthusiastic welcome.
34,000 places available for 4-year technical college and 2-year junior college admissions selection; identity review and fee payment underway
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
For the general admission track under the 115 academic year (2026) recommendation system for 4-year technical colleges and 2-year junior colleges, 119 schools are participating and offering 34,615 places.
中華郵政 offers more than 900 job openings, starting pay from NT$41,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中華郵政(Taiwan Post)will hold recruitment exams in July for 983 full-time employees, among others, as it prepares for a wave of retirements. Starting pay is about NT$41,000.
12 years after South Korea’s Sewol ferry disaster, Lee Jae-myung says tragedy must not be repeated
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung marked the 12th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster by calling for an end to the disregard for safety. An index of related documents is also expected to be released early next month.
Kai-kai case: Social worker Chen Shang-jie sentenced to 2 years for failing to act despite being key to rescue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the child abuse death case known as the Kai-kai case, the Taipei District Court sentenced a female social worker with the Child Welfare League Foundation to 2 years in prison for negligent homicide. The court cited her failure to fulfill her duty to intervene despite her professional role.
Drill-bit maker Topoint raises NT$600 million in private placement; Zhen Ding and Unimicron subscribe to shore up supply chain
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Drill-bit maker 尖点(Topoint)will issue privately placed convertible bonds of up to NT$600 million to meet rising demand for high-end products. 臻鼎-KY and 欣興 have said they will subscribe, helping strengthen the supply chain.
NDC: Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Great Silicon Valley shows results, accelerates AI and semiconductor upgrades
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The National Development Council reported progress on the “Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Great Silicon Valley Initiative,” saying it has delivered concrete results in promoting investment and developing talent in AI and semiconductors.
Agency Against Corruption releases national anti-corruption report, highlights 10 areas aligned with international standards
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
法務部廉政署 released the “3rd National Report on the United Nations Convention against Corruption,” highlighting Taiwan’s anti-corruption achievements and alignment with international standards through 10 examples of best practices, including the addition of the crime of obstructing justice.
International Green and Smart Transportation Forum focuses on AI applications and net-zero transition
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 13th International Green and Smart Transportation Forum was held in Taipei, with discussions focusing on AI applications, the transition to carbon neutrality, and road pricing systems.簡又新, chairman of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy, said transportation systems are being shaped by digital transformation, climate change, and public expectations.井琪, general manager of Far EasTone Telecommunications, shared examples of the company’s introduction of the world’s first multi-lane free-flow ETC system and installation of more than 100,000 smart connected streetlights. She said collecting and analyzing data from transportation infrastructure supports sustainable development, traffic management, and public safety.
In the 3A league, Hao-Yu Lee of the Detroit Tigers organization hit his first home run of the season. Zheng Zongzhe of the Boston Red Sox organization drew 2 walks. Fairchild of the Cleveland Guardians organization had 3 hits, including a home run, while Johnson of the Chicago Cubs organization went 1-for-5. The Tigers' 3A team lost 5-9 to the Reds' 3A team. The Guardians' 3A team beat the Cubs' 3A team 9-4. The Red Sox' 3A team lost 3-5 to the Brewers' 3A team.
Social Worker in Kai Kai Case Sentenced to 2 Years; Child Welfare League Says It Will Strengthen Risk Reviews and Child Abuse Detection
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the case of the boy Kai Kai, who was abused to death, a social worker was sentenced to 2 years in prison for negligent homicide. The Child Welfare League expressed regret and said it had reviewed and revised its service procedures. It will strengthen risk reassessments, evaluations of unusual signs, and child abuse detection mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Taiwanese Fishing Boat Catches Fire off Ishigaki Island; Captain Missing as Japan Launches Search and Rescue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taiwanese fishing boat Chuan Yu No. 6 caught fire off Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture. Six of the 7 crew members were rescued, but the captain is missing.
Kyoto Boy's Death in Japan; Japanese Media: Stepfather Admits to Murder
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the case of an 11-year-old boy who died in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, his 37-year-old stepfather was arrested on suspicion of abandoning a corpse and admitted to killing him.
Hong Kong Faces Birthrate Crisis; Officials Forecast Sharp Drop in Junior High Enrollment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Hong Kong's declining birthrate is worsening, and the number of first-year junior high students is forecast to fall 40% by 2035 compared with current levels. The desire to have children is also declining.
Nvidia's GTC Conference Returns to Taipei; Jensen Huang to Open Event with Keynote on 6/1
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
AI chip giant NVIDIA announced that its annual GTC Taipei technology conference will be held in Taipei from June 1 to 4. CEO Jensen Huang is expected to deliver a speech at 11 a.m. on June 1, unveiling breakthroughs in next-generation AI technology. The conference coincides with COMPUTEX Taipei and will focus on cutting-edge technologies such as AI and robotics.
Pingtung Man Sets Fire to Convenience Store and Robs It with Homemade Rosin-Oil Firebomb; Prosecutors Seek Heavy Sentence
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man in Pingtung, angered because he could not play a mobile game, allegedly set a fire using a homemade firebomb and robbed a convenience store with a knife. Pingtung prosecutors indicted him and sought a heavy sentence, saying he had seriously threatened public safety.
Kaohsiung Hsiao's Dissertation Copyright Case: Second Instance Finds Complaint Was Filed Within Time Limit, Sends Case Back for Retrial
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao's doctoral dissertation copyright case, the appeals court found that the lawsuit had been filed within the statute of limitations and sent the case back for a retrial. The court recognized substantial overlap between Kao's dissertation and copyrighted material belonging to the Institute for Information Industry. The first-instance court had dismissed the case on the grounds that the complaint was filed too late; that ruling has now been overturned.
China's Housing Market Slows; Shanghai Only First-Tier City to See New Home Prices Rise in March
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, home prices in 70 Chinese cities generally continued to decline in March. Shanghai was the only first-tier city where prices for newly built homes rose.
Still Sore After Being Hit by Pitch, Shohei Ohtani Makes First 'Pitch-Only' Start in 5 Years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani made his first start in 5 years as a pitcher only, without batting, because of lingering pain from a recent hit-by-pitch.
Companies mentioned:美國職棒大聯盟 (MLB)、洛杉磯道奇 (Los Angeles Dodgers)、洛杉磯天使 (Los Angeles Angels)、紐約大都會 (New York Mets)
外交部: Cross-Strait Relations Are Not Subordinate; Taiwan Has No Need to Consult China on President's Overseas Visits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
外交部 strongly rejected condemnation by China's Taiwan Affairs Office over President Lai Ching-te's visit to Eswatini in Africa, saying that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not subordinate to each other.
Cybersecurity Agency Issues Guide for SMEs; 3 Areas of Checks to Help Businesses Guard Against Hacking
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Administration for Cyber Security under the Ministry of Digital Affairs issued its Basic Cybersecurity Protection Guidelines for SMEs, proposing protective measures in 3 areas: account management, device and data management, and employee training.
Taiwan Stocks Rise More Than 200 Points Intraday Ahead of TSMC Earnings Conference, While TSMC Shares Turn Lower
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
With U.S. stocks rising on hopes for a second round of U.S.-Iran talks, Taiwan's weighted index gained more than 200 points intraday. Shares of TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.) fell ahead of its earnings conference, drawing attention to the performance of related stocks.
Companies mentioned:台積電(TSMC)、台達電(Delta Electronics)、鴻海(Foxconn)、聯電(UMC)、南茂(ChipMOS)、強茂(PANJIT)、晶心科(Andes)、祥碩(ASMedia)、日月光投控(ASE)、群創光電(InnoLux)、台塑(Formosa Plastics)、南亞(Nan Ya Plastics)、台化(FCFC)、台塑化(FPCC)、新海、台汽電、全國
Fire at Australian Refinery Could Disrupt Fuel Supply; Authorities Urge Public Not to Panic-Buy or Stockpile
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A fire at a major Australian refinery has raised concerns about the impact on fuel supplies. Authorities are urging the public not to panic-buy or stockpile fuel.
太巴塱紅糯米生活館 Reopens as Longitudinal Valley Indigenous Tourism Group Offers Diverse Welcome
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
太巴塱紅糯米生活館 in Hualien County, Taiwan, has reopened after recovering from fire and flood damage, with a new name. As a partner of the regional brand 縱谷原遊會, it is expected to serve as a hub for Indigenous culture and tourism.
U.S. and Iran Consider Extending Ceasefire; U.S. Reinforcements to Reach Middle East by Month's End
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The United States and Iran are considering a 2-week extension of their ceasefire to allow negotiations on a peace agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. reinforcements, including a carrier strike group, are expected to arrive in the Middle East by the end of this month.
Dajia Jenn Lann Temple Mazu Procession Begins on Apr. 17; Police Plan Traffic Controls in Dajia and Qingshui
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The annual pilgrimage procession of Mazu from Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung City will begin on the evening of April 17. Dajia police have planned multiple levels of traffic controls and provided information on temporary parking lots. Qingshui police will also impose flexible, mobile controls along the route and step up enforcement against violations to maintain traffic order and public peace.
Active ETFs are heating up: 主動國泰動能高息 surpasses NT$10 billion in assets 1 week after listing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Active ETFs are gaining popularity in Taiwan’s financial market, with 主動國泰動能高息 surpassing NT$10 billion in assets 1 week after listing. 主動統一台股增長 has also reached NT$136.3 billion.
Former Kaohsiung councilor 陳信瑜 suspected of defrauding assistant expenses; released on NT$400,000 bail after questioning
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former Kaohsiung City Council member 陳信瑜 was questioned by prosecutors on suspicion of defrauding more than NT$5 million in assistant expenses while in office. Prosecutors released her and her spouse on bail.
Tainan agricultural research station develops self-propelled steam sterilizer to improve soil management
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Tainan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station of the Ministry of Agriculture has developed a new “self-propelled soil steam sterilizer,” helping improve soil management and promote crop growth in greenhouse cultivation. To address the soil problems caused by continuous cropping, common in greenhouse cultivation, the machine uses high-temperature steam to sterilize soil, suppress soil pathogens and reduce the use of chemical pesticides, supporting both crop production and environmental sustainability. The self-propelled sterilizer features a crawler design, electric drive and wireless remote control, and can be operated efficiently by 1-2 people. It is effective in suppressing soil pathogens, pests and weed seeds.
Atlanta, U.S., series of attacks leaves 2 dead and 1 injured, including Department of Homeland Security employee
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man is suspected of carrying out a series of attacks in Atlanta, U.S., over the course of several hours, leaving 2 people dead and 1 seriously injured. The victims included an employee of the Department of Homeland Security, and the incident drew the attention of the Trump administration. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin voiced concern about the suspect’s U.S. citizenship, which he obtained in 2022. The suspect, Olaolukitan Adon Abel, was convicted of attacking police officers and others in California in October 2024 and has a prior criminal record. Authorities believe at least 1 victim was targeted at random and are continuing to investigate whether the other victims were as well.
Nantou plans to build a garbage incinerator; 陳駿季 urges consideration of effects on tea and leopard cats
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Nantou County government plans to establish a waste treatment and renewable energy center in Mingjian Township, but Agriculture Minister 陳駿季 has expressed concern, noting that the area is an important source of tea for bubble tea and a hotspot for leopard cats and pangolins. He stressed that the Ministry of Agriculture will review farmland conversion applications in accordance with three principles and urged local governments to take the effects on agriculture and wildlife conservation into account when making decisions.