https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.htmlOne place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 272 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 73 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.en https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135289https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135289Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:26:49 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei of Major League Baseball’s Houston Astros pitched in relief on April 17, throwing 2 scoreless innings. He clocked a top speed of 154 kph, but the Astros lost 2-3 to the Rockies, and Teng was not involved in the decision. The Astros took a 2-run lead in the 1st inning, but the Rockies scored in the 3rd and 4th innings to take the lead. Teng came on in the 8th and allowed 1 hit while pitching 2 scoreless innings. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135294https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135294Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:26:16 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe speed cameras at the 70.7-kilometer mark of Provincial Highway 14 in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, and the 1.35-kilometer mark of Dongmin Road in Nantou City have been replaced with new digital radar units due to aging equipment. The upgrades are expected to improve the accuracy of violation detection, and the cameras are scheduled to resume operation on July 1. A total of 99 traffic accidents occurred at the 2 locations over the past 2 years, prompting officials to determine that stronger speed controls were needed. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135290https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135290Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:24:47 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA fire at a Tainan home led to the discovery that it was packed with comics and clutter. After 2 days of cleanup, 2.5 metric tons of trash were removed. The homeowner previously ran a comic book shop. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135296https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135296Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:22:36 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaiwan’s Legislative Yuan today passed amendments to Article 101-1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure at the third reading. The amendments expand the grounds for preventive detention to include offenses such as driving under the influence, killing a child, sexual image abuse, violations of the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act and violations of the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act. Both the ruling and opposition parties submitted their own proposals, and the Judicial Yuan also backed the amendments. The changes aim to address social harm and the risk of repeat offenses, including the recent rise in child and youth sexual exploitation and fraud, protect potential victims and facilitate investigations. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135298https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135298Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:21:16 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe French-language version of “The Builder: The Bet of the Century,” a documentary tracing Taiwan’s semiconductor development, premiered on the evening of April 15 in Quebec, Canada, followed by a discussion. The film depicts the development of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and the resilience of its people in overcoming adversity. The screening was co-hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Montreal, the University of Montreal and the Canada Pacific Foundation. More than 100 people attended and were deeply moved. The Canada Pacific Foundation’s latest opinion poll found that Canadians have a highly favorable view of Taiwan, indicating broad public support for Taiwan-Canada relations. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135292https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135292Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:20:42 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that Taiwan Sugar, Taiwan Power, CPC Corp. and Taiwan Water will recruit a total of 394 new employees across 4 state-owned enterprises in fiscal 115. Starting salaries will be about NT$46,000, and the first-stage exam will be held on October 18. Positions span a wide range of fields, including business administration, human resources, accounting and finance, information technology, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. Detailed recruitment information is scheduled to be published on the website on June 18, 115. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135293https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135293Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:18:40 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Legislative Yuan passed amendments to Article 106 of the Court Organization Act at the third reading. The amendments specify that victims may apply to view deliberation opinions after a verdict becomes final, and that deliberation records in cases with a final death sentence must be kept permanently. The amendments were based on a proposal by KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling, with amendments proposed by Wu Tsung-hsien and others adopted. They aim to maintain social order and ensure fair trial procedures. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135295https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135295Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:15:36 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAUS Secretary of War Hegseth criticized media coverage of the war with Iran by quoting the Bible. He likened anti-Trump reporters to the Pharisees who sought to destroy Jesus, deepening the rift between President Trump and Pope Leo 14. Hegseth claimed that the media had long harbored hatred for Trump. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135297https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135297Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:11:32 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNASakuliu Pavavalung, a Paiwan artist and National Award for Arts winner, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison for forcible sexual intercourse in both the first and second trials over allegations of sexually assaulting a woman. The Supreme Court recently dismissed his appeal, making the sentence final. The incident occurred on February 9, 2021, at his home in Sandimen Township, Pingtung County. The court found that Pavavalung drove the woman to a ravine and sexually assaulted her. Based on evidence including the victim’s medical report, messaging app records and photographs of the scene, the court found him guilty and handed down the sentence, taking into account his lack of remorse. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135301https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135301Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:10:02 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Middle East war entered its 48th day, as Israel and Lebanon reached a 10-day ceasefire agreement. US President Trump announced that the United States and Iran were nearing a peace deal and that Iran had agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium. The developments have offered signs of easing tensions. The ceasefire took effect at midnight local time, and Trump said he hoped Hezbollah would “behave well.” https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135299https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135299Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:09:28 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Taiwan Alzheimer’s Disease Association set up a booth at the World Alzheimer’s Congress in Lyon, France, where Hsu Ching-chi, director of Weixin Hospital, presented a paper. Hsu gave an English-language presentation on “The Relationship Between Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality,” attracting interest from researchers from Germany, Hong Kong and France. The study found that the Mediterranean diet can help prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Hsu displayed the Republic of China flag to highlight the strengths of Taiwan’s medical care. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135300https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135300Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:06:26 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe New Taiwan dollar fell 1.9 fen against the US dollar at midday, provisionally closing at 31.575, with trading volume of US$637 million. This is a routine report on the foreign exchange market. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135304https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135304Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:06:20 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAMinister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien said Taiwan would strengthen mechanisms to protect core technologies through legislation, enforcement and governance, with the aim of boosting the island’s high-tech competitiveness. Amendments to the National Security Act will establish new offenses for economic espionage and the unauthorized overseas use of national core key technologies, elevating the protection of trade secrets to the level of national security. Prosecutors will also work with science parks to provide businesses with more support in protecting trade secrets. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135303https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135303Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:56:19 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAOn the opening day of the LPGA Los Angeles Championship, Taiwanese professional golfer Chien Pei-yun carded 69 with 5 birdies and 2 bogeys, placing her tied for 40th provisionally and making her the top Taiwanese player. She trails leader Chisato Iwai by 6 strokes. Five Taiwanese players are competing in the tournament, including Yani Tseng, Hsu Wei-ling, Cheng Ssu-chia and Hou Yu-sang. Chien played steadily, particularly on the front 9, where she shot 34. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135217https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135217Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:56:14 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Kaohsiung City Agriculture Bureau has opened applications for the “115 Kaohsiung Youth Agriculture Business Incubation Program,” continuing to offer professional consulting grants of up to NT$200,000. This year, eligibility has been expanded to people aged 18 to 55 who are registered in Kaohsiung and whose production base or workplace is in the city. The program will introduce AI digital tools to help young farmers develop proposals. The bureau aims to strengthen young farmers’ business operations and growth potential, and promote the diversification and sustainable development of Kaohsiung agriculture. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135212https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135212Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:52:15 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNACross-party caucus negotiations in 立法院 decide that the approval vote on the prosecutor-general nominee will be held by roll call on the morning of May 5. Incumbent Prosecutor-General Hsing Tai-chao's term is nearing its end, and the president has nominated Hsu Hsi-hsiang to succeed him. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135213https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135213Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:50:13 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe French parliament passed a bill simplifying procedures for returning artworks and cultural artifacts looted between 1815 and 1972 to their countries of origin. The legislation follows President Macron’s pledge to make the return of cultural property a political commitment. France is currently facing numerous restitution requests from countries including Algeria, Mali and Benin. The move is seen as a significant step forward in the global campaign to return artworks acquired during the colonial era. In particular, China Daily reported that it could also have a positive effect on efforts to return Chinese cultural artifacts held at the Palace of Fontainebleau. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135214https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135214Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:49:10 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAs China calls for direct cross-strait flights, DPP legislative caucus secretary-general Fan Yun said it was the Chinese Communist Party, not Taiwan, that had consistently politicized and weaponized exchanges. The DPP supports healthy and orderly exchanges, she said, but stressed that they should be based on strength. She also called on Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu to conduct a rigorous review of an application for a subsidy to the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135215https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135215Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:48:08 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAChen Wu-hsiung, founder of the Ho-Tung Group, has received a final sentence of 4 years and 6 months in prison for violating the Banking Act and other offenses in a fraudulent loan case involving Taiwan Youli chain gas stations. From 2010 to 2012, Chen defrauded banks of NT$3.933 billion in the name of Youli Corp., leaving NT$782,884,673 in principal unpaid. The High Court found that he had previously fled and showed no remorse. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135216https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135216Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:48:06 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Keelung-registered fishing vessel Quan Yu No. 6 caught fire yesterday, and the Coast Guard Administration’s Taoyuan vessel is searching for Captain Zhang, who lost contact in waters about 131 nautical miles northeast of Pengjia Islet. The fire broke out in waters about 77 nautical miles northeast of the Diaoyutai Islands, within Japan’s search-and-rescue zone. The captain and 6 Filipino crew members were aboard. The 6 crew members were rescued by the companion vessel Quan Yu No. 36, but bad weather has made it difficult to transfer them to the Taoyuan. The Coast Guard Administration is coordinating with Japan and has deployed a drifting buoy to measure currents, continuing the search and making every effort to find the missing captain. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135218https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135218Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:40:43 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAlthough TSMC’s earnings briefing was positive news, profit-taking sent Taiwan stocks down about 300 points intraday, below the 37,000-point level. Small- and mid-cap electronics stocks, however, were active, and the OTC index hit a record high. WinWay, dubbed the queen of stocks, rose above NT$10,000 for the first time, joining stock king ASPEED in ushering in an era of dual five-figure stocks. Semiconductor equipment, AI materials, upstream PCB materials and silicon photonics-related stocks were strong, with many shares hitting the daily limit. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135219https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135219Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:36:41 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAn on-site visit to the construction of the Danjiang Bridge was held today, but confusing information left the public unsure whether they could go onto the bridge. The New Taipei City Government’s Department of Civil Affairs stressed that members of the public could go up and view the bridge without registering in advance. District offices had initially said the event was only for groups and volunteer leaders, while Mayor Hou Yu-ih said 20,000 commemorative cards would be prepared, resulting in conflicting information. The department said the public could go onto the bridge once safety was ensured, subject to on-site restrictions. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135220https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135220Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:29:39 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNACivic groups on April 17 asked the Control Yuan to investigate, alleging that the Taichung City Government had turned a blind eye to Hu Li Steel’s illegal operations. Hu Li Steel received an order to suspend operations 3 and a half years ago but continues to operate illegally. Residents have complained about noise and said the city government’s response has been passive. They asked the Control Yuan to investigate possible administrative and dereliction-of-duty failures by the city government and urge it to take concrete enforcement action. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135221https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135221Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:28:37 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe CF720 contract section of the Taipei Metro Circular Line’s Eastern Section held a groundbreaking ceremony on April 17, becoming the 4th construction section of the Eastern Section. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an stressed that the project demonstrated his resolve and commitment to solving transportation problems in the Neihu District. The section includes 2 underground stations, Y33 and Y34, and 2 shield tunnels, spanning about 1.8 kilometers. Once completed, it will take 11 minutes to travel from Neihu Technology Park to Shilin Station and 14 minutes to Elephant Mountain Station. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135186https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135186Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:26:35 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAIn response to Labor Minister Hung Sun-han’s consideration of bringing in Indian migrant workers, Fu Kun-chi, caucus whip of the Kuomintang legislative caucus, called on Premier Cho Jung-tai to deliver a special report to the Legislative Yuan on the proposal. Fu stressed that the government needed comprehensive measures to ensure public safety and social stability, taking into account security concerns and cultural differences. He specifically cited a lack of respect for women in India and called for the protection of Taiwanese women. He also addressed budget proposals to raise military salaries and increase the pension replacement rate for police and firefighters. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135187https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135187Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:26:33 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAIn a case in which a 5-month-old boy died after being abused by his parents and another woman in Tainan last year, and his body was dumped in a drainage channel in Xinshi District, the Tainan District Prosecutors Office charged 3 people today. The boy was born in July last year and was repeatedly assaulted by his father, surnamed Fang, his mother, surnamed Lin, and a woman, surnamed Ling, before his death. After the boy died, the 3 wrapped his body in a garbage bag and a plastic bag and dumped it in a drainage ditch in Xinshi District. The case is set to be heard by a court with lay judges. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135196https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135196Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:26:19 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA台61線西濱快速公路中彰大橋路段で、本日未明に5台が絡む追突事故が発生した。この事故で化学槽車1台が横転し、酢酸メチルが路面に流出し、3人が負傷して病院に搬送された。双方向の車線が占拠され、午後3時の復旧が見込まれている。彰化県環保局は、廃棄物清理法に基づき告発する方針。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135195https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135195Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:26:15 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAWu Se-chih, director of the Taiwan Thinktank’s China Affairs Research Center, said Taiwan’s values-based diplomacy was part of a competition between democracy and China’s authoritarian governance model. Taiwan emphasizes building local capacity, providing aid without political conditions and sharing values, establishing long-term trust through the work of medical and agricultural technology teams in Africa. By contrast, China’s Belt and Road Initiative has been criticized as debt-trap diplomacy, with political coercion behind its economic incentives. Wu stressed that these distinct diplomatic models highlight the fundamental differences between democratic and authoritarian systems. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135211https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135211Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:26:09 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAPeace talks between the United States and Iran are expected to take months, and Gulf countries and Europe are calling for an extension of the ceasefire. Sources familiar with the matter say an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is desired; if shipping has not resumed by next month, a global food crisis could occur. Gulf countries believe Iran’s intentions regarding nuclear development have not changed and argue that a peace agreement should prohibit uranium enrichment and long-range ballistic missiles. However, many Gulf leaders oppose a resumption of the war and want a diplomatic solution. The ceasefire agreement expires next week, and the United States and Iran are considering a 2-week extension, but an agreement remains uncertain. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135193https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135193Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:24:49 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAJapanese pairs figure skaters Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara, known as RikuRyu, have announced their retirement. The pair teamed up in 2019, finished 7th at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and won Japan’s first-ever world championship gold in 2023. They won gold at the Milan Winter Olympics in February this year, completing a golden grand slam. In their retirement statement, they said they had no regrets about their competitive careers and would take on new challenges together. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135188https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135188Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:22:31 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA Pew Research Center survey found that the share of Americans with a favorable view of China has nearly doubled since 2023, reaching 27%. However, a majority still regard China as a competitor. Favorability has risen particularly among Democrats and younger people. Confidence in President Xi Jinping has also increased by 4 percentage points from last year, nearly doubling compared with 2023. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135189https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135189Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:21:28 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNASeveral banks in China have announced the suspension of some credit card products, mainly co-branded and themed cards. At the end of 2025, the total number of credit cards and combined credit-and-debit cards issued was about 696 million, down 13.75% from the historic peak. The decline comes amid tighter regulation, risk management and changes in market conditions. The phaseout of inactive cards and the spread of online financial products have also had an impact. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135190https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135190Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:18:26 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNADemocratic Progressive Party legislator Lin Chun-hsien said public-service hotlines such as the 165 anti-scam hotline, the 1980 teacher counseling hotline and the 1995 Lifeline are charged by some telecom operators, including Far EasTone and Taiwan Mobile. He called on the government to allocate funds to make them free nationwide. Calls to the 165 hotline reached 475,000 in 2023, with usage on the rise. The National Communications Commission and the Ministry of Health and Welfare discussed subsidizing costs and expanding service capacity. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135191https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135191Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:15:24 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced that a total of 104,645 seats will be available on routes to Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu during this year’s Dragon Boat Festival holiday, June 19–21. Bookings open at 9 a.m. on April 20. Restrictions including same-day travel only and forfeiture after expiration will apply to peak-period tickets, and refund fees will be charged on a sliding scale. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135192https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135192Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:14:22 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA台北市産業発展局は、陽明山の竹子湖で海芋（カラーリリー）が3月から4月にかけて満開を迎え、4月末までが最も美しい見頃であると発表した。2026竹子湖海芋季が開催されており、花畑の鑑賞、写真撮影、特色ある飲食が楽しめる。交通局とバス会社は、5月上旬まで公共交通サービスを提供し、市民に利用を促している。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135198https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135198Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:12:57 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe U.S. House of Representatives rejected a Democratic proposal to limit President Donald Trump’s war powers regarding Iran. The vote fell along party lines, with almost all Republican lawmakers voting against it. Congress is concerned about the rising cost and uncertain outcome of the 6-week conflict in the Middle East. The White House budget director refused to disclose the burden on taxpayers. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135194https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135194Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:10:18 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Chinese Embassy in Japan said it had negotiated with the Japanese side nearly 30 times after receiving a series of threats in March, but that the investigation had made no progress. On March 5, it received a threatening letter warning of an attack from a group claiming to include former police officers and former Self-Defense Forces personnel. On March 24, an active-duty Self-Defense Forces member entered the embassy. Then, on March 31, a former reserve Self-Defense Forces member threatened online to plant a bomb. The embassy said the incidents violated international law and were extremely malicious acts that threatened China’s sovereignty and the safety of its diplomats. It strongly urged Japan to resolve the cases promptly and impose severe punishment on those involved. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135197https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135197Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:06:11 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAU.S. President Donald Trump described the conflict with Iran as a “small episode” in his 2nd term and appealed to voters by touting his economic record. Recent polls show low public support for the conflict. At an event in Las Vegas, Nevada, Trump praised his economic record in his 1st term as “the best in history” and said of the Iran issue that “we had to do it before something bad happened.” Polls show that 51% consider the cost of the Iran conflict unjustified, while 65% blame Trump for rising gasoline prices. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135104https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135104Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:52:16 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe 19-year-old Dodgers minor-league outfielder 柯敬賢 began the new season at a new 1A ballpark. During spring training, former professional baseball player 胡金龍 taught him an aggressive approach to hitting, and he adjusted his swing in an effort to improve his power. 柯敬賢 had strong results in the rookie league last year, but his batting numbers were lackluster in 1A, so this year he plans to be aggressive at the plate as well as selective. 胡金龍 advised him that a pitcher may make only one mistake, so he should always be aggressive and not miss the best pitch. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135102https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135102Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:47:07 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Hanxi Mazu “遶境十八庄” procession organized by Taichung’s Lecheng Temple began today (lunar March 1) and will run for 22 days. Interior Minister 劉世芳 and Taichung Mayor 盧秀燕 were among those taking part. 劉世芳 said Mazu’s protection had helped Taichung become a flourishing city, while 盧秀燕 thanked Mazu for bringing rain to Deji Reservoir. The procession is designated an intangible cultural asset of Taichung City, and believers have deep faith in Mazu’s protection. The event will continue until Mazu returns to the temple on May 8 (lunar March 22). https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135103https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135103Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:44:05 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA教育部が2026年「対外華語教学能力認定試験要項」を公告し、5月15日から29日正午まで受験申し込みを受け付ける。試験は7月25日と26日に実施され、成績は3年間有効で、海外での華語教師としての就職機会に活用できる。受験はオンライン登録後、必要書類を「国立台湾大学教務処研究生教務組」へ郵送する方式で、現場での申し込みは受け付けない。この試験は専門の華語教師を選抜するための資格条件であり、2026年には新制度が実施される予定だ。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135108https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135108Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:43:16 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA 10-day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel took effect, and U.S. President Trump suggested that the next talks between the United States and Iran could be held this weekend. This has raised hopes of an end to the war in Iran. Trump said Iran had proposed not possessing nuclear weapons for more than 20 years, and emphasized that if an agreement is reached, oil prices will fall sharply and inflation will ease. However, the ceasefire remains fragile, and the Lebanese army has reported Israeli violations of the truce. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135105https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135105Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:40:00 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAForeign Minister 林佳龍 exchanged views on academic cooperation, talent development and sustainable tourism with Belize’s deputy education minister and the president of the University of Belize. 林佳龍 expressed hope for stronger cooperation between universities in Taiwan and Belize. In particular, National Chung Hsing University, Da-Yeh University and Meiho University have signed memorandums of cooperation with the University of Belize, deepening ties in higher education. This is expected to provide young people in both countries with a range of learning opportunities. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135106https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135106Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:35:58 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA微星科技 announced that its new-generation MSI Eco Series charging stations, Eco Life and Eco Premium, have received OCPP 1.6 international certification. This demonstrates that the company’s products fully comply with mainstream international standards. OCPP is a global communications standard for interoperability between electric vehicle charging equipment and management software, and is considered an important benchmark, particularly for public-sector tenders in Europe and North America and large-scale energy infrastructure. 微星 said the certification marks an important milestone in expanding its presence in the energy industry. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135107https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260417-12/index-en-p4.html#n135107Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:33:56 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA man surnamed Lin in Taichung City sold a mobile phone number to a fraud ring for NT$1,000. The number was then used in a fraud case in which a woman was swindled out of NT$43.3 million. The Taichung District Court ordered Lin to pay the full amount in compensation. In addition to selling the phone number, Lin also posted a fake advertisement on Facebook and defrauded buyers of NT$6,860. The court found that Lin had facilitated fraud for a small profit and convicted him of aiding fraud and online fraud.