Police University master's in-service program in technology investigations to start in September, offering government-funded tuition and official leave
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Central Police University will open a “Master’s In-Service Program in Technology Crime Investigation” in September and recruit 15 publicly funded students from among serving law enforcement personnel. The program aims to strengthen expertise in technology crime investigations, digital forensics and information security.
Mainland tourists allowed to visit Kinmen and Matsu but not Taiwan proper? Mainland Affairs Council says it insists on talks between the 小兩會
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Although Shanghai has allowed travel to Kinmen and Matsu, Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council continues to insist that tourism to Taiwan proper be discussed through the “small two associations,” citing China’s military actions and its political use of tourism. Kinmen and Matsu were opened first because their environments are more contained and the impact is limited.
New Taiwan dollar plunges during trading; central bank intervention brings it to 31.648, turning the monthly trend positive
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The New Taiwan dollar fell sharply as a hawkish stance from the U.S. Federal Reserve and escalating tensions in the Middle East boosted the U.S. dollar. Intervention by the central bank steadied the currency at a close of 31.648 yuan, though it turned higher for the month.
AI lifts exports and investment; first-quarter GDP growth of 13.69% nears a 39-year high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Driven by surging AI demand and strong private consumption, Taiwan’s GDP growth rate reached 13.69% in the first quarter, the highest in 39 years. Exports and investment fueled the economic growth.
As Falklands sovereignty dispute heats up, U.S. aircraft carrier heads to Argentina for joint military exercises
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
As the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands flared up again, the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz held joint military exercises with Argentina. The drills signal deepening ties between Argentina and the United States and have drawn attention to regional developments.
War and climate pressures tighten global rice supplies, threatening to push prices higher
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Fertilizer shortages and higher fuel costs caused by the Iran war, along with the effects of El Niño, are expected to reduce the area planted with rice across Asia and tighten global rice supplies. This could drive up rice prices and put pressure on household budgets, particularly in Asia and Africa.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange released the results of its 12th corporate governance evaluation, with 6 companies, including ASUS, making the top 5% for the first time. A total of 1810 companies were evaluated, with 50 listed companies and 40 over-the-counter companies selected for the top 5%.
Early childhood educators' union calls for professional development sessions to be scheduled during working hours ahead of Labor Day
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ahead of Labor Day, the National Early Childhood Education Industry Union urged the government to prioritize holding training for childcare and education staff during working hours. It called for an end to the current situation in which busy staff give up their days off to attend training, and for compliance with working-hour regulations.
Taiwan Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming proposed promoting urban forests as part of the “Climate Change Adaptation Green Multiplication Plan.” He announced a goal of planting 1 tree per person and greening a 1-kilometer-wide belt, with the aim of lowering the perceived urban temperature by 8 degrees.
Hsinchu County Police Department honors frontline staff ahead of Labor Day and opens the director's office for a music performance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ahead of Labor Day, 新竹縣政府警察局 held an event to show appreciation for frontline staff, including drivers, technicians and maintenance workers. It opened the director’s office and provided music performances and local snacks, creating a warm atmosphere to thank staff for their hard work.
Hualien barrier lake disaster drill evacuates more than 4,000 people; Chi Lien-cheng says exercise was successful
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
More than 4000 residents evacuated during a barrier-lake disaster prevention drill in Guangfu Township, Hualien County. Executive Yuan political affairs commissioner Chi Lien-cheng called the exercise “highly successful,” saying it was on a scale other counties and cities could not manage.
National Immigration Agency: Asylum seekers undergo a three-stage review and receive assistance if approved
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency, responding to public protests over providing political asylum to Myanmar nationals in Taiwan, rejected reports that the government was sending asylum seekers back to war zones as baseless. The agency said it provides petitioners with a 3-stage review process and support, stressing that its commitment to helping people who genuinely need protection remains unchanged.
Chinese student admitted to NTU through the Stars Program blocked from enrolling; Mainland Affairs Council says no exception for those who lose dependent residency status as adults
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Chinese student who had studied in Taiwan lost eligibility for dependent residency upon reaching adulthood and was refused admission to National Taiwan University after being accepted through the Stars Program. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said similar cases had occurred in the past and that it would not make an exception.
Ability Enterprise earns NT$1.05 per share in first quarter, advances 3 major initiatives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Asia Optical (亞光) posted record first-quarter revenue and gross operating profit for the same period, while EPS of 1.05 yuan was the second-highest for a first quarter. The company said it would pursue 3 major growth opportunities: a full rollout of lenses for humanoid robots, accelerated research and development of AR/VR/Metalens/AI application products, and the development of new overseas production sites.
Could securities transaction tax funds support National Health Insurance? Cabinet says no decision yet and it will continue listening to public views
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung proposed allocating part of the securities transaction tax to National Health Insurance to stabilize its finances for 20 years. The Executive Yuan said the sustainability of NHI finances is an important goal and that it is listening to views from all sides, while emphasizing that the idea remains a proposal at this stage.
Honing Biotech R&D head Chen Ya-chi named acting CEO to accelerate new drug development
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan OBI Pharma appointed current head of research and development Chen Ya-chi as acting CEO following the departure of CEO Wang Hui-chun. Chen will draw on 20 years of experience at international pharmaceutical companies to accelerate new drug development and international market launches.
Taichung shopping center invites director Li Gang to discuss food culture and share memories of family meals
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A department store in Taichung will host film director Lee Kang to share memories of home cooking and showcase the appeal of traditional food culture. Lee will also demonstrate family banquet dishes, and families with children are welcome to attend.
I-Ride's motion-simulation equipment adopted by major U.S. theme park as company expands in North America
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Motion-simulation equipment maker Brogent Technologies signed a contract with a major U.S. theme park operator for 2 motion-simulation rides, strengthening its presence in the North American market. The deal is expected to diversify theme park experiences and provide steady growth in Brogent's orders.
Middle East war widens economic divide in Europe; France stagnates while Germany and Spain maintain growth
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The impact of the Middle East war led to varying results across Europe in the 1st quarter of 2026. France recorded zero growth, Spain grew 0.6% and Germany grew 0.3%, though Germany could be affected by an energy shock caused by the Iran war.
Water governance incorporated into national strategy for coordinated planning; Ministry of Economic Affairs to invest NT$553.1 billion over 6 years to strengthen resilience
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs announced the Water and Watershed Sustainable Development Action Plan, pledging NT$553.1 billion over 6 years from 2026 to 2031 to address extreme climate change and elevate water management to the level of a national strategy. The plan aims to conserve water, soil and forests, use water resources, control flooding and improve water quality.
Locus Cell's Zhubei smart cell factory opens, boosting regenerative medicine industry
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Regenerative medicine CDMO company 樂迦再生科技 has opened a “Smart Cell Factory” in Hsinchu County. The automated, smart cell therapy production facility is expected to promote the wider adoption of regenerative medicine and the upgrading of the industry.
Meeting special envoy of Eswatini's king, President Lai says Taiwan and Eswatini will not yield to hegemony
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met with Thulisile Dladla, deputy prime minister and special envoy of the King of Eswatini, emphasizing the strong ties between Taiwan and Eswatini, which will not yield to pressure from China. Lai's visit to Eswatini was postponed due to external pressure, but both sides affirmed that their friendship remains unshaken.
As AI accounts for a growing share of shipments, Cheng Ping says high gross margins could persist for some time
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台達電 Chairman Cheng Ping said the company's gross margin reached 37% in the 1st quarter as AI products accounted for a growing share of shipments, and forecast that the high margin would be sustained for some time.
Having written hit songs for Joey Yung, Terence Lam to perform in Taiwan and hopes to exchange musical ideas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Hong Kong singer Gareth T. will perform in Taipei and said he hopes to connect with Taiwanese musicians. He is also a composer behind hits such as “九秒九” by Joey Yung, and is optimistic about the strong reception for Cantonese songs in Taiwan.
Central bank board member on Middle East conflict: If inflation expectations heat up, central bank must prepare in advance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Concerns about a resurgence of inflation were raised at a meeting of Taiwan's central bank board amid a surge in international energy prices caused by the Middle East conflict. Several board members said they were monitoring inflation expectations and warned that the central bank should respond if necessary.
Possible human remains found at 旭山動物園; Japanese police seek arrest warrant
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A male staff member at 旭山動物園 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is suspected of murdering his wife and burning her body. Police have sought an arrest warrant and found what appear to be human remains in an incinerator on the zoo grounds. His wife remains missing, and police are investigating the details of the case.
In response to Philippine-U.S. joint drills, Chinese military conducts combat-readiness patrol near Democracy Reef
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
During joint military exercises by the Philippines and the United States, China's People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command conducted combat-readiness patrols in the air and waters around Minzhu Reef in the South China Sea, known in China as Huangyan Island. The patrols were described as a response to the actions of the Philippines and the United States and an effort to safeguard national sovereignty and regional peace.
Taiwan Railways' Guanghua train, the "Yellow Skin Train," returns to Taitung as former station district gets upgrade
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taitung County welcomed the restored Taiwan Railways “Yellow-Skinned Train” at the Taitung Old Station Special District, with County Magistrate Jao Ching-ling hosting a welcoming ceremony. The train is a symbol of Taiwan's railway culture and part of an upgrade project for the former station district.
Companies mentioned：台鐵 (Taiwan Railways Administration)、台東縣政府 (Taitung County Government)、國家鐵道博物館籌備處 (National Railway Museum Preparatory Office)
Audit results for overseas study and travel contracts announced; 7 operators failed to upload information as required
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Ministry of Education released the results of an audit of overseas study and travel contracts, saying 7 of 193 providers failed to submit documents as required. Amid a rise in consumer disputes, it urged students to choose licensed providers.
Man indicted for stabbing fellow tenant in same building to death; Southern Taiwan District Court orders detention after transfer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Tainan District Prosecutors Office indicted a 55-year-old man for murder after he allegedly stabbed to death a 42-year-old man who lived with him in Tainan. The Tainan District Court ordered the defendant detained. He allegedly became upset about noise made by the victim when using a shared bathtub, and attacked him after an argument.
Nursing groups criticize delays in legislating 三-shift nurse-to-patient ratios; to protest at Ministry of Health and Welfare on 5/5
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese nursing groups voiced frustration over delays in legislating the three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio and announced plans to protest at the Ministry of Health and Welfare on May 5. They are demanding meaningful legislation by May 20 and tougher penalties.
Taichung's Dofulan Elementary School baseball team wins elementary school slow-pitch league title, setting a team record
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung City's Dofulan Elementary School baseball team won the title in the slow-pitch division of the 114 academic year elementary school baseball league, setting a team record. Residents of the Indigenous community celebrated enthusiastically and will hold a victory banquet. Founded in 2022, the team is dedicated to nurturing Indigenous baseball talent. The school has only 73 students, with 30 on the team.
High school girl faces stalking and violence; New Taipei police and social workers intervene in high-risk case
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Following a case in which a high school girl was stalked and assaulted in Luzhou, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi said the city would strengthen early intervention and support for high-risk individuals. Police, health and social welfare agencies will work together to prevent repeat offenses and protect public safety.
Moisture levels to drop from tonight; Central Weather Administration says weather will remain stable through 5/3
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said water vapor would begin to decrease tonight, bringing stable weather through May 3. However, a plum rain front and the northeasterly monsoon are expected to bring rain across the island on May 4, with heavier rainfall in central and northern areas. The weather is expected to stabilize again on May 7.
On April 30, 2026, 中央社 distributed “ASEAN News Brief,” a roundup of economic developments in Southeast Asian countries. The latest economic news from ASEAN included theater openings in Vietnam, slowing economic growth in Laos, Singapore's job market, the Philippines' push for an oil security pact, central bank intervention in Myanmar, rising inflation in Malaysia, Thailand holding interest rates steady, Cambodia's efforts to cut logistics costs and Indonesia's projected tax revenue shortfall.
Companies mentioned：中央社、越通社、東協加三總體經濟研究辦公室 (AMRO)、永珍時報、新加坡人力部、海峽時報、商業天地、緬甸環球新光報、マレーシア国家銀行 (Bank Negara Malaysia)、星報、彭博、印尼經濟改革中心 (CORE Indonesia)
台達電 launches major global capacity expansion, invests 百億 in hydrogen fuel cells at Guanyin plant
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台達電 is benefiting from demand for AI data centers while making major investments in hydrogen fuel cells and building mass-production capacity at its Guanyin plant. It is also expanding production capacity worldwide, with capital spending this year expected to exceed last year's.
Reuters: Tighter U.S. controls push Nvidia B300 price in China above 30 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tighter U.S. regulations, strong Chinese demand for AI computing equipment and a crackdown on chip smuggling have driven the price of NVIDIA B300 servers in China to 7 million yuan, or about NT$32.44 million, nearly double the price at the start of the year. NVIDIA has banned B300 sales to China and warned against illegal resale.
President Lai: Taiwan and Japan stand firmly together to face challenges from the red supply chain
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met with former Japanese Digital Minister Masaaki Taira and said Taiwan and Japan would work together to strengthen economic resilience and competitiveness and safeguard regional peace and stability amid the expansion of authoritarianism and challenges posed by red supply chains. The sides expressed hope for stronger cooperation in semiconductors and AI, as well as an early conclusion of an economic partnership agreement.
High-speed rail radio frequency hijacked; Taipei Metro says it was not breached or affected
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After unauthorized interception of Taiwan High Speed Rail radio signals led to the emergency stop of 3 trains, reports said the male university student suspected in the case had also intercepted Taipei Metro radio communications. Taipei Metro denied being breached or affected, saying it was reviewing the circumstances of the case to prevent risks.
MediaTek: AI ASIC market growing faster; estimated to reach US$80 billion in 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
MediaTek CEO Rick Tsai said the AI ASIC market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach US$70 billion to US$80 billion in 2027. The company's AI accelerator ASIC project is progressing well toward mass production and is expected to generate US$2 billion in revenue this year and several billion dollars in 2027.
Putin proposes ceasefire on 5/9; Zelenskyy asks U.S. for more information
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a ceasefire during the Victory Day period on May 9. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked the U.S. government for detailed information, saying he would carefully assess the intent behind the proposal.
Miaoli Senior High School celebrates 85th anniversary with traveling exhibition recalling the glory of mountain-town basketball
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Miaoli Senior High School is holding the “Mountain Town Basketball Story Touring Exhibition” to mark its 85th anniversary. The display celebrates the school’s distinction as the inaugural HBL champion and the tenacious spirit of the Hakka people. It also features AR/VR experiences and aims to strengthen ties between the school and the local community.
U.S.-Iran war hits German economy; Merz and Trump at odds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The U.S.-Iran war is hitting Germany's economy and straining relations between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and U.S. President Donald Trump. After Merz questioned the U.S. strategy on Iran, Trump reacted angrily and again suggested withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany.
Taitung precinct chief Cheng Sheng-yang named exemplary police officer; earned 35 A performance ratings in 37 years on the force
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
鄭勝陽, chief of the Zhongxing Police Station under 台東分局, was named a national model police officer for his achievements in criminal investigations and juvenile protection. During his 37 years and 5 months in the police force, he received 35 top-grade performance evaluations. The Taitung County Police Department said it was proud of the recognition.
光寶科's Singapore subsidiary, LITE-ON SINGAPORE PTE. LTD., acquired all shares of DAIZU PROPERTY HOLDING PTE. LTD. for 46.85 million Singapore dollars. The acquisition aims to deepen its business operations in Singapore.
Taichung man served as a fraud ring's money mule; sentenced in first trial and ordered to pay NT$35.94 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A 22-year-old man from Taichung worked as a cash collector for a scam ring and defrauded victims of NT$35.94 million 3 years ago. In the criminal trial, he was sentenced to 5 years and 6 months in prison for fraud and other offenses. In a civil trial, he was ordered to pay the victims NT$35.94 million in damages. The man posed as a cryptocurrency trading expert and collected cash from victims.
統一超 takes stake in 台灣LOPIA, deepening its fresh-food and prepared-food business
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
統一超商 announced a strategic partnership with Japan's OIC Group and decided to invest about NT$2.054 billion in Taiwan LOPIA's supermarket retail and food-processing businesses. Under the deal, 統一超商 will acquire 51% of Taiwan LOPIA's supermarket retail business and 49% of a food-processing company, strengthening its presence in Taiwan's fresh and prepared-food market.
Liu Pin-yen calls her daughter an angel baby and takes a go-with-the-flow approach to wedding plans
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Actress 劉品言 said her daughter, "連TT," born last year, was angelically easy to care for and already weighed 9 kilograms. She has returned to work while continuing self-care and exercise after giving birth. Her husband, 連晨翔, is a "super dad" who shares childcare duties. She said plans for a wedding ceremony and a second child would be left to fate.
Central bank slightly eases housing controls; board member votes against move, worried expectations of rising home prices will return
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
At its first-quarter board meeting, Taiwan's 中央銀行 held interest rates steady while partially easing housing market restrictions, raising the maximum loan-to-value ratio for natural persons buying a second home from 50% to 60%. Some board members voted against the decision, concerned that it could rekindle expectations of rising home prices. The property market's direction and the impact of the policy are now drawing attention.
Zhubei City Office faces staffing strain and seeks to expand headcount to boost service capacity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Zhubei City Office in Hsinchu County is facing a staffing crunch amid a rapid population increase. Its current staff of 84 serves more than 220,000 residents, with each employee handling an average of more than 2,600 people. The mayor has applied to the Executive Yuan for additional staff, aiming to improve service capacity.
U.S. peanuts to enter duty-free; Wang Hui-mei urges central government to carefully assess impact
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After a decision to allow duty-free imports of U.S.-produced peanuts, Changhua County Magistrate 王惠美 urged the central government to carefully assess the impact on domestic agriculture and provide support for farmers. Changhua County is Taiwan's 2nd-largest peanut-producing area.
Three NTU departments change math requirements for admission by placement; only the Department of Anthropology will not count math
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
National Taiwan University announced changes to the mathematics scoring criteria for 3 departments in the 117 academic year's university joint entrance placement admissions. The anthropology department will be the only department at the university not to score mathematics. The criteria are expected to be relaxed and their scope broadened for the sociology, social work and chemical engineering departments.
曾志新, head of 雲云科技, killed technology chief 梁氏 over a work-related disagreement and was sentenced to life in prison by the Taipei District Court. The court cited the brutality of the crime and the fact that he had not obtained forgiveness from the victim's family.
Climate imbalance reaches tipping point; President Lai outlines 3 elements of a strategy to double urban greenery
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President 賴清徳 said climate change had reached a critical point and described "national land greening" as resilient national-level infrastructure. He announced 3 core elements of a strategy to double green cover.
14 suspects arrested in Taiwan-U.S. operation targeting cross-border drug smuggling recruited with high-paying job offers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan and the United States worked together to arrest 14 members of an international drug-smuggling ring that lured people with offers of high-paying overseas jobs and had them smuggle drugs in checked luggage. The methamphetamine seized weighed 35.8 kg and had an estimated street value of about NT$50 million.
Tainan promotes cancer screening for women with a prize draw; grand prize is round-trip airfare for 2 to Japan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan City will run a 2-month campaign starting May 1 to encourage screening for gynecological cancers. Women who are eligible and undergo screening can register online for a drawing to win round-trip airline tickets to Japan. The mayor said the city aims to increase screening rates to protect residents' health.
Taichung police seize claw-machine toy allegedly embezzled for NT$600; prosecutors indict officer on corruption charges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A former patrol officer with the Taichung Dajia Police Precinct was indicted on corruption charges for embezzling a Caishen figurine worth NT$600 from a seized claw machine. Security camera footage was used as evidence.
MediaTek expects second-quarter revenue to be flat to down 6% quarter-on-quarter; sees 9% growth for full year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
聯發科 (MediaTek) said second-quarter revenue is expected to be flat to down 6% from the previous quarter, while full-year U.S. dollar revenue is forecast to grow 4% to 9%. Cautious customer demand could lead to a decline in the cellphone chip business in the second quarter, but the company expects a recovery in the second half of the year.
Accusefive tours Europe, wins praise for bringing Taiwanese instant noodles as gifts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The band 告五人 wrapped up its European tour, bringing Taiwanese instant noodles as souvenirs that were well received. The band visited an engineer at Abbey Road Studios in the UK, where it had previously recorded, and gave him instant noodles along with its new album.
Sake brewed in space sells for NT$22 million, with only 1 bottle available
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A bottle of Japanese sake brewed in space, 獺祭, sold at auction for 110 million yen, and the sake maker is considering building a brewery on the moon. The sale highlights the potential for brewing in a space environment and could also help support Japan's space industry.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard holds real power during wartime as Supreme Leader's role is weakened
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
As the war between Iran, the United States and Israel has continued for more than 2 months, Mojtaba, the son of Supreme Leader Hamidi, has succeeded him. But power has shifted from religious authorities to generals in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Under wartime pressure, hard-liners centered on the Supreme National Security Council are leading military strategy and major political decisions, bringing significant changes to the country's decision-making structure.
Taitung’s first tuna of the year, weighing over 175 kilograms, comes ashore; county government to award NT$200,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taitung County government is offering a NT$200,000 prize to the first fishing boat to catch a bluefin tuna weighing more than 175 kg. The 盛泰豐號 won this year's "first tuna" award, and the fish is scheduled to be auctioned on May 4.
Starlux Airlines teams up with century-old businesses to offer diverse in-flight dining experiences
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
星宇航空 announced new partnerships for its 2026 second-quarter in-flight meals with Taiwan's long-established 度小月 and the Japanese-style barbecue rice bowl brand 開丼 焼肉vs丼飯. The brands' meals will be served on routes from Taipei to Hong Kong and Macau, and on routes from North America to Taipei. The airline will also continue its partnership with the Michelin-awarded vegetarian brand 鈺善閣.
Civic groups protect Qiaotou Sugar Factory forest, urge its inclusion in national urban forest plan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Several civic groups petitioned the Presidential Office to include the 180-hectare forest at Qiaotou Sugar Factory in Kaohsiung City in the "national urban forest plan" and halt development of a new urban district. The forest has significant ecological and historical value, and the groups say the development conflicts with its preservation.
Companies mentioned：森林城市協會 (Forest City Association)、台灣樹人會 (Taiwan Tree People Association)
China establishes expert advisory committee to monitor and forecast the hog industry
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has established a "Specialist Advisory Committee for Monitoring and Early Warning in the Live Pig Industry" to stabilize the market amid overproduction and weak demand. The committee aims to strengthen production capacity adjustments and market monitoring, and to make the government's regulatory role more effective.
India promotes ethanol-blended gasoline for environmental protection, inadvertently worsening water shortages
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
India is promoting the blending of ethanol into gasoline to protect the environment, but the large amounts of water needed to produce ethanol are worsening water crises in regions already facing shortages. The government plans to increase the allocation of rice for ethanol production, raising concerns about further pressure on water resources.
Xi Jinping: Strengthen basic research and lay a solid foundation for a science and technology powerhouse
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a symposium on strengthening basic research in Shanghai that China must step up basic research to lay a stronger foundation for becoming a leading power in science and technology. The effort aims to improve the country's capacity for original and disruptive innovation.