Trump cuts troops stationed in Germany; overview of current U.S. forces in Europe
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Trump announced that the United States would cut 5,000 troops from Germany, citing Europe’s lack of support on the Iran issue. This article provides a detailed look at the current deployment of U.S. forces in Europe, including in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.
World Team Table Tennis Championships: Lin Yun-Ju rests as Taiwan's men's team loses its opener to France
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
At the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships, Taiwan’s men’s team lost 0-3 to France in its opening match, with Lin Yun-ju absent. The defeat could affect the team’s seeding in the round of 32.
U.S.-Philippines Balikatan exercises deploy NMESIS anti-ship missile system in the Batanes Islands
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Philippines and the United States deployed and showcased the NMESIS anti-ship missile system on the Batanes Islands, about 160 km from Taiwan, as part of their annual Balikatan joint military exercise. The system can be operated remotely and is highly mobile, allowing it to attack surface vessels from land. The exercise aims to test the feasibility of defensive operations in remote areas.
French media reveal how China uses the Vatican-China agreement to pressure underground Catholic churches
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
French media reported that China is using its 2018 interim agreement with the Vatican to pressure the underground Catholic Church to submit to policies of “Sinicization.” Clergy face the painful choice between their religious loyalties and the demands of the Communist Party, while clergy who resist are persecuted. The campaign is driving deep divisions within faith communities.
Starlight concert at Tamkang Bridge draws attention with a moonlit cultural feast by the estuary
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The “Across the Tamsui Starry Sky Concert” was held on the Tamkang Bridge in New Taipei City, combining the bridge’s illuminations with music as many people enjoyed the moonlit night and river scenery. The event aims to let people experience the bridge’s cultural and tourism appeal before it opens. A “Me and the Bridge Together” picnic is also scheduled for the following day.
UAE says precautionary measures have been lifted and air traffic has returned to normal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority announced that air traffic across the country had returned to normal after precautionary measures introduced following the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war on February 28 were lifted. The decision followed coordination with relevant agencies and a comprehensive assessment of operational and safety conditions.
Humpback whale Timmy, stranded for more than 1 month, is successfully rescued and returns to the sea
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Timmy, a humpback whale stranded off Germany’s coast for more than 1 month, was transported to the North Sea on a water-injection barge through the efforts of a rescue organization and safely returned to the open sea. The rescue had initially been considered hopeless, but a privately funded rescue plan was approved and succeeded.
Chai Shi Theatre marks 30 years; “Walking Through the South” chronicles its journey
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A launch event was held in Taipei for “Journey South,” a new book documenting the work of the Difference Theatre Group, founded 30 years ago by poet, writer and theater practitioner Chung Chiao, and his personal journey. Chung spoke about the group’s founding, its contributions to society and his own creative work.
Ice Hockey band draws over 10,000 fans at Taipei Music Center; lead singer loses 5 kilograms after a severe cold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese band Ice Hockey Band held its “I’m Sorry” concert for 2 days at the Taipei Music Center, drawing more than 10,000 fans. The lead singer, Wang, lost 5 kg after suffering a severe cold but still delivered a superb performance.
“Guardians of Our Planet” screens in Singapore; Shu Meng-lan hopes concern will turn into action
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The environmental documentary “Guardians of Our Planet” was screened at the Singapore Chinese Film Festival, where director Shu Menglan expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic audience response. She said she hopes the film will encourage more people to care about environmental issues and take concrete action.
“Chip Odyssey” screens in Singapore; producer Chiang Hsien-pin says its convictions deserve to be seen by more people
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
“造山者,” a documentary about the history of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, was screened at the Singapore Chinese Film Festival. Producer Chiang Hsien-pin said the film deserved to be seen by more audiences because it conveys Taiwan’s bold step forward and its belief in maintaining connections with the world.
Resolutely taking Taiwan to the world, President Lai arrives in the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te made a state visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini, emphasizing deeper bilateral ties and the preservation of the international order under the themes of “security prosperity, economic prosperity and digital prosperity.” The visit took place after a temporary interruption caused by external factors and demonstrated Taiwan’s determination to engage with the international community.
Use of expanding foam to fill rat holes questioned; Taipei Parks and Street Lights Office says it is harder to dig out
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Rats have been appearing in large numbers at Taipei’s Shuanglian Market. After the Parks and Street Lights Office filled their burrows with foam, some questioned whether the measure would work, since rats can dig the foam back out. The office said using foam together with crushed stone makes the burrows harder to reopen than simply filling them with soil, and said it would continue patrols.
President arrives in Eswatini for state visit; 民進黨: Taiwan has the right to engage with the world
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te visited the African ally of Eswatini and received a state welcome. The Democratic Progressive Party stressed that Taiwan has the right to engage with the world as a member of the international community. The visit went ahead despite China’s attempts to obstruct it.
Shih Chung-liang: Taking action on three fronts, including pay raises, to become a strong support for nursing staff
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang expressed gratitude to nurses at the 15th Florence Nightingale Awards ceremony, emphasizing support for the nursing profession in 3 areas: higher pay, reduced workloads and workplace safety.
The results of the 115108th draw of the 539 lottery were announced. The winning numbers were 09, 08, 38, 25 and 17. The winning numbers for 3-Star were 988, and for 4-Star, 7409.
U.S. sanctions 5 Chinese firms over Iran oil transactions; China issues ban in retaliation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In response to the United States adding 5 Chinese companies involved in Iranian oil trade to its sanctions list, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a counter-sanctions injunction. The injunction calls on companies not to recognize, implement or comply with U.S. sanctions regulations, and criticizes U.S. actions as violations of international law.
Taiwan Cement's Xinyi District project invests NT$26.8 billion, seeks TOD floor-area incentives and aims to break ground by year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Cement announced that it would invest NT$26.8 billion in a land development project in Taipei’s Xinyi Planning District to build 3 corporate headquarters towers. Chairman Chang An-ping said construction is targeted to begin at the end of this year, adding that a major development project in Kaohsiung is also underway.
World Team Table Tennis Championships: Taiwan's 3 young players, averaging 17, crush South Korea in their opener
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s women’s table tennis team beat South Korea 3-1 in the preliminary round of the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships, with 17-year-old players Yeh Yi-tien, Peng Yu-han and Wu Ying-hsuan leading the way. The young players stood out in the team’s opening-match victory.
President arrives in Eswatini; 國民黨 wishes him a successful visit and stronger diplomatic ties
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te visited Taiwan’s ally Eswatini, and the Kuomintang congratulated him on the successful visit and the strengthening of diplomatic ties. However, citing lessons from past cancellations of presidential overseas visits following misjudgments of the international situation, the party called for measures to prevent a recurrence.
115 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games open; Cho Jung-tai cites 3 indicators of significance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 115 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games were held, and Premier Cho Jung-tai highlighted 3 landmark aspects: the flame’s journey from the Arctic, the establishment of the Sports Ministry and hopes for the athletes’ success.
中國東方航空 plane collides with a jet bridge at Hongqiao Airport; passengers safe
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A China Eastern Airlines aircraft struck a passenger boarding bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, damaging the engine and the outer panel of a wing. The airline said the cause was a “mechanical failure.” Passengers were unharmed and received compensation of 300 yuan.
War hits the economy; scholars say Southeast Asia's trust in the U.S. is declining and its resolve not to take sides is strengthening
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Conflict in the Middle East and uncertainty over U.S. policy are hurting Southeast Asian economies and weakening trust in the United States. Scholars say Southeast Asian countries are likely to increase their strategic flexibility and become more inclined to avoid taking sides between the United States and China. Taiwan’s high-tech advantage is attracting attention as an opportunity for cooperation.
Huang Tzu-peng's pairing with Wu Ming-hung after 10 years carries a different significance; Chu Meng brings a chemistry effect
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Steel Hawks pitcher Huang Tzu-peng teamed up with catcher Wu Ming-hung for the first time in about 10 years, earning the win with 7 scoreless innings. Rookie Chu Meng’s first start in the top league was also praised as having a positive effect on the team.
Zhu Meng makes a fine defensive play in his first start, drawing applause from the coach; senior teammate Wang Po-jung offers batting advice
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Steel Hawks’ 19-year-old rookie Chu Meng made his first professional start and impressed the coaching staff with a fine defensive play. He has yet to get a hit, but after receiving advice from senior player Wang Po-jung, he is expected to make further progress.
TPBL: Su Shih-hsuan scores 19 points as the Kings topple the Leopards, continuing their fight for playoff seeding
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the TPBL League, the New Taipei Kings defeated 桃園台啤永豐雲豹 97-94, with Su Shih-hsuan scoring a career-high 19 points. The Kings are locked in a fierce battle for 4th place to secure a playoff berth, and tomorrow’s game will determine the final standings.
President visits Eswatini; Cho Jung-tai says it proves Taiwan has the right to engage with the world [video]
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te visited friendly nation Eswatini, and Premier Cho Jung-tai said the visit showed that Taiwan has the right and freedom to engage with the world. Taiwan continues to pursue active diplomacy in the international community and has demonstrated its resolve to uphold democracy.
Sturmanskie’s hugely popular OKEAN, a watch used in the first human spaceflight, returns in a new reissue. The 1976 naval chronograph has been redesigned, with a worldwide limited edition of 200 pieces. It is equipped with the rarer-than-3133 Cal.31679, featuring a hacking function.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sturmanskie has unveiled a new reissue of the OKEAN, the watch used in the first human spaceflight. Reimagining the 1976 naval chronograph with modern materials and design, the company has opened preorders for a worldwide limited edition of 200 pieces. It is equipped with the rare Cal.31679 movement and is priced at ¥297,000.
Shuton, of esports team REJECT’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate division, to compete at Kagaribi #15, one of Japan’s largest tournaments, at Makuhari Messe
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Esports team REJECT announced that player Shuton will compete at Kagaribi #15, one of Japan’s largest offline tournaments. At this globally watched event, where about 4,000 players will compete at Makuhari Messe, Shuton will aim for victory with his specialty, Pikmin & Olimar.
Players registered for the 2026-2027 season (as of May 1, 2026)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The T.League announced the players registered for the 2026-2027 season as of May 1, 2026. Numerous players have registered with the men’s teams T.T彩たま, 静岡ジェード, 岡山リベッツ and the women’s teams トップおとめピンポンズ名古屋, 京都カグヤライズ, 日本生命レッドエルフ, 日本ペイントマレッツ and 九州カリーナ.
Churara of ZETA DIVISION’s GUILTY GEAR division wins 『EVO Japan 2026』! Qualifies for 『ARC WORLD TOUR 2026-2027 FINALS』.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Churara, a player with professional esports team ZETA DIVISION, won the GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- division at 『EVO Japan 2026』 without a loss and qualified for 『ARC WORLD TOUR 2026-2027 FINALS』. This remarkable achievement showcases the team and player’s presence in Japan’s fighting game scene to the world and contributes to the growth of the esports community.
An anime and Japanese culture event that drew a total of 100,000 attendees in India arrives in Jakarta! “Merah! Merah! Anime Japan!!” set for May 30 and 31, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The “Merah! Merah! Anime Japan!!” organizing committee will hold an anime and Japanese culture event in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 30 and 31, 2026. A sister event that drew 100,000 attendees in India, it will offer a wide range of experiences featuring Japanese entertainment, industry, food and tourism, with official support from the governments of both countries.
Preventing reluctance to return to school and school refusal after Golden Week: 2 preparations needed especially for children who worked hard in April, explained [online May 6]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nicotto! Juku, an online parenting school operated by Pastel Communication Co., Ltd., will hold an online live event on May 6, 2026, to help prevent reluctance to return to school and school refusal after Golden Week. It will explain why extra care is needed for children who worked hard in April and what families can do to prepare.
Suzuki Ladies’ Clinic Shinjuku, a fertility clinic led by a director with 3 specialist certifications in obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive medicine and urology, to open May 1, 30 seconds on foot from Shinjuku Station
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Suzuki Ladies’ Clinic Shinjuku, a fertility clinic led by director Keisuke Suzuki, who holds 3 specialist certifications in obstetrics and gynecology, reproductive medicine and urology, opened on May 1, 2026, just a 30-second walk from Shinjuku Station. It provides fertility treatment for both women and men in one place and offers year-round, evening appointments to make visits easier for working people.
STU48’s Chiho Ishida releases graduation solo song “未来へ続く者よ” music video
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
STU48’s Chiho Ishida has released the music video for her graduation solo song “未来へ続く者よ.” She will leave the group after her graduation concert on June 7, bringing 9 years of idol activities to a close. The video depicts her journey so far and her resolve for the future.
Fuji TV’s hugely popular show Run for the Money to hold its first official VR event! A next-generation VR event finally launches! “Run for the Money: Liminal World—Escape in VR” opens on the 6th floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The first official VR event based on Fuji TV’s popular show Run for the Money, “Run for the Money: Liminal World—Escape in VR,” will be held at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba from June 27, 2026. Co-produced by ABAL, Fuji Television Network, Fuji Creative Corporation and Dentsu, the next-generation attraction challenges players to escape hunters and take on missions in VR.
Virtual singer Kasane Teto sings and dances with a live band! Exclusive broadcast in June of the complete, uncut performance of songs with the Asa Band at “TETO LIVE TOKYO 2026”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
TBS Channel 1, the CS channel operated by TBS Television, announced that it will exclusively broadcast footage of “TETO LIVE TOKYO 2026,” featuring virtual singer Kasane Teto and the Asa Band, at the end of June. Held following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2025, this is Teto’s second major live show, and the fusion of virtual performance and live music has won support from music fans.
Why did a fuel additive made by an Okayama environmental startup become an Amazon bestseller?
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Okayama-based environmental startup 次の灯株式会社 has become an Amazon bestseller with its SUSU-GOROSHI diesel fuel additive series. Its unique business model, which incorporates customer feedback directly into product development and advertising, is the key to its success.