# AI News 180m Report｜2026-05-08 18:00–21:00 JST｜Page 3 of 3

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 128 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 101 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## Chen Pin-hung says his approach to splitting up batting order is different; changing his walk-up song moved him

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:26:19+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605080251.aspx
- anchor: #n331303
- Companies mentioned: 富邦悍將、樂天桃猿

富邦悍將 pitcher 陳品宏 made his first relief appearance of the season and learned to adapt to a different role. He said he thinks of the batting order in 3 sections when facing hitters, and was moved by the lyrics of his new walk-up song, “Xinzhuang Castle.”

## National Human Rights Museum marks White Terror Remembrance Day with 519 walks at historical sites across Taiwan

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:26:07+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acul/202605080245.aspx
- anchor: #n331309

The National Human Rights Museum will mark “519 White Terror Memorial Day” with events touring sites of injustice across Taiwan, commemorative ceremonies and concerts. The events aim to pass on the memories of political victims and reflect on the future of democracy and human rights.

## South Korean opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok criticizes government for leaning toward China, urges alignment with U.S. and Japan

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:25:58+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605080267.aspx
- anchor: #n331298

Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of South Korea’s opposition People Power Party, criticized the government’s pro-China stance and called for stronger cooperation with the United States and Japan. On Taiwan in particular, he faulted the government’s ambiguous position and argued that it should align its stance with the United States and Japan.

## Taipei Zoo’s Malayan tapir Limulu arrives in Singapore, with hopes of starting a new family

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:24:56+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605080266.aspx
- anchor: #n331299

The Taipei Zoo’s Malayan tapir Rimuru has moved to the Singapore Zoo for off-site conservation. The move is expected to help the tapir start a new family and contribute to maintaining genetic diversity.

## Special defense bill passes third reading; Cheng Li-wun says parliamentary principles and bottom line must be upheld

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:23:54+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605080265.aspx
- anchor: #n331300

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## Australian mother and daughter who went to Syria to support Islamic State; daughter was imprisoned and enslaved, now repatriated to face trial

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:20:52+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605080264.aspx
- anchor: #n331301
- Companies mentioned: 卡達航空 (Qatar Airways)

An Australian mother and daughter who supported the Islamic State (IS) in Syria in 2014 have returned to Australia and been charged in Melbourne with slave trading and crimes against humanity. They are suspected of confining female slaves under IS rule.

## Environment Ministry and Ocean Affairs Council join forces to build defenses against microplastic pollution

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:20:50+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605080263.aspx
- anchor: #n331302

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment and Ocean Affairs Council announced a partnership to build a line of defense against microplastics, from land to sea. They will pursue 4 main strategies: changing lifestyles, scientific monitoring, stepping up cleanup efforts and protecting health.

## U.S. prosecutors investigate Nvidia chip smuggling, with chips suspected of reaching China’s Alibaba via Thailand

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:11:20+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605080250.aspx
- anchor: #n331304
- Companies mentioned: 輝達 (NVIDIA)、美超微電腦公司 (Super Micro Computer)、OBON、阿里巴巴集團控股 (Alibaba Group Holding)、彭博 (Bloomberg News)、路透社 (Reuters)、中央社

U.S. prosecutors are investigating allegations that Thailand-based AI company OBON smuggled servers made by Super Micro Computer and equipped with NVIDIA high-performance AI chips to China. Alibaba Group Holding has been reported as one of the end customers, but Alibaba denies any involvement.

## Military procurement bill passes third reading; Huang Kuo-chang says there will be no backing down in defending democratic values

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:10:18+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605080249.aspx
- anchor: #n331305

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed at third reading a special military procurement act to strengthen asymmetric capabilities. It sets a budget ceiling of NT$780 billion, while the Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party voiced support for strengthening national defense and stressed the need for transparency and protection of taxpayers’ money.

## ASEAN Briefing, May 8, 2026

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:08:30+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202605083003.aspx
- anchor: #n331296
- Companies mentioned: アマゾン (Amazon)、ムーディーズ (Moody’s)

The Southeast Asian Nations Association (ASEAN) economic roundup for May 8, 2026, reported on Vietnam’s efforts to promote trade and investment, media cooperation in Laos, job cuts linked to Amazon’s business restructuring in Singapore, and a decline in the Philippines’ foreign exchange reserves. Malaysia and Thailand showed economic resilience, Cambodia lowered its growth forecast, and Indonesia is moving ahead with plans to turn Bali into an international financial center.

## Tutoring association provides key exam review notes; essay section focuses on integrating information and stating a position

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:08:16+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605080248.aspx
- anchor: #n331306

The Republic of China Association for Supplementary Education has released free videos on key topics on YouTube to help students prepare for the national junior high school education assessment (junior high school completion exam). It noted that Chinese composition exams increasingly emphasize synthesizing information and stating a position in response to the AI era.

## Suspected secret filming scandal rocks medical aesthetics clinics; Tainan to inspect about 90 establishments in 2 weeks

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:07:14+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605080247.aspx
- anchor: #n331307
- Companies mentioned: 愛爾麗医美集團、光澤診所

The Tainan City Government Department of Health announced it will conduct special inspections of about 90 facilities within 2 weeks following allegations of secret filming at aesthetic medical clinics. Inspectors will focus on checking for hidden cameras in examination rooms, changing rooms and other areas to ensure a safe medical environment.

## AFP: Xi-Trump meeting imminent; what gifts does Beijing hope Trump will bring?

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:07:12+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605080246.aspx
- anchor: #n331308
- Companies mentioned: 経済学人資訊社 (EIU)、亞洲協會政策研究所 (ASPI)、北京策緯諮詢公司 (Trivium China)、Meta、Manus、ボーイング

Ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, Agence France-Presse outlined the key issues expected at the U.S.-China leaders’ meeting. China wants an extension of the trade truce and lower tariffs, while Iran, rare earths and purchases of U.S. agricultural products are expected to be among the main negotiating points.

## Rat prevention involves more than trapping and poison, public health expert warns; environmental management is fundamental

- Published: 2026-05-08T18:00:07+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605080244.aspx
- anchor: #n331310

Public health experts say urban rat control should go beyond trapping and rodenticides, and fundamentally strengthen environmental management through rodent-proof building designs, space management and regular recordkeeping and reporting. As Taipei’s rat problem draws attention, they say fundamental solutions are needed.

## L&K Engineering’s Singapore branch spends more than 500 million to secure long-term use of real estate

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:56:39+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/202605083002.aspx
- anchor: #n331297
- Companies mentioned: WING TUCK ENGINEERING PTE. LTD.

亞翔工程’s Singapore subsidiary invested about NT$516.64 million to acquire long-term property use rights through 2041. The move is intended to expand the company’s business in Southeast Asia and strengthen its integrated engineering capabilities centered on cleanroom technology.

## China expands its influence in the Pacific; Fiji approves economic and security treaty with Australia

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:54:05+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605080243.aspx
- anchor: #n331224

斐濟政府は、中国の太平洋地域での影響力拡大に対抗するため、オーストラリアとの経済・安全保障条約「斐濟－澳洲Vuvale聯盟」を閣議承認した。この条約は両国間の経済統合を深め、気候安全保障、健康、インフラなどの分野をカバーする。

## Silin Elementary School in Chaozhou becomes a forest classroom beneath Dawu Mountain, with the campus serving as the forest’s gateway

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:53:03+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605080242.aspx
- anchor: #n331225

Silin Elementary School in Chaozhou Township, Pingtung County, has replaced its aging school buildings and opened a new campus called “Forest School at the Foot of Dawu Mountain.” The project cost a total of NT$121.76 million and provides a learning environment designed to coexist with nature and emphasize dialogue with the local community.

## Japan downgraded COVID-19’s classification 3 years ago; more than 20,000 died last year

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:52:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605080241.aspx
- anchor: #n331226

3 years have passed since Japan downgraded COVID-19 to “Category 5,” the same classification as influenza. There have been no large-scale outbreaks in that time, but it has emerged that more than 20,000 people died of COVID-19 last year, most of them aged 80 or older.

## After flooding caused by a barrier lake, Fenglin Township in Hualien will distribute 3,000 yuan in recovery cash

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:46:59+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605080240.aspx
- anchor: #n331227

Fenglin Township in Hualien County, Taiwan, has decided to provide NT$3,000 per person in recovery aid to residents affected by flooding from a landslide-dammed lake on the Mataian Creek. About 10,000 residents are eligible, and more than NT$30 million in total is expected to be distributed starting in August.

## Three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio bill passes third reading; nursing sector says easing workloads can help bring staff back

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:46:01+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605080233.aspx
- anchor: #n331234

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed at third reading an amendment incorporating the “three-shift nurse-to-patient ratio” into the Medical Care Act. The change is expected to ease nurses’ workloads and help secure staff, with penalties for violations.

## Defense special act passes third reading; Executive Yuan must submit a special report and obtain Legislative Yuan approval before budgeting funds

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:45:56+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605080239.aspx
- anchor: #n331228

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed at third reading the “Special Procurement Act for the National Security and Asymmetric Warfare Strengthening Program,” setting military procurement budget ceilings of NT$300 billion for the first batch and NT$480 billion for the second batch. The Executive Yuan will draw up the budget after submitting a relevant report and obtaining the Legislative Yuan’s approval.

## 愛爾麗 clinic case: Taichung City Government conducts surprise inspections at 3 locations for the third time

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:45:54+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605080238.aspx
- anchor: #n331229
- Companies mentioned: 愛爾麗グループ

The Taichung City Government conducted its third surprise inspection of 3 愛爾麗グループ locations but found no irregularities such as hidden cameras. Equipment discovered previously has been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of illegal filming.

## First wave of promotion for Taitung Expo launches with a pop-up store at Taoyuan Airport

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:44:52+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605080237.aspx
- anchor: #n331230
- Companies mentioned: 采盟免稅店

The Taitung County Government has opened a pop-up store at Taoyuan International Airport to promote the “2026 Taitung Expo,” which will be held in July. 21 leading local companies are offering 64 types of Taitung specialty products to introduce the county’s appeal to travelers from Taiwan and abroad.

## Food Delivery Industry Promotion Association welcomes amendments to subsidiary regulations and urges platforms not to raise prices as a result

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:44:50+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605080236.aspx
- anchor: #n331231

Taiwan’s Food Delivery Industry Promotion Association welcomed the 3 draft subsidiary regulations for the food delivery special law announced by the Ministry of Labor, while urging platform companies not to raise fees on the grounds of providing protections for delivery workers.

## Checks on military and civil servants holding mainland Chinese documents; MAC says they apply only to new hires and transferees

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:43:48+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202605080235.aspx
- anchor: #n331232

陸委會は、軍公教が中国大陸の身分証明書を所持している場合の調査は、昨年3月以降、常態化・制度化されており、新規採用者や異動者にのみ適用されると再確認した。毎年2回の「全面的な一斉調査」は存在しないと強調。

## Hong Kong secures World Cup broadcast rights at a low price; Chinese netizens blast FIFA for discriminating against mainland China

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:42:46+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605080234.aspx
- anchor: #n331233
- Companies mentioned: 国際サッカー連盟 (FIFA)、中国中央電視台 (CCTV)、電訊盈科 (PCCW)、Now TV、Viu TV、上海廣播電視台 (五星體育)、万達 (Wanda)、聯想 (Lenovo)、海信 (Hisense)、蒙牛 (Mengniu)

Negotiations between FIFA and China Central Television over World Cup broadcasting rights in mainland China have stalled. In response to FIFA’s high asking price, while Hong Kong secured the rights at a lower price, Chinese internet users have accused FIFA of discrimination and urged CCTV to reject a deal. The situation is also affecting Chinese sponsors.

## Former acting director of Hualien County’s Civil Affairs Department released on bail over flood disaster; county government urges against excessive speculation

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:34:42+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/asoc/202605080232.aspx
- anchor: #n331235

In an investigation into flooding caused by the landslide-dammed lake on the Mataian Creek in Hualien County, Taiwan, a former acting director of the Hualien County Government’s Civil Affairs Department was released on NT$100,000 bail on suspicion of negligent homicide. The county government said it respects the judicial process and urged people to avoid speculation.

## Another boost for judicial diplomacy: Taiwan and Paraguay sign a mutual legal assistance treaty

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:29:39+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/asoc/202605080231.aspx
- anchor: #n331236
- Companies mentioned: 法務部、外交部

台湾とパラグアイは、頼清徳総統とサンティアゴ・ペニャ・パラシオス大統領の立ち会いのもと、刑事司法共助条約に署名した。これにより、両国間の犯罪捜査や起訴における協力が強化され、国境を越えた組織犯罪対策が促進される。

## Pingtung’s 30 markets adopt 3 measures to prevent rats; residents urged not to litter

- Published: 2026-05-08T17:25:37+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605080230.aspx
- anchor: #n331237

In response to the rat problem in Taipei, the Pingtung County Government has launched 3 measures at 30 markets across the county: environmental cleanup, stronger rodent-proofing measures and hygiene awareness campaigns for businesses. It has also urged residents to avoid illegal dumping and help keep markets clean.