# AI News 180m Report｜2026-05-17 21:00–24:00 JST

One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Taiwan, 32 items from 1 source; Japan, 10 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.

## 韓國總統府：李在明與川普通話 討論美中峰會成果

- Published: 2026-05-17T23:22:31+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170236.aspx
- anchor: #n415454
- Companies mentioned: 韓國總統府、中央通訊社、路透社

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung spoke with U.S. President Trump, discussing the U.S.-China summit, bilateral trade and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

## Kuo Fu-lin says ‘I haven’t hit one this far in a long time,’ lifts spirits with home run to lead Eagles to victory

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:51:26+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605170231.aspx
- anchor: #n415452
- Companies mentioned: 台鋼雄鷹、富邦悍將、中央社

台鋼雄鷹隊郭阜林敲出關鍵超前三分砲，不僅助球隊以6比5擊敗富邦悍將，也希望能藉此提振近期戰績不佳的團隊士氣。

## Eagles snap Guardians’ 5-game winning streak; Lin Shih-hsiang gives up a run in closing role, says he ‘made it too complicated’

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:51:16+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605170230.aspx
- anchor: #n415453
- Companies mentioned: 台鋼雄鷹、富邦悍將、中央社

台鋼雄鷹 snapped 富邦悍將’s 5-game winning streak with Kuo Fu-lin’s three-run homer in a 6-5 win, but manager Hung Yi-chung said closer Lin Shih-hsiang made things “too complicated” when he gave up a run in the ninth.

## Iranian media: U.S. response to Tehran’s proposal to end the war offers no substantive concessions

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:45:26+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170235.aspx
- anchor: #n415448
- Companies mentioned: 法斯通訊社、梅爾通訊社

Iranian media said the U.S. response to the ceasefire proposal offers no substantive concessions, which could lead negotiations into a stalemate.

## U.S. media: Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones; U.S. assessing threat

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:44:24+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170234.aspx
- anchor: #n415449
- Companies mentioned: Axios、路透社、中央社

According to classified intelligence cited by U.S. media, Cuba has acquired more than 300 military drones and discussed using them to attack U.S. military targets; Washington is assessing the threat.

## Hebe Tien joins Power Station onstage; duo joke that Selina and Ella are backup choices

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:40:22+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202605170233.aspx
- anchor: #n415450
- Companies mentioned: 中央社

Hebe Tien was a guest at the third show of Power Station’s Taipei Arena concert, where the duo joked that the other two S.H.E. members, Selina and Ella, were backup choices.

## Washington religious gathering backed by Trump administration draws criticism over lack of diversity

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:39:20+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170232.aspx
- anchor: #n415451
- Companies mentioned: Freedom 250、Freedom From Religion Foundation、Pew Research Center、路透社、中央社

A Washington religious gathering supported by the Trump administration drew criticism over church-state separation and a lack of religious diversity, as it included only conservative Christians.

## Initial inspection of Taipei Metro’s Xinyi Line eastern extension goes smoothly; 4 deficiencies to be fixed ahead of late-June opening

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:25:44+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605170225.aspx
- anchor: #n415445
- Companies mentioned: 台北市交通局、捷運工程局、台北大眾捷運公司

The initial inspection of the Taipei Metro Xinyi Line eastern extension went smoothly. Officials plan to address 4 deficiencies before seeking a final inspection by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, aiming to open by the end of June.

## Bought first home at 21; Vivian Hsu cherishes every opportunity after 36 years in show business

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:23:11+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202605170229.aspx
- anchor: #n415441
- Companies mentioned: 中央社

Entertainer Vivian Hsu reflected on her 36-year career, recalling supporting her family at 14, pursuing opportunities in Japan and working hard to buy a home for her family at 21.

## First weekend after Danjiang Bridge opening: New Taipei transport department says traffic was heavy but flowed smoothly

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:20:43+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605170228.aspx
- anchor: #n415442
- Companies mentioned: 新北市交通局、新竹市政府

Traffic was heavy but flowed smoothly during the first weekend after Danjiang Bridge opened, easing congestion on Provincial Highway 2 and improving traffic in surrounding areas.

## Nepali Sherpa guide summits Everest for 32nd time, setting world record again

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:14:07+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170227.aspx
- anchor: #n415443
- Companies mentioned: 尼泊爾觀光部

Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita successfully summited Mount Everest for the 32nd time, once again breaking his own world record.

## Ebola outbreak in DR Congo; 1 case confirmed in eastern city of Goma

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:12:05+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170226.aspx
- anchor: #n415444
- Companies mentioned: 世界衛生組織 (WHO)、剛果國家生物醫學研究所 (INRB)

An Ebola outbreak has occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a confirmed case in the eastern city of Goma. The World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of international concern.

## President: Defending the status quo of the Republic of China; there is no ‘Taiwan independence’ issue

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:55:53+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605170222.aspx
- anchor: #n415434

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te issued a five-point statement, stressing that Taiwan is a defender of the status quo and will protect the status quo of the Republic of China. He said China is the root of regional instability and that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are a core global interest.

## President says the two sides of the Strait are not subordinate to each other; KMT says mainland is not a foreign country under the Constitution

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:53:00+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605170224.aspx
- anchor: #n415432
- Companies mentioned: 中央通訊社、國民黨、民主進步黨

President Lai reiterated that the two sides of the Strait are not subordinate to each other, while the 國民黨 argued based on the Constitution that mainland China is not a foreign country, highlighting fundamental divisions within Taiwan over cross-strait relations.

## Slovak artist shares Taiwan residency experience, deepening cultural exchange between Taiwan and Slovakia

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:48:58+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acul/202605170223.aspx
- anchor: #n415433
- Companies mentioned: 中央通訊社、駐斯洛伐克代表處、蕭壠文化園區、斯洛伐克卡梅尼亞斯大學台灣研究中心

A Slovak artist completed an art residency in Taiwan and shared the experience, with support from Taiwanese officials helping deepen cultural and artistic exchange between Taiwan and Slovakia.

## Shen Po-yang criticizes ‘joint governance of Taipei and New Taipei’: ‘They can’t even agree on trash cans’

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:37:53+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aloc/202605170221.aspx
- anchor: #n415435
- Companies mentioned: 民進黨、國民黨、衛生福利部

民進黨台北市長參選人沈伯洋質疑國民黨李四川與蔣萬安的「雙北共治」政見，指出兩人連垃圾桶政策都意見不一，凸顯其合作困難。

## Reelected boxing association chair, Hsu Ming-chieh pledges to develop young talent and professional league

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:32:51+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605170220.aspx
- anchor: #n415436
- Companies mentioned: 中華民國拳擊協會

Hsu Ming-chieh was reelected chair of the 中華民國拳擊協會 and pledged to focus on developing young talent and promoting a professional boxing league in Taiwan.

## 威順旅行社 ordered to suspend operations by Tourism Administration; travelers can get refunds or switch tours

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:31:49+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605170219.aspx
- anchor: #n415437
- Companies mentioned: 威順旅行社、交通部觀光署、中華民國旅行業品質保障協會

威順旅行社 in Taichung was ordered by the 交通部觀光署 to suspend operations for 3 months over financial problems, affecting travelers who had purchased Japan tours. Officials advised them to apply for full refunds or switch to another tour.

## Days of heavy rain cause disasters in China; pickup truck plunges into river in Guangxi, killing 1 and leaving 9 missing

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:30:47+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202605170218.aspx
- anchor: #n415438

Days of heavy rain caused severe damage in southern China. A pickup truck plunged into a river in Guangxi, leaving 1 dead and 9 missing, while water levels in 15 rivers across several provinces exceeded warning levels.

## Axios: Trump aides fear China could attack Taiwan within next 5 years

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:26:43+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605170214.aspx
- anchor: #n415427
- Companies mentioned: Axios

U.S. media reported that Trump aides fear China could attack Taiwan within the next five years, a move that would severely disrupt the chip supply chain driving AI development.

## Taiwanese civic groups march in Geneva in support of Taiwan; moving rendition of ‘Spring Breeze’

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:26:20+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605170216.aspx
- anchor: #n415425
- Companies mentioned: 世界衛生大會 (WHA)、世界衛生組織 (WHO)、國際電信聯盟、歐洲台灣醫事聯盟

Taiwanese civic groups marched in Geneva to call for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly, drawing support from hundreds of people and international friends.

## Lin Tzu-hao ends Lions’ drought with runners in scoring position; pinch hitter Chu Chia-en becomes hero

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:26:15+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605170213.aspx
- anchor: #n415428
- Companies mentioned: 統一7-ELEVEn獅、中信兄弟

The Uni-Lions rallied on key hits by Lin Tzu-hao and pinch hitter Chu Chia-en in the bottom of the sixth, scoring 4 runs in the inning to end their losing streak.

## Motorcyclist faces at least NT$6000 fine for parking illegally to take photos on Danjiang Bridge

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:18:45+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/asoc/202605170217.aspx
- anchor: #n415424
- Companies mentioned: 淡水警分局、蘆洲警分局、公路局

A motorcycle rider faces a fine of at least NT$6000 for illegally parking to take photos on Danjiang Bridge.

## Kromah misses final shot as TPBL Kings beat Leopards to reach championship series

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:15:40+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605170215.aspx
- anchor: #n415426
- Companies mentioned: 新北國王、桃園台啤永豐雲豹、福爾摩沙夢想家、台灣職業籃球大聯盟 (TPBL)

In the TPBL playoffs, 新北國王 edged 桃園台啤永豐雲豹 116-114 to pull off an upset and advance to the championship series.

## Tata Electronics partners with ASML to build India’s first wafer fab

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:06:34+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170212.aspx
- anchor: #n415429
- Companies mentioned: 塔塔電子 (Tata Electronics)、艾司摩爾 (ASML)

Tata Electronics is partnering with ASML to invest US$11 billion in building India’s first front-end semiconductor wafer fab, aiming to boost the country’s domestic chip industry.

## INFINITE’s Kim Sung-kyu loses microphone during Taipei concert, jokes it was his ‘worst moment’

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:06:22+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/amov/202605170210.aspx
- anchor: #n415431
- Companies mentioned: INFINITE

INFINITE leader Kim Sung-kyu had a funny moment when he could not find his microphone during a Taipei concert, and announced that he would perform in Kaohsiung in June.

## Casting begins for new 007; White House image of Trump as Bond sparks buzz

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:04:32+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170211.aspx
- anchor: #n415430
- Companies mentioned: 亞馬遜米高梅影業 (Amazon MGM Studios)

The White House sparked buzz by posting an AI-generated poster of Trump as James Bond, while casting for the new 007 film has also begun.

## 味全龍勝樂天桃猿關鍵一盜 張政禹「神偷本壘」抓投手動作[影]

- Published: 2026-05-17T20:54:32+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aspt/202605170206.aspx
- anchor: #n415417
- Companies mentioned: 味全龍、樂天桃猿、中華職棒

味全龍’s Chang Cheng-yu stole home successfully, helping the team beat 樂天桃猿 2-0 in a rare feat in CPBL history.

## Latvian president asks opposition lawmaker to form government as political reshuffle begins

- Published: 2026-05-17T20:54:27+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170209.aspx
- anchor: #n415414
- Companies mentioned: 拉脫維亞公共媒體(LSM)

Latvian Prime Minister resigned, causing the governing coalition to collapse. President Edgars Rinkēvičs tasked opposition lawmaker Krišjānis Kariņš with trying to form a new government, ushering in a period of political reshuffling.

## Lithuania launches ‘Pink Soup Train’ ahead of Vilnius’s annual celebration

- Published: 2026-05-17T20:51:24+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aopl/202605170207.aspx
- anchor: #n415416
- Companies mentioned: Go Vilnius

To promote its annual ‘Pink Soup Festival,’ Lithuania has launched a limited-time ‘Pink Soup Train,’ using immersive design to turn the journey into a unique cultural experience.

## Legislative delegation returns from parliamentary diplomacy visits to France and UK; Han Kuo-yu says trip was fruitful

- Published: 2026-05-17T20:51:17+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202605170205.aspx
- anchor: #n415418
- Companies mentioned: 中華航空、歐洲台灣商會聯合總會 (ETCC)

Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu led lawmakers from across party lines on parliamentary diplomacy visits to France and the UK, describing the trip as a major diplomatic breakthrough with fruitful results.

## Traffic on Danjiang Bridge backed up for 5 kilometers; large crowds expected again on the 23rd

- Published: 2026-05-17T20:42:25+09:00
- Source: Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
- Original: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/202605170208.aspx
- anchor: #n415415
- Companies mentioned: 交通部公路局北區養護工程分局、新北市交通局、新北市警察局淡水、蘆洲分局

The newly opened Danjiang Bridge drew large crowds during its first weekend, with traffic backed up for 5 kilometers at one point. Authorities expect the crowds to continue and urged people to use public transportation.

## First Face: Yui Sakurai (FRUITS ZIPPER)! Gen Z icons including Noa and Sara Honda dazzle in the season’s hottest SS looks: Official Report Vol.1 from the 24th edition of Up-T Satsukore 2026SS

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:30:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001900.000004237.html
- anchor: #n415447
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社DONUTS、サントリー

Official report on the fashion event Satsukore 2026SS, held in Sapporo on May 17, 2026. The event drew a total of 2,430 attendees and featured more than 140 performers.

## Osaki, Sakura, Toa and Mizuki Hanayama light up the runway! Don’t miss live performances by Yui Sakurai and IS:SUE: Official Report Vol.2 from the 24th edition of Up-T Satsukore 2026SS

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:30:01+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001901.000004237.html
- anchor: #n415446
- Companies mentioned: 伊藤園、STV（札幌テレビ放送）、GYDA、Maison Shun Ishizawa

Official report on the success of the fashion event Satsukore 2026SS, held in Sapporo. A diverse lineup of models and guests showcased the latest trends before an audience of about 2,430.

## Additional downloadable content for Picross™: Juufuutei Raden Guides You! Pixel Museum, coming soon!

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000035.000130182.html
- anchor: #n415440
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社ジュピター、任天堂、株式会社ソニー・インタラクティブエンタテインメント、Microsoft、Valve Corporation、hololive DEV_IS、ReGLOSS、箱根ガラスの森美術館、公益財団法人ポーラ美術振興財団 ポーラ美術館、株式会社小田急箱根、カバー株式会社

JUPITER announced a new paid DLC themed around Hakone for its Picross game made in collaboration with VTuber Juufuutei Raden, deepening its IP collaboration and incorporating tourism elements.

## A media gathering was held in Taiwan, the host location for the opening match of the Nojima T.League 2026-2027 season.

- Published: 2026-05-17T22:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000002948.000038094.html
- anchor: #n415439
- Companies mentioned: 一般社団法人Ｔリーグ、the egg、木下アビエル神奈川、トップおとめピンポンズ名古屋、木下マイスター東京、T.T彩たま

Japan’s table tennis T.League will hold its 2026-2027 season opener in Taiwan, deepening Japan-Taiwan sports exchanges and business partnerships.

## [Permanent reference edition] The AI model wars: ChatGPT 5.5 Thinking presents the “May 2026 latest edition” ranking of domestic virtual humans by influence

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:28:18+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000167495.html
- anchor: #n415419
- Companies mentioned: OpenAI、Pinyokio

Itoha Co., Ltd. announced a ranking of domestic virtual humans by influence using ChatGPT. Its own AI model, Aimine Maria, placed 7th, and the company plans to accelerate its business development.

## [Japan’s first diagnostic tool*] Which type of muscleman are you? Official launch of the “16 Muscle Types Diagnosis,” developed using data from more than 800 people

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:26:26+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000139954.html
- anchor: #n415420
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社COMPASS

株式会社COMPASS officially launched its free web-based “16 Muscle Types Diagnosis” in May 2026, combining entertainment with rigorous fitness guidance. The tool aims to improve the rate at which users stick with body-sculpting programs.

## BE:FIRST thrilled about 100,000 people at their first stadium concert and announced an album release and dome tour to mark their 5th anniversary

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000226.000118793.html
- anchor: #n415423
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社BMSG、B-ME

Popular Japanese group BE:FIRST announced a new album and a dome tour, as well as a world tour that will include Taipei.

## Strawberry Prince’s 10th-anniversary arena tour! Final first-come, first-served ticket sales through STPR TICKET and ticket agencies begin!

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000708.000059399.html
- anchor: #n415422
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社STPR、イープラス、チケットぴあ、ローソンチケット

株式会社STPR began final first-come, first-served ticket sales on May 17 for the 10th-anniversary arena tour of Strawberry Prince. The Tokyo show is sold out, while sales are underway for the other 3 cities.

## Production confirmed for a sequel to Poppin-Play Kitchen, which has surpassed 2 million total YouTube views! New artwork and a comment from creator Zemyata released: “We promise to exceed your expectations.”

- Published: 2026-05-17T21:00:02+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000003247.000064643.html
- anchor: #n415421
- Companies mentioned: 株式会社サイバーエージェント、ABEMA

ABEMA announced a sequel to Poppin-Play Kitchen, which surpassed 2 million views as the 1st installment of “Project PRISMation.” It also opened submissions for a new anime project aimed at next-generation creators.

## [The DX revolution for small and midsize businesses] Industry-specific ERP that “changes what’s taken for granted on the front lines.” Generative AI × RPA eliminates analog workflows in construction, manufacturing and welfare

- Published: 2026-05-17T20:42:08+09:00
- Source: Japan | PR TIMES
- Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000183412.html
- anchor: #n415413

Sei San Sei offers MINORI Cloud, an industry-specific ERP for construction, manufacturing and welfare. It automates analog workflows with generative AI × RPA and promotes DX for small and midsize businesses through a flat-rate plan starting at 300,000 yen per month.