More than 200 scholars sign open letter urging all sectors to face AI’s employment impact
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
More than 200 economists and AI researchers have issued an open letter calling for an immediate response to AI’s impact on employment. With economic changes greater than those of the Industrial Revolution looming, they stressed the need for institutional design.
CCTV criticizes Gu Liyan; Foreign Ministry says Taiwan-U.S. communication is smooth and there is no need for the Chinese Communist Party to interfere
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China’s CCTV criticized AIT Director Gu Liyan as an “emperor above the emperor.” Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry stressed that Taiwan-U.S. communication is smooth, Taiwan is sovereign and independent, and China has no need to interfere. The move highlights rising diplomatic tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Man charged after drug-driving into home, breaking into convenience store and setting ex’s residence on fire
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Chang in Pingtung, angered by a breakup with his former girlfriend, allegedly crashed into a home, threatened a convenience store and attempted arson while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He has been indicted in a serious incident that endangered public safety.
Xu Ruoxi included in Asian Games baseball roster; baseball association says it is continuing to monitor players’ conditions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan has announced its 24-player baseball roster for the Asian Games, including MLB player Cheng Tsung-che and Hsu Jo-hsi, who is unwell. The baseball association will monitor the players’ conditions and make adjustments as needed.
Do the Batanes belong to China? Foreign Ministry says Beijing aims to control the First Island Chain
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Chinese scholar has claimed that the Batanes Islands, the northernmost part of the Philippines, belong to China. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the claim as “a fantasy divorced from reality” and warned of China’s ambitions to control the First Island Chain.
Man convicted of kicking long-term care van driver after being angered by honking; driver seriously injured and unconscious; New Taipei man sentenced to 6 months
Nagoya Asian Games approach; Li Yang teases Wang Chi-lin for always changing partners after the Games
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ahead of the Nagoya Asian Games, former Olympic gold medalist Lee Yang is supporting Taiwan’s delegation as director of sports. He drew attention with a joke about his former partner Wang Chi-lin: “We break up as a pair after every Asian Games.”
2026 Harbor Ice Festival opens at Hamasen on the 18th, serving up Taiwanese, Italian and Japanese-style shaved ice
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
“2026 Dagang Ice Festival,” hosted by the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau, will be held at Hamasen on January 18 and 19. More than 50 ice dessert and food brands will gather, with cultural experiences and a partnership with an EXO concert helping boost tourism.
Scholars urge adoption of EU gene-editing rules to improve the resilience of Taiwan’s crops
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Taiwanese scholar has called for legislation to support the development of climate-resilient crops, citing the European Union’s new rules on new genomic techniques (NGT). Introducing genome-editing technology could contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture.
Peña: First shipment of Paraguayan poultry meat sealed and headed to Taiwan in a historic moment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chicken from Paraguay will be exported to Taiwan for the first time. The move is a symbolic step in strengthening economic cooperation between the two sides, with important implications for both diplomacy and trade.
Apple iOS 27 public beta: Siri AI gets smarter, support for older devices speeds things up
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Apple has released the public beta of iOS 27. Siri has been significantly enhanced with AI, and performance on older devices has also improved. The update is expected to advance the user experience.
Graham dies suddenly; younger sister temporarily takes over federal Senate seat
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham died suddenly, and the governor of South Carolina appointed his sister, Darlin Norton, as his interim successor. She will serve until January next year.
Military launches joint defense drills; President Lai urges cross-party support for defense budget
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te praised the military’s “Joint Defense Exercise” and called for support for the defense budget across party lines. He emphasized the importance of national unity and strengthening defense capabilities while balancing disaster response and defense training.
Overseas players HongQ and JunJia lead Asian Games League of Legends team; coach very excited
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
HongQ and JunJia, overseas-based players, were selected for Taiwan’s League of Legends team for the Nagoya Asian Games. Coach WarHorse is looking forward to new team chemistry, while China’s absence has boosted Taiwan’s medal chances.
Lu Shiow-yen flies to Okinawa to officiate at mass wedding in the air; says there are no other visits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung City will hold a mass wedding on a flight to Okinawa on October 20, with Mayor Lu Shiow-yen officiating for 66 couples aboard the plane. The event is a first for Taiwan and is being promoted as having no other visit itinerary, highlighting its innovative format and role in city marketing.
Former Taipei City investigation squad chief convicted of sexually assaulting subordinate; sentenced to 7 years again on appeal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A former Taipei City investigation squad chief was accused of sexually assaulting a female subordinate and was sentenced to 7 years in both the first and second trials. The case highlights the abuse of power in the public sector and workplace sexual harassment, and serves as a serious warning to society.
Excessive fipronil found in imported vegetables at well-known retailer; entire shipment intercepted at border
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration said the pesticide fenothrin was detected in U.S.-made frozen vegetables imported by Costco. The entire shipment was stopped at the border, and none entered the market. The move is important for consumer protection.
Anping Canal puts an end to sunny-day flooding, passes test during morning spring tide
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Tainan City Government carried out flood-control improvements to Anping Canal and successfully prevented sunny-day flooding during a spring tide. The project strengthens the city’s flood resilience and protects residents.
KMT councilor calls for officials to step down over Chung Lien Oil case; food safety office says it is not clinging to its post and will first focus on doing its job
2 marine monitoring stations in Chiayi protect oysters by reducing impact of water-quality anomalies on aquaculture
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ocean Affairs Council’s Ocean Conservation Administration and Chiayi County Government worked together to establish 24-hour marine water-quality monitoring stations at Budai and Dongshi, providing real-time monitoring of water-quality changes to protect oyster-farming environments and reduce impacts on fisheries and ecosystems.
Sports Ministry announces Asian Games roster; Li Yang says selection rules will be discussed again in the future
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Sports Administration announced 482 athletes for Taiwan’s team at the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. Reviewing the selection process remains a challenge. Sports Minister Li Yang emphasized fairness and support systems.
Bangkok bar fire: Some victims may have taken the wrong exit and become trapped in restrooms
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A major fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok, Thailand, killing 28 people and injuring 71. Some people are believed to have become trapped in a restroom while evacuating during a power outage. Authorities are investigating deficiencies in the evacuation routes.
Michelin Bib Gourmand selections announced, with 13 new restaurants across northern, central and southern Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan Michelin announced 13 new restaurants for the 2026 Bib Gourmand selection. Restaurants offering good value for money were recognized across the country, reaffirming the importance of regional food culture. This is an important development showcasing the diversity of Taiwan’s culinary scene.
Flooding in Guangxi: Argentina’s World Cup team plans to donate relief supplies
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Argentina’s national soccer team announced it would donate relief supplies in response to flooding in Guangxi, China. The gesture expresses gratitude to Chinese fans and will help improve the team’s international standing.
中聯油脂 case: Hou You-yi says products should not return to shelves before source is identified
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi called for products involved in the 中聯油脂 case not to be hastily returned to shelves before the source is identified. He stressed the need for thorough tracing and comprehensive testing to ensure food safety, reflecting the government's increasingly stringent food safety standards.
Hua Keli overcomes boos to win home run derby, becoming first in Cardinals history
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Jordan Walker, a 24-year-old young slugger, won the MLB Home Run Derby held in Philadelphia, the opposing team’s home city, achieving a first for the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfazed by boos from 40,000 people, he came from behind to win 12-11.
Companies mentioned：Philadelphia Phillies、St. Louis Cardinals
South Korean leveraged ETFs plunge; financial sector urges stronger investor protections
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
South Korea’s KOSPI index plunged 8.95%, and leveraged ETFs tracking individual stocks hit historic lows. The financial industry called for stronger investor protections, while opposition parties also criticized the government’s market intervention.
Si Guangyang drops KMT nomination to run as an independent? Wan Mei-ling: I respect his decision
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Si Guangyang, son of KMT legislator Wan Mei-ling, announced he was giving up the party's nomination, prompting speculation about whether he would run for Taoyuan City Council as an independent. Wan said she supported and respected Si's decision.
Communist Party Politburo member Ma Xingrui expelled from party and public office over alleged sex-for-power deals and family-based corruption
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ma Xingrui, a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo, was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office over alleged sex-for-power deals and family-based corruption. This was the first time the CCP had disclosed details of his downfall.
Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani visits US to meet Trump, focusing on Iran and energy cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani visited the United States and discussed curbing Iran's influence and advancing oil and gas cooperation with Trump. The move highlights Iraq's strategy of seeking a diplomatic balance between the US and Iran, with important implications for regional stability and energy markets.
中聯 oil products may return to shelves; Lu Shiow-yen says central government should investigate cause first
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen opposes the central government's plan to return 中聯 oil products to shelves, stressing that the cause of excessive benzopyrene levels should first be determined. The issue involves food safety and government oversight responsibilities and has drawn considerable public attention.
Black Hawk hovers at low altitude to complete a 500-gallon fuel bladder lift and resupply in 20 minutes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Third Theater of Operations used a UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter to carry a 500-gallon aviation fuel bladder at low altitude, completing frontline resupply within 20 minutes. The operation is part of a defense strategy to strengthen distributed command and logistical resilience.
Strong convective development brings heavy rain advisories to New Taipei and 6 other counties and cities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration issued heavy rain special alerts for 6 counties and cities, including New Taipei City. Developing convective clouds are expected to bring intense short-duration rain, lightning and gusty winds. Ensuring public safety is important.
Plastic spout pouches widely used for infant and toddler foods; Greenpeace urges creation of assessment mechanism
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Greenpeace said about 80% of commercially available baby food in Taiwan uses plastic spout pouches, increasing the risk of microplastic exposure for infants and young children. It is calling on the government to conduct a nationwide survey and establish a risk assessment system.
Landslide and boulders block road to Xitou; Nantou County government continues clearance work
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A rockslide blocked traffic on Yanxi Highway in Nantou County, prompting the county to carry out emergency repairs. Single-lane traffic has resumed, but the risk of further landslides remains. The road is an important access route to a summer retreat area, raising concerns about traffic disruptions.
Japan revises basic AI plan, focusing on crisis management and sovereign AI
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Summary not yet available
Facts
The public and private sectors plan to jointly invest 23.1 trillion yen and 10.5 trillion yen, respectively, in the fields of "vertical AI" and "physical AI" before fiscal 2040.
Japan's investment in AI totaled US$1.11 billion in 2025
Less than 1/200 of the US$285.9 billion invested by the US, which ranked first
Women's groups: Legislature should swiftly amend the Assisted Reproduction Act to protect women's rights and decouple it from the surrogacy system
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Several women’s groups urged the Legislative Yuan to expedite amendments to the Artificial Reproduction Act. They are seeking to expand eligibility to single women and same-sex couples, and argue that the issue should be separated from the surrogacy system. This is an important step toward safeguarding women’s reproductive rights.
Trump wants to bomb Iran's Khondab nuclear facility；experts say the US's most powerful bomb may not penetrate it
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested an attack on Iran’s underground nuclear facility “鎬山.” Experts warned that even the U.S.’s most powerful bunker-buster bomb would have difficulty penetrating it.
Electronics, financial and traditional industry stocks all fall；Taiwan stocks plunge 1500 points intraday, breaking below 44000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan's stock market fell today as electronics, financial and traditional industry shares weakened in tandem, with the index at one point dropping more than 1500 points and breaking below the 44000 mark．台积电 and other technology stocks fell sharply, weighing on the overall market．
Financial disclosures reveal Trump earned 45 billion from cryptocurrency and shifted investments to traditional stocks and bonds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former President Donald Trump has made more than $1.4 billion in profits from a cryptocurrency project but is moving the funds into stocks and bonds. Individual investors have suffered huge losses in the project. Observers have pointed to a gap between his strategy and his public statements.
Labor Ministry issues job redesign guidelines for the food service industry to help jobs adapt to middle-aged and older workers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Workforce Development Agency issued a job redesign guide for the food service industry to promote employment of middle-aged and older workers. It outlined ways to reduce the physical demands of work in response to an aging population and labor shortages.
Taichung Port land reclamation project threatens white dolphin habitat；environmental groups call for development to stop
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Environmental groups submitted a public notice to 環境部 calling for the cancellation of a reclamation project at Taichung Port, saying it overlaps with the habitat of the Chinese white dolphin. 環境部 said it would respond within 60 days, and the dispute is expected to continue.
Wang Huning to lead delegation to North Korea on the 15th as high-level interactions between the 2 countries continue to intensify
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China’s Politburo, made an official visit to North Korea. The two countries are seeking to strengthen their strategic relationship, with exchanges between senior officials becoming more frequent.
【千興】Announces resignation of company director and changes to one-third of its directors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
Taiwan-listed company 千興 announced the resignation of director Huang Chun-lang. 1/3 of the directors elected at the same time have changed, and the matter was disclosed as material information. It could affect management stability.
【士紙】Corrects consolidated monthly operating revenue for June 115 following adoption of IFRSs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
Shihlin Paper corrected its consolidated revenue for June 2026, revising it upward from 11,370 thousand yuan to 11,611 thousand yuan．The adjustment to its financial filing is a measure to enhance transparency and provides a reference for investors．
【千興】Announces change in representative appointed by corporate director
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
千興 announced a change in its corporate director's representative, with 保利都投資 appointing 吳芳諭 to replace 郭穎謙．The routine corporate governance change reflects an adjustment to the shareholder-level management lineup．