U.S. State Department: China’s threat to Taiwan has grown significantly; welcomes defense budget exceeding 3% of GDP
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Summary not yet available
Facts
The overall defense budget reached NT$1.1225 trillion
Defense spending as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) is 3.93%, calculated using the 115 fiscal-year basis (GDP of NT$28.6 trillion, released in August 114)
Based on projected GDP of NT$37.3 trillion for 116, released in August 115, the figure is 3.01%
Man sentenced to life for killing wife and sister-in-law; New Taipei court says he does not meet the most serious criteria under Constitutional Court Judgment No. 8 and cannot be sentenced to death
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Summary not yet available
Facts
Sentenced to 3 months in prison for assault
Sentenced to 59 days of detention for violating a protection order
Taiwan wins 2 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals in wheelchair dance at Finland's World Abilitysport Guttmann Games
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Summary not yet available
Facts
Taiwanese athletes overcame numerous challenges to win 2 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals in wheelchair dance at the World Abilitysport Guttmann Games in Finland
Organizers initially approved off-site lodging for Taiwan's team but later charged each athlete an additional 150 euros (about NT$5,580)
In addition to the original registration fee of about 100 euros
An overwhelmingly immersive QUEEN live experience in cinemas! The theatrical release of the film “Queen: Budapest” has been announced to mark Freddie Mercury’s 80th birthday, クイーン’s 55th anniversary, and the 40th anniversary of this concert.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
All 80,000 tickets sold out
An estimated 45,000 people listened to the performance from outside the venue
17 cameras
25 miles (about 40 km) of film
10/7 (Wed.) TOHOシネマズ Shinjuku / TOHOシネマズ Nagoya Sakae
Essentially, screenings on 10/7 and 10/10 only (limited to 2 days)
A multi-format package release from ソニーミュージック on October 30
EPEX holds Tokyo show on its world tour, “EPEX 4th CONCERT ⟨ECHO⟩ in TOKYO”! Debuts new song “ECHO” in Japan at 2 performances, afternoon and evening, at ヒューリックホール東京 (official live report)
RUI (STARGLOW) appears in installment #46 of ViVi’s monthly “National Treasure-Class Handsome Men” series. A look at the true self of the 19-year-old singer, who says, “I’ve gradually started opening up to people.”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Ranked 9th in the NEXT category
An interview of more than 3000 characters
Price: ¥920
ViVi’s 2026 first-half National Treasure-Class Handsome Men Ranking
New version “Snow and Ice’s Phantom Dream” information revealed for “Arknights: Endfield”! Reclaimer Typhlos is coming, and new ★5 Operator Ptilopsis will be distributed!
Ogawa Fuminori (BUDDiiS) and Toshiki Seto co-star in the drama “The Prince of My Servitude”; after-story depicting what happens after the final episode to stream exclusively on FOD!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
Original本日2026年8月21日（金）23:00より放送いたします
It has been decided that the show will stream exclusively on FOD from 23:30 on Friday, August 21, immediately after the broadcast
Will be released on Wednesday, February 24, 2027
■Price: ¥16,500 (tax included)
■Number of discs: 1
Companies mentioned：TOKYO MX、FOD、SDR Inc.、Sony Music Labels Inc.、UNIVERSAL SIGMA、シーモアコミックス、ビデオプランニング
Chinese authorities have launched the largest automotive recall in history, affecting 11 companies, including テスラ and 小米. More than 4.27 million vehicles are affected because concealed door handles are difficult to operate in emergencies.
Companies mentioned：テスラ、小米、浙江零跑汽車、小鵬汽車、極氪、領克、ゼロパー、XPeng、Lynk & Co
〈U.S. stocks in early trading〉U.S. stocks finally catch their breath! Major indexes open higher, Nasdaq tries to end 5-day losing streak
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. stocks staged a temporary rebound, with the Nasdaq 100 showing signs of ending a 5-day losing streak. High bond yields and geopolitical risks continue to weigh on markets.
Is the U.S. following Japan's path? Bessent may sacrifice the dollar to rescue U.S. Treasuries; experts warn the Trump administration is playing with fire
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The market was thrown into turmoil and the dollar fell after the U.S. Treasury doubled the scale of its long-term bond buybacks. Experts warn that the United States is moving toward a Japan-style policy of low interest rates and a weak currency.
Does Bessent have enough ammunition? Another surge in Treasury yields could force the Fed to step in
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent's bond buyback plan is facing limits, and rising long-term interest rates have increased the likelihood of Federal Reserve intervention. Markets are closely watching the impact on future monetary policy.
Trump personally pushes CLARITY Act, racing to get it through the Senate in September
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
President Trump met with cryptocurrency industry executives at the White House to promote the CLARITY Act. The goal is a Senate vote in September, but negotiations have stalled over ethics provisions.
Lotus Pharmaceutical and Alvotech sign licensing and commercialization agreement to advance 2 biosimilars in the U.S. and Asian markets
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Lotus Pharmaceutical and Alvotech announced a partnership to commercialize biosimilars of Imfinzi and Hemlibra in the United States and Asia. Their global expansion in cancer and hemophilia is accelerating.
Bitcoin surges past the $78,000 mark; analyst says move is purely news-driven
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Bitcoin surged to around $78,000, with U.S. bond buybacks and progress on the “Clarity Act” cited as the main drivers. Experts from Orbs and Citigroup said regulatory clarity is key to attracting capital inflows.
U.S. threatens economic sanctions on Iran; foreign investors buy plastics stocks, sending them broadly higher
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The United States declared “unprecedented economic sanctions” on Iran, pushing up oil prices. Taiwanese plastics stocks surged across the board on foreign buying, with China Petrochemical Development and Taiwan Styrene Monomer jumping sharply. Geopolitical risks are spilling over into equity markets.
Housing demand from owner-occupiers remains firm; new mortgages at Taiwan’s 5 major banks hit a 1-year high in July
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
New mortgage lending at Taiwan’s 5 major banks hit a 1-year high in July, reaching NT$69.109 billion, driven mainly by more applications for the New Youth Housing Loan program and demand to take possession of homes before the lunar seventh month. The central bank cautioned against reading too much into the figures as evidence of a broad housing market recovery.
U.S. beef is too expensive to stomach! Trump offers 90-day tariff relief, opens door to 300,000 metric tons of imports
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. President Trump announced that up to 300,000 tons of ground beef would be imported over 90 days with tariff concessions and sold at 25% below market prices. The move is drawing attention as a measure to support household budgets ahead of the election.
Expanding its Kansai footprint! Taiwan’s National Development Council signs MoU with 阪急阪神不動產 to link Taiwan-Japan “13+17” strategic industries
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien visited Japan and signed an MoU with 阪急阪神不動產 to promote links between Taiwan and Japan’s 13+17 strategic industries. He also visited 三菱綜合研究所 to learn from Japan’s 370 trillion yen investment strategy and strengthen the international expansion of Taiwan’s startups.
After AI windfall, Samsung rewards shareholders with a major payout: up to $79.5 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Samsung Electronics announced its largest-ever shareholder return plan, saying it expects to return 90 trillion to 110 trillion won in 2026. The plan reflects profit growth driven by AI demand and aims to enhance shareholder value.
Shipping index: SCFI rises for four consecutive weeks as carriers push for mid-September rate hikes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) rose for four consecutive weeks to 3409.63 points, while U.S.-bound freight rates approached $10,000. Wan Hai’s July profit rose nearly 20% year over year. Supply and demand remain steady, but whether September rate hikes will succeed remains to be seen.
Goldman Sachs: Slowing inflation is the best way to lower U.S. Treasury yields
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Goldman Sachs said curbing inflation is the most effective way to lower U.S. bond yields. Fiscal measures alone are insufficient, and markets remain wary of the risk of rising interest rates.
Quantum computers meet supercomputers! Taiwan’s new 10 major AI initiatives look to Japan to build cross-border quantum business ecosystem
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien led a delegation to Japan to discuss cooperation on quantum AI and AI data centers with G-QuAT, Fujitsu and NEC, strengthening links between the Taiwan and Japan technology ecosystems.
Materials-KY’s revenue momentum continues to recover; first-half earnings per share at NT$1.85
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Materials-KY's revenue is showing signs of recovery, with earnings per share of 1.85 yuan in the first half of 2026. The company is accelerating growth through new products and emerging markets, strengthening its position as an industry leader.
Chiang Chi-chen speaks entirely in English to the American Chamber of Commerce to promote Taichung, saying international talent should not only invest but also want to stay
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Legislative Yuan Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang delivered a speech in English at a dinner hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, outlining Taichung's internationalization and talent-retention strategies. He also presented measures to support small and medium-sized businesses, along with transportation and housing policies.
2028 U.S. presidential election poll: Rubio outpolls Vance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In a poll for the 2028 U.S. presidential election, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recorded slightly higher support than Vice President JD Vance. He is drawing attention as a leading Republican contender.
Companies mentioned：The Hill、Emerson College、Washington Post、New York Post、CBS
Animated series “尼古喵喵” reported over smoking content and taken off platforms; 葛如鈞 blasts health ministry: “Don’t use anime to whitewash toxic oil”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The anime “Nikonian” was reported over depictions of smoking and taken off streaming platforms. 葛如鈞 criticized the Ministry of Health and Welfare, highlighting the conflict between freedom of expression and public health.
U.S. debt tops $40 trillion! Treasury Secretary Bessent tells public not to worry, says federal deficit has peaked
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Treasury Secretary Bessent said the U.S. budget deficit likely peaked under the Trump administration, and that the government aims to address the debt problem through increased tariff revenue and fiscal austerity. Concerns are mounting over U.S. government debt, which has exceeded $40 trillion, while debate continues between the government and Congress over measures to address it.
Could U.S. stocks tumble after hitting highs amid volatility? Expert on Treasury positioning: if long-dated bonds aren’t paying, consider 0050 or high-dividend stocks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lin Chang-hsing, chairman of the Taiwan Financial Training Association, analyzed U.S. Treasury and stock market trends, saying long-dated Treasuries no longer offer investment value and recommending a shift to 0050 or high-dividend ETFs. His view offers investors an important reference for asset allocation.
Ebola outbreak spreads! 疾管署 extends border controls on the Democratic Republic of the Congo through Nov. 28; Uganda may be cleared
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to worsen, and Taiwan’s 疾管署 has decided to extend border controls on the country through Nov. 28, 2026. If Uganda reports no new cases by Aug. 27, restrictions will be lifted on Aug. 28. 疾管署 urged arriving travelers to comply strictly with disease-prevention measures and said controls would be adjusted based on the outbreak.
Beijing watch: 張雪機車’s 820RR seized! Owner vows to “keep sending them until unification”; a guide to the cross-strait trade dispute
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 820RR motorcycle by Chinese brand Zhang Xue Motorcycles was seized in Taiwan, and founder Zhang Xue declared, “I’ll keep sending them until unification.” The clash between trade restrictions and market demand has developed into a political issue.
王彥程 hospitalized with pneumonia! 韓華鷹隊 makes emergency roster move, expects him to miss one start
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
王彥程, a Taiwanese pitcher for the 韓華鷹隊 of South Korea's professional baseball league, was hospitalized with pneumonia. The team removed him from the first-team roster, but his condition is not serious, and he is expected to return after missing 1 start. He has a 7-5 record and a 3.52 ERA this season.
Samsung pay dispute still unresolved! Product division unhappy about being sidelined, seeks “one share” as compensation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Tensions are escalating over pay disparities between Samsung Electronics' product and semiconductor divisions. The DX division's union is demanding stock compensation, raising concerns that the dispute could spill over into 2027 labor negotiations.
Middle Eastern airline lands at Taoyuan Airport and announces “Taiwan, China”; Foreign Ministry strongly protests, demands apology and correction
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways stirred controversy by announcing “Taiwan, China” on arrival in Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs protested and demanded an apology and correction. The issue has developed into a dispute over political sovereignty.
Taoyuan’s old town welcomes a new tourism draw! Historic homes may apply to operate B&Bs under certain conditions, offering deeper travel experiences
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
桃園市政府 has designated Taoyuan’s old town as an area of historical and cultural character, allowing eligible historic homes to apply to operate as B&Bs. The move aims to extend visitors’ stays and boost local businesses and cultural spending.
Taichung brings shared electric scooters to campuses; National Taiwan University of Sport joins effort to build a green, low-carbon sports campus
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung Environmental Protection Bureau and National Taiwan University of Sport are working together to bring shared electric scooters to campus, aiming to promote low-carbon commuting and improve the campus environment. The initiative is an important step toward the 2050 net-zero target.
“Kaohsiung, Always Moving!” tops bestseller list; Chen Chi-mai says, “The protagonist isn’t me, but all Kaohsiung residents”; Jeremy sees Chen’s “Kaohsiung spirit”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s new book “Kaohsiung, Always Moving!” topped the Books.com.tw bestseller list on its first day of preorders. He stressed that the city’s transformation is the result of residents’ collective efforts. The book was recommended by Tsai Ing-wen and Su Tseng-chang.