Kaohsiung man turns himself in with body in car, says he accidentally beat coworker to death; police continue investigating
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Mu in Kaohsiung, citing a NT$100,000 dispute, said he had accidentally beaten a coworker to death and turned himself in with the body in his car. Police found the deceased in the vehicle and launched an investigation. The exact cause of death and motive remain under investigation.
Ministry of Economic Affairs: Without supplementary budget, 中油 and 台電 may struggle to continue cushioning price rises
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
經濟部 said oil and gas prices had fluctuated sharply amid the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran. 中油 and 台電 have shouldered heavy costs to stabilize prices, with cumulative losses exceeding NT$127.6 billion and NT$371.1 billion, respectively. Without additional budget allocations, they may struggle to continue cushioning price rises.
Facts
Original中油與台電分別累計虧損將逾新台幣1276億元
Cumulative losses at 中油 and 台電 are expected to exceed...NT$371.1 billion
Allocate NT$180.935 billion in 115 to reimburse 台電, 中油 and petroleum companies involved in producing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for absorbing price differences
Also budget NT$233.834 billion to increase 中油’s capital
Debt ratio forecast to reach as high as 98% by year-end
賴瑞隆 releases first campaign video; 柯志恩 canvasses markets to strengthen ground game
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
賴瑞隆, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, released his first campaign ad, “百變隆隆,” and launched a campaign plan spanning ground and air. Kuomintang candidate 柯志恩, meanwhile, has been making frequent market visits to canvass voters, demonstrating her commitment to grassroots outreach.
Minimum wage to exceed NT$30,000 from New Year’s Day; more than 2.61 million people to benefit, with local workers accounting for 84%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of Labor reported its minimum wage adjustment proposal to the Executive Yuan, raising monthly pay to NT$30,900 and hourly pay to NT$205, effective Jan. 1 next year. Premier 卓榮泰 said more than 2.61 million workers would benefit, with local workers accounting for 84%, and noted the government would roll out measures and related support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Facts
Monthly salary raised to NT$30,900
Hourly wage raised to NT$205
More than 2.61 million workers to benefit
Local workers account for 84%
Raised for 11 consecutive years
Raised by 1400 yuan
Taiwan’s economic growth rate forecast to reach 11.05%
Small and medium-sized enterprises account for more than 98% of all businesses
Campaign graphic used AI assistance; 沈伯洋 says it is no longer in use and that getting the proportions right is key
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
沈伯洋, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei mayoral candidate, responded to controversy over the use of AI assistance in his campaign’s main visual, saying he had decided to stop using the image and emphasizing the importance of getting the proportions right. He also discussed responses to food safety incidents, campaign mobilization and an oversight involving sugarcane.
星宇 expands Indonesian network with 5 weekly Bali flights, hopes to attract travelers connecting from Europe and the US
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
星宇航空 launched its Bali route today, with 5 flights per week, hoping to attract travelers from Europe and the US to connect through Taiwan and link Southeast Asian and Western travel markets.
Visiting twin weightlifters, 郭婞淳 shares tips for overcoming pre-competition anxiety
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Weightlifter 郭婞淳 appeared on the program “Who’s Coming to Dinner,” sharing tips for maintaining her weight and overcoming pre-competition anxiety, and offering encouragement to single-parent families in Hualien.
Facts
The secret to maintaining her weight for more than 10 years
Ghost voters: 1 candidate for village chief in Yunlin's Xiluo Township released on NT$100,000 bail
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A woman surnamed Chen, a candidate for village chief in Xiluo Township, Yunlin County, invited 12 acquaintances to falsely transfer their household registrations starting in March this year to increase her chances of winning. The Yunlin District Prosecutors Office summoned 16 people for questioning, and Chen was released on NT$100,000 bail.
Electronics supply chains highly concentrated in Asia; China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan rank among the global top 4 in production capacity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the 2024–2025 global digital hardware production capacity rankings, China took the top spot with a 58.8% share, followed by Taiwan, South Korea and Japan in second through fourth place. Together, China, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan account for 80.5% of global production capacity, underscoring Asia's central role in the global electronics supply chain.
Facts
China ranks first with a 58.8% share
The top 4 together account for 80.5% of global production capacity
Taiwan ranks second with 10.2%
South Korea ranks third with 6.7%
Japan ranks fourth with 4.8%
India 3.8%
Vietnam 3.6%
United States 2.9%
Revenue in related industries exceeds 30 trillion yuan
Abnormal power equipment disrupts 台鐵 services between Kang Le and Luye
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Due to an abnormality in power equipment on 台鐵's eastern line between Kang Le and Luye, trains in both directions have been delayed since 11:10 a.m., affecting Kang Le, Taitung and Luye stations. The time for service restoration is still being assessed.
中央社 nominated for Asian Television Awards and Asian Academy Creative Awards, competing with media outlets including CNN
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中央社 has earned nominations in 2 categories at the 31st Asian Television Awards and Asian Academy Creative Awards for its works “Global Evening News” and “Birthright Citizenship and the American Baby Dream.” It will compete for awards against international media outlets including CNN and CNBC.
Countdown to opening of southern Taiwan rail underground project: Tainan Station's operations control, monitoring centers and new gates unveiled
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The first phase of the Tainan city rail underground project is nearing its opening, and the Railway Bureau has for the first time unveiled facilities including ticket gates, an operations control room and a monitoring center. The new station will use a fourth-generation gate system and feature guidance signs in 4 languages. The first-phase opening is targeted for October 18.
Facts
8.23 kilometers long
The new Tainan Station was unveiled on September 10
Track switching is scheduled for the night of October 17
Railway operations will move underground starting October 18
4 languages: Chinese, English, Japanese and Korean
7 stores are expected to open at the same time in the first phase
Another 15 stores will be added gradually before the end of 2026
Keep the vertical natural frequency below 25Hz
10 ventilation machine rooms in the fully underground tunnel
A total of 19 tunnel ventilation fans
Up to 7 tunnel fans can be started simultaneously
Secure a golden escape window of about 900 seconds
台灣美光: Cumulative investment reaches NT$1.6 trillion; expansion in Taiwan will continue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台灣美光 Chairman Lu Tung-hui said 美光 has continued expanding in Taiwan, with cumulative investment exceeding NT$1.6 trillion (about US$52 billion), half of it made in the past 4 years. The company is continuing to expand production capacity at its facilities in Taoyuan, Tongluo in Miaoli, Taichung and Tainan, while preparing advanced HBM packaging lines and next-generation DRAM manufacturing.
115 Indigenous Peoples Special Examination: 24 additional positions approved in second round
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
考試院 approved 24 additional positions in the second round for the 115 Indigenous Peoples Special Examination, bringing the total number of positions to 213. The examination was held on September 5 and 6, and results are expected to be announced on October 19.
US-China AI rivalry heats up as OpenAI accuses 月之暗面 of copying models
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
OpenAI said it had detected and stopped a coordinated campaign linked to Chinese startup 月之暗面. The campaign sought to extract protected reasoning processes from AI models by manipulating model interactions in order to copy the technology. OpenAI calls the technique “adversarial distillation.”
Facts
The operation began in early July
16,000 requests submitted by more than 4,000 users
OpenAI eventually found related activity in a group with more than 15,000 users
It said it had completely stopped the operation on July 28
維格餅家 exits the emerging stock market after 14 years; once profited from pineapple cake boom fueled by tourists from mainland China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Facing a decline in tourists from mainland China and falling business, 維格餅家 has voluntarily applied to end its emerging stock market registration after 14 years, but will remain publicly issued and actively pursue a transformation.
2026 Taiwan Culture Day: independent bookstores across Taiwan join cultural initiative
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Taiwan Cultural Association, 文化部 has launched a series of events for “2026 Taiwan Culture Day” under the theme “Cultural Democracy, Let a Hundred Flowers Bloom.” More than 30 independent bookstores, NGOs and community colleges have signed on, with more than 50 bookstores and cultural spaces across Taiwan invited to take part. Events include talks, guided walks and concerts, and run from now through Oct. 31.
新光三越 targets more than NT$1.5 billion in sales on first day of anniversary sale; Wu Tung-sheng urges shoppers to spend stock market gains
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
新光三越 set a sales target of NT$1.55 billion for its 6 stores on the first day of its anniversary sale, aiming for a 2.5% annual increase. Chairman Wu Tung-sheng urged the public to turn stock market gains into consumer spending, while Executive Vice President Wu Hsin-chang said he was optimistic about consumer spending this year.
National Day long weekend: Provincial highways expect traffic surge on Oct. 8
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
交通部公路局 forecasts traffic during the National Day long weekend, saying provincial highways will see a surge from the afternoon of Oct. 8, with sightseeing trips peaking from Oct. 9 to 11 and northbound traffic from the afternoon of Oct. 10 through 11. It is also offering discounts on intercity highway buses to encourage public transport.
Facts
3 days in total
85 mid- and long-distance routes
Original85折優惠
Original最低57折
Transfer using an electronic ticket within 10 hours
Ko Wen-je campaigns in Changhua, discusses “ocean current” phenomenon and stresses analysis based on objective polling data
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former Taiwan People's Party chairman Ko Wen-je traveled south to Changhua to campaign. Asked by the media about the “ocean current” phenomenon, he stressed that analysis should rely on comprehensive, objective polling data rather than just looking at the volume of support at a local event. He also responded to questions about a KMT-TPP alliance and Huang Kuo-chang's support for Wei Ping-cheng, saying that party-to-party negotiations and policy are handled by party chairs, while his role is to campaign.
Facts
When 500 people surround you, shouting “freeze garlic”
Aiming to stabilize supply, import tariffs on soybean salad oil waived through the end of March next year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To stabilize supplies of soybean salad oil and feed-grade soybean meal and soybeans, the Executive Yuan has approved waiving import tariffs on soybean salad oil and feed-grade soybean meal and soybeans from Oct. 1 through the end of March next year.
Facts
For 6 months, through the end of March next year
Effective Oct. 1
Gasoline excise tax cut by NT$3.415 per liter
Diesel excise tax cut by 1.995 per liter
The current tariff rate on soybean salad oil is 5%
The rate on feed-grade soybean meal and soybeans is 3%
Total tariff revenue loss is estimated at about NT$33.51 million
China's “十一” Golden Week begins; Hong Kong prepares to welcome mainland visitors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China's “十一” Golden Week has begun, and Hong Kong authorities expect large numbers of mainland visitors. They have stepped up transport arrangements and inspections of shops in tourist areas in advance to protect visitors' rights and prevent fraud.
Facts
A total of 1.64 million visitor arrivals in Hong Kong
More than 1.4 million of them were mainland visitors
Yilan farmer falls from 70-meter cliff; police and firefighters mount hoist rescue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A farmer surnamed Chen from Nanshan Village in Datong Township, Yilan County, fell from a 70-meter cliff while working in the fields. She was conscious and called for help. After police and firefighters coordinated the rescue, they began a hoist operation at 9:30 a.m. and brought her to safety. She was then taken to 羅東聖母醫院 for treatment.
The Taiwan dollar temporarily closed at 31.93 against the U.S. dollar at noon in the Taipei foreign exchange market, down 7.8 cents, with turnover of US$936 million.
Computer controlled without a mouse: Chung Hsing materials department develops AI motion-sensing smart clothing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A team from 國立中興大學's Department of Materials Science and Engineering has developed “AI motion-sensing smart clothing” that uses textiles and the natural static electricity generated by human movement to detect motion. Machine learning converts gestures such as waving into computer commands, eliminating the need for a mouse or keyboard. The clothing is also lightweight, soft and washable.
National Day light show opens on the 7th; 文總 releases 11 commemorative badges for democratic Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
文化總會 has unveiled the key visual for the 2026 National Day light show projected onto the 總統府 building, which opens on the 7th. It has also released 11 “Democratic Taiwan Commemorative Badges” marking the history of the democratic movement.
Nominated for Asian Academy Creative Awards, Kuo Shu-yao exclaims: “I'm a comedian”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The drama “The Hellish Love of Ho Bai-rui” has received 3 nominations for the Asian Academy Creative Awards. Kuo Shu-yao was nominated for Best Comedy Performance for the show and happily said that she is a comedian.
Tennessee's first execution of a woman in 200 years appears to go awry and is not completed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 美國最高法院 ruled that Tennessee could carry out its first execution of a woman in 200 years, but an apparent problem during the injection of inmate Puckett meant the execution was not completed.
Facts
First execution of a woman in 200 years
Brutally murdered a classmate 30 years ago
Puckett, 50
Was injected with 2 doses of medication
7:46 p.m.
Pulled open again 3 minutes later
8:06 p.m.
Around 8:53 p.m.
The 2nd time this year an execution could not be completed
Kidnapped and murdered 3 people in 1994
Took more than 1 hour
The incident took place in January 1995
Puckett, who was just 18 at the time
Boyfriend, 17
Classmate 斯勒莫, 19
A 226-page clemency petition
1 hour before the scheduled execution
A 2-to-1 vote ordered a stay of execution
A ruling was issued by a 6-to-3 vote
The death warrant expires at midnight
Since 美國最高法院 allowed the death penalty to resume in 1976
Of the 1683 people executed across the United States
Outlying Islands Games open 10/1; Penghu team flies to Matsu to compete
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 11th Outlying Islands Games open in Lienchiang County on Oct. 1. The Penghu County team will travel to compete in 2 groups by charter flight, with nearly 200 people expected to take part in 10 events.
Trump signs an “AI-like constitution”; KMT lawmaker says Taiwan is key to the new U.S.-China tech cold war
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Trump signed an “AI-like constitution” agreement, saying he does not intend to cooperate with China on AI technology governance. KMT lawmaker 李彥秀 said that although the U.S. and China have established an “AI dialogue” mechanism, they lack mutual trust, and that Taiwan, due to its monopoly position in the global technology supply chain, has become pivotal to the outcome of this new tech cold war.
Japan sharply raises residence fees; foreign family laments “using up 2 years of savings”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japan has sharply raised fees for foreign nationals applying for and renewing residency status, with the permanent residency fee rising 20-fold to 200,000 yen. A Vietnamese family of 5 in Toyama lamented that applying would consume 2 years of savings; an administrative scrivener’s office reported a 10-fold increase in applications; and 入管廳 forecasts annual revenue of up to 90 billion yen.
Gemini 4 debuts; 和碩’s 鄭光志: AI should be as ubiquitous as air and water
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Contract manufacturer 和碩 received the top manufacturing award in the “AI Innovation Application Award” category at the Digital Transformation Dingge Awards. Co-CEO 鄭光志 said Google had just unveiled its latest model, Gemini 4, underscoring the rapid pace of AI development. He hopes AI will not only become critical infrastructure like electricity, but also be as ubiquitous as air and water.
Facts
Google unveiled its new flagship AI model Argon on Sept. 30 U.S. time
Included in the total market capitalization generated by 20 large AI companies in Taiwan
Already more than 2 times Taiwan’s gross domestic product (GDP)
The achievements AI has made over the past 1 or 2 years
Already a ten-million-fold increase
和碩 cites 4 key drivers in its internal adoption of AI
New Taipei promotes “flu in one arm, COVID in the other” dual vaccination; those aged 65 and older can enter a gold prize draw
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
New Taipei City is promoting its “flu in one arm, COVID in the other” dual vaccination policy. Residents aged 65 and older who receive flu and COVID vaccines at the same time will get 2 chances to enter a gold prize draw, with prizes worth more than NT$2.29 million and NT$620,000 in gift certificates.
Publicly funded flu and COVID vaccinations begin; crowds gather at multiple locations in Kaohsiung
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Publicly funded flu and COVID vaccinations began today. Kaohsiung Health Bureau Deputy Director 潘炤穎 said this year’s flu peak is arriving earlier and urged the public to get vaccinated promptly to protect themselves and their families. Kaohsiung purchased 850,000 publicly funded flu vaccine doses this year and is offering an enhanced vaccine option to specific groups, including seniors aged 65 and older.
Facts
There have been 129 severe flu cases
Including 30 deaths
There have been 123 severe COVID cases
Including 27 deaths
Kaohsiung purchased 850,000 publicly funded flu vaccine doses this year
Kaohsiung has more than 600 contracted vaccine providers
Residents aged 65 and older at long-term care and nursing institutions
25% to 30% greater protection against severe illness than standard vaccines
KMT proposes referendums on Constitutional Court rulings and barring rejection of legislative referendum bills; DPP urges it to turn back
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The KMT legislative caucus and legislator 翁曉玲 have proposed amendments to the Referendum Act, arguing that Constitutional Court rulings could be put to a nationwide referendum and that the Central Election Commission must not refuse to hold a referendum approved by the Legislative Yuan. DPP caucus secretary-general 范雲 criticized the proposal as seriously violating the constitutional principle of separation of powers and urged the KMT caucus and 翁曉玲 to turn back; deputy secretary-general 陳培瑜 also stressed that Taiwan is a five-power system. In addition, responding to media questions about the KMT’s opposition to the 115 fiscal year central government general budget supplemental appropriation bill, 范雲 pointed to the necessity of budget items including funds for 中油.
Budget 116 explained: Social welfare spending tops 1 trillion; defense and public affairs budgets exceed 600 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 116 fiscal year central government general budget proposes 3.9 trillion in expenditures, a record high, while achieving effectively zero borrowing. Social welfare spending leads at more than 1 trillion, while the defense budget exceeds 600 billion. 衛福部 and 國庫署 are the 2 agencies with the largest budgets, while 中華郵政’s operating fund has the biggest increase due to its asset investment budget.
Facts
Original新台幣3兆9266億
Original社會福利支出共1兆1889億元
Economic development spending: NT$759.1 billion
Defense spending: NT$683.6 billion
Of the total budget of NT$690.1 billion
More than NT$392.5 billion in the 116 fiscal year general budget
Iran says it has received U.S. response to proposal; Rubio orders delegation to leave
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Iran said it had received the U.S. response to its proposal to end the war. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio ordered Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and his delegation to leave New York early, as negotiations between the 2 sides reached an impasse.
Middle school campus safety staffing expansion begins; 國教盟 calls for stronger special education response training
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Executive Yuan’s “Campus Safety Resilience 2000” plan takes effect in October, expanding middle school campus safety staffing to 2000. 國教行動聯盟 called for stronger special education training and recommended that performance indicators such as staff turnover rates be made public.
Facts
Expand junior high school security staffing to 2,000.
Provide local governments with NT$1.2 billion annually.
Expected to grow from the current 620 to 2000 within 3 years
Southern Taiwan Science Park’s Shalun campus could threaten grass owls; environmental groups say grid-style development will fragment habitat
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Environmental groups and lawmakers questioned whether development of the Southern Taiwan Science Park’s Shalun campus would fragment grass owl habitat and increase electricity demand, and called for stronger ecological assessments and avoidance measures. A National Science and Technology Council report said 11 grass owl hotspots had been identified and renewable energy targets were being planned.
Facts
11 grass owl hotspots
Covering more than 500 hectares
More than 1 year of on-site field surveys
Among 42 survey points
Covering a total area of about 179 hectares
The campus’s long-term total electricity demand is 2700MW
Probiotic endorser falsely claimed product could reverse kidney disease; cumulative fines reach 8.9 million, doctor referred for disciplinary action
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Probiotic product 「活化勝」 was found by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration to have run illegal ads claiming it could reverse kidney disease, drawing cumulative fines of NT$8.9 million. Endorser Dr. 江守山 was referred for disciplinary action.
Facts
Cumulative fines of NT$8.9 million imposed on businesses
王令麟 acquitted in 2nd trial in case involving alleged bribery of prison officials; High Prosecutors Office considers appeal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
東森集團 Chairman 王令麟 was acquitted in a reversal in the 2nd trial of a case involving alleged bribery of prison officials. The High Prosecutors Office is considering an appeal, while the Agency of Corrections said it respects the ruling.
Controversy over lunch at Taipei's Minzu Elementary School; 蔣萬安: Awaiting test results
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Several students at Taipei's Minzu Elementary School developed gastrointestinal symptoms amid suspected food safety issues with school lunches. Mayor 蔣萬安 said doctors initially diagnosed gastroenteritis and had not ruled out norovirus. The Department of Health has sent samples for testing, and the school is carrying out cleaning and disinfection.
Facts
Nearly 10 students
Ate school lunch on the 24th
A total of 716 teachers and students ate school lunch on the 24th
Epidemiological investigation findings as of the 26th
Chinese company 龍迅半導體 illegally set up operations in Taiwan; Taipei prosecutors indict Taiwan representative
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chinese company 龍迅半導體 set up and operated a site in Taipei without authorization. Taipei prosecutors indicted its Taiwan representative 林浩原 under the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and sought a 1-year, 6-month sentence. They also issued a wanted notice for chairman 陳峰.
Tainan's first large accessible bus enters service, carrying 6 wheelchair users at once
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan City's first large accessible bus entered service today. It can carry 6 wheelchair users and has 21 seats. The city government spent NT$12 million to purchase it to meet the group activity needs of disability organizations and social welfare institutions.
Facts
Can carry 6 wheelchair users at once
And has 21 seats
NT$12 million
Tainan currently has 160 small accessible buses
The city government has promoted accessible bus services for 8 years
蕭旭岑: 鄭麗文 and 黃國昌's relationship is rock-solid; blue-white situation in Zhubei is behind them
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國民黨 Vice Chairman 蕭旭岑 said 國民黨 Chair 鄭麗文 and 民眾黨 Chair 黃國昌 have a rock-solid relationship, and the breakdown in blue-white cooperation in Zhubei is behind them. They will each work toward their own goals without affecting coordination on the bigger picture.
Wan-hua home fire in Taipei extinguished; 3 women taken to hospital
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A fire broke out early this morning at a home on Dechang Street in Taipei's Wan-hua District and spread to the stairwell on the 4th floor. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. 3 women were taken to hospital, and the estimated burn area was about 21 square meters. The cause is under investigation.
Facts
A fire broke out at a home near Dechang Street in Taipei's Wan-hua District, sending 3 women to hospital.
The fire started on the 3rd floor of an apartment building and spread to the 4th-floor stairwell.
The fire was extinguished at nearly 7 a.m. (officially recorded at 6:52 a.m.).
The fire's preliminary estimated burn area was about 21 square meters.
The 3 women were conscious before being taken to hospital.
美國國家核子安全局 (NNSA) conducted an underground experiment involving non-nuclear chemical high explosives at the Nevada National Security Site to improve detection of low-yield and "decoupled" nuclear explosions. The move responds to 美方's accusation that 中國 secretly conducted a nuclear test in 2020. 中方 denied the claim and criticized 美方 for fabricating an excuse.
Facts
中央社, Washington, 30th, compiled from wire reports
中國 conducted this type of test in June 2020
北京 conducted a secret nuclear test in 2020
Inside P Tunnel in Area 12 of the Nevada National Security Site
President Lai: Biotech industry output reaches NT$830.1 billion; 國發基金 plans to invest NT$10 billion over 10 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai said Taiwan's biomedical industry generated NT$830.1 billion in revenue last year. 國發基金 approved the "Taiwan Biomedical Industry Investment Program," allocating NT$10 billion over 10 years to support industry development.
金正恩 congratulates Chinese Communist Party on 77th anniversary of founding, says China-North Korea friendship will never change
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
North Korean leader 金正恩 sent a congratulatory message to Chinese Communist Party General Secretary 習近平 on the party's 77th anniversary of founding, emphasizing that the history of China-North Korea friendship will never change, no matter how the international situation shifts.
基隆 council candidate 曾維祥 suspected of vote-buying with mooncakes; released on NT$500,000 bail
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
曾維祥, a 國民黨 candidate for council in Keelung's Ren-ai District, is suspected of buying mooncake gift boxes with public subsidies and distributing them to residents in a vote-buying scheme. After searching and questioning 44 people, the Keelung District Prosecutors Office ordered 曾維祥 released on NT$500,000 bail.
Hegseth outlines 6 initiatives to transform US military, focusing on drones and recruiting tech leaders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
US Secretary of War Hegseth proposed 6 major initiatives to transform the US military. They include establishing an autonomous warfare command, launching Project Agincourt to accelerate drone deployment, recruiting tech leaders such as Musk through Project Meridian to take part in research on future warfare, and implementing the US Arsenal plan to ensure supply-chain resilience.
Health coins launched; life insurers roll out new policies with wellness incentives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Health Coins program promoted by 衛福部 launched today. Several life insurers, including 富邦人壽、台銀人壽、凱基人壽、國泰人壽、南山人壽 and 台灣人壽, have actively joined in, offering policies or reward programs with Health Coins wellness incentives to raise public health awareness.
Facts
Collect at least 300 Health Coins
Up to 11% off premiums in renewal years
Earn up to 250 FitBack health task points
35,000 南山人壽 agents across Taiwan
About 50 policies currently include wellness-management activities
Navy Deputy Chief of Staff Yuan Sheng-hua appointed deputy director-general of the Coast Guard; president calls for Navy and Coast Guard to work together to protect maritime borders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te presided over a general officers’ promotion ceremony. Navy Deputy Chief of Staff Yuan Sheng-hua was promoted to lieutenant general and appointed deputy director-general of 海巡署, while Chen Wei-chih was promoted to major general. The president called on the armed forces and the Coast Guard to work together to protect the country’s maritime borders, and stressed using artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to boost combat capabilities.
New pension system takes effect! Service-year scenarios: invest everything in an aggressive fund before age 40, and this group could have nearly 20 million in their account at age 90
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
On September 30, the Ministry of Education launched the “Full-Life-Cycle Fund” for private school employees’ retirement accounts, extending investment into retirement. Projections show that a participant with 30 years under the new system alone could have about NT$15.14 million in their account upon retiring at age 65, receive NT$56,000 a month, and have nearly NT$20 million left at age 90.
Facts
The Ministry of Education officially launched the “Full-Life-Cycle Fund” for private school employees’ retirement accounts on September 30.
A university professor with 30 years under the new system alone would have an average account balance of about NT$15.14 million upon retiring at age 65.
At a withdrawal rate of 4.5%, a university professor with 30 years under the new system alone could receive about NT$56,000 a month.
A university professor with 30 years under the new system alone would still have about NT$19.84 million in their account at age 90.
As of the end of August 2026, the conservative portfolio had an average annual return of 3.49%.
As of the end of August 2026, the aggressive portfolio had a cumulative return of 173.02%.
A high school teacher with 25 years under the new system alone would have an average account balance of about NT$8.06 million upon retiring at age 65.
Projections show that a high school teacher with 25 years under the new system alone could receive about NT$31,000 a month.
Which Taiwan city or county has the most spouses from mainland China? Rankings of all 22 cities and counties are out: No. 1 has 73,221, far more than Taipei or Kaohsiung
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Statistics from the National Immigration Agency show that, as of the end of August 2026, Taiwan had 369,709 spouses from mainland China. New Taipei City ranked first with more than 70,000, while the six special municipalities accounted for more than seven-tenths of the total, reflecting the population’s concentration in major urban areas.
Facts
As of the end of August 2026, Taiwan had 369,709 spouses from mainland China, according to statistics.
New Taipei City had the most spouses from mainland China in Taiwan, with 73,221.
The six special municipalities took the top 6 spots in the rankings, with a combined total of 267,492, accounting for about 72.4% of the national total of spouses from mainland China.
Taipei had 46,468 spouses from mainland China, ranking No. 2 in Taiwan.
Kaohsiung had 44,874 spouses from mainland China, ranking No. 3 in Taiwan.
Lienchiang County had the fewest spouses from mainland China, with just 598, ranking No. 22 in Taiwan.
As of the end of August 2026, the combined number of spouses from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau was 393,743.
Airfares are set to rise again! Fuel surcharges increase for 3 straight months, with long-haul flights costing an extra US$13 from 10/7
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
交通部民用航空局 announced that fuel surcharges for international passenger flights operated by Taiwan-based airlines will rise from October 7, with short-haul surcharges increasing to US$37.5 and long-haul surcharges to US$97.5, reflecting pressure from rising global oil prices.
Facts
交通部民用航空局 said fuel surcharges for international passenger flights operated by Taiwan-based airlines will rise again from October 7.
According to an announcement by 中油, the price of aviation fuel for international routes rose from US$156.79 to US$177.89 per barrel.
The applicable fuel surcharge bracket will therefore rise from the 13th tier to the 15th tier.
Under the current classification, short-haul routes include routes within Asia, excluding India and the Middle East.
Long-haul routes include Europe, the Americas, Africa, Oceania and Antarctica, as well as India and the Middle East.
The Civil Aviation Administration has required airlines to fully disclose relevant background information about fuel surcharges in an appropriate manner.
Trump announces end to 12-year military presence and withdrawal from Iraq: ‘We will never repeat Sleepy Joe’s disastrous Afghanistan exit’
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The US military announced the end of its 12-year military presence in Iraq, completing its withdrawal from Erbil Air Base on September 30. The move marked the end of Operation Inherent Resolve. US forces are relocating to Jordan to continue strikes against remnants of ISIS, while responsibility for security in Iraq is being handed back to the Iraqi government.
Facts
The US military recently announced its formal withdrawal from Iraq, ending a 12-year military presence.
US forces and equipment completed an orderly withdrawal from Erbil Air Base in northern Iraq on September 30.
The withdrawal followed a previously planned arrangement under an agreement reached in 2024 during the Biden administration.
The Combined Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve has relocated to Jordan to continue targeting remnants of ISIS in Syria.
Trump criticized the decision that originally embroiled the United States in Iraq as a very bad mistake.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, issued a statement, saying ISIS no longer poses a systemic threat to Iraq’s national security.
Toyota’s popular CC loses out! Taiwan’s best-selling car in September is this model, with 5,154 sold to take the top spot
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s auto market recorded total sales of 37,054 vehicles in September 2026. Tesla Model Y topped the rankings with 5,154 units, followed by Toyota Corolla Cross with 3,615.
Facts
Taiwan’s total auto market recorded 37,054 vehicle registrations in September 2026.
特斯拉 Model Y sold 5,154 units in September 2026 to take the sales crown.
Toyota Corolla Cross sold 3,615 units in September 2026, ranking second.
Toyota occupied 5 spots in the September 2026 Top 10 rankings.
Mitsubishi J SPACE sold 1,286 units in September 2026, ranking fifth.
Trump and Netanyahu discuss the “FZ1073 close call”; Israeli hero says he had no training and leveled the plane using memories of a TV show
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed an incident in which a Flydubai flight, FZ1073, was attacked by its co-pilot. Israeli passenger Yaniv Harven, who had no flight experience, saved the plane by drawing on memories of a television show. The Israeli government described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack and announced tighter background checks for foreign airline pilots.
Facts
Israeli Defense Minister Katz described the incident as an “attempted jihadist terrorist attack.”
Netanyahu ordered tighter identity and background checks for pilots working for foreign airlines flying to Israel.
1% Recommended Weekly》Why has IWC partnered with The Little Prince for 20 years? How can a watch fair transform a city? Why is becoming a Master of Wine so difficult? And other perspectives on style
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
1% Style selects three articles exploring the 20-year partnership between IWC 萬國錶 and The Little Prince, how Geneva Watch Days 2026 reshapes a watch fair through urban spaces, and the demanding path to qualification of Li Chih-yen, Asia’s first Master of Wine.
Facts
The partnership between IWC 萬國錶 and The Little Prince has lasted 20 years.
A total of 71 brands are participating in Geneva Watch Days 2026, a record high.
李志延 became Asia’s first Master of Wine (MW) in 2008.
IWC’s first watch designed specifically for pilots was launched in 1936.
The Master of Wine exam requires candidates to blind-taste 36 wines and complete an independent research paper.
Companies mentioned：1% Style、IWC 萬國錶、Geneva Watch Days
New Taipei City Youth Department’s “2026 New Taipei Demo Day” brings together venture capital firms and businesses; 12 startups take the stage to pitch on 11/5!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
New Taipei City Youth Department will hold “2026 New Taipei Demo Day” on November 5, 2026, inviting 12 startup teams to compete and connect with venture capital firms and businesses, helping them access the market.
Facts
“2026 New Taipei Demo Day,” hosted by the New Taipei City Government Youth Department, will be held at Hilton Taipei Sinban on November 5.
In the morning, 12 teams from New Taipei startup hubs will compete for the “Judges’ Award” and “Potential Award,” with total prize money of NT$80,000.
The competing teams come from New Taipei Innovation Hub, Tucheng Green Innovation Base and Baogao Digital Base, and span a range of technology fields.
Motorcyclists can stay out of the rain! Taiwan’s enclosed-cabin motorcycles set to hit the road: no helmets required, electric tricycle road access and licensing, new parking rules; violations carry fines of 36000 yuan.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lean3, an enclosed-cabin motorcycle from Taiwan-Japan startup Lean Mobility, has received regulatory approval and is set to go on sale in Taiwan in 2027. The model combines the protection of a car with the maneuverability of a motorcycle to address commuting challenges.
Following amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Rules by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of the Interior, enclosed-cabin motorcycles have officially been given a legal classification for road use in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, deliveries of the commercial version are expected to begin in February 2027, while deliveries of the personal-use version are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The Lean3 is just 970 mm wide and features active body-lean control technology, with a top speed of 80 km/h.
Under current regulations, enclosed-cabin motorcycles are classified in Taiwan as “ordinary heavy motorcycles” (white plates), but drivers must hold a license for a “small passenger vehicle (car) or above.”
No one in an enclosed-cabin motorcycle needs to wear a helmet, but both the driver and passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Violators face a fine of 1,500 yuan.
New Taipei City allows enclosed-cabin motorcycles to park in both car spaces and motorcycle spaces. Parking in a motorcycle space is charged at 2 times the motorcycle rate for that street.
The Lean3 is equipped with an 8.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and has an estimated WLTC range of about 100 kilometers on a full charge.
Is the “洋流” movement’s momentum all due to mobilization? Party document surfaces, prompting questions; 吳沛憶 responds: “Strengthening grassroots outreach to the public.”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A workout video featuring Vice President 蕭美琴 and 沈伯洋 sparked discussion. 吳沛憶 responded that the party document recently disclosed by 許甫 was merely for grassroots outreach, denied that the movement’s support was fabricated, and welcomed all observers to the upcoming campaign headquarters inauguration.
Facts
Vice President 蕭美琴 posted a video on September 30 of herself doing weight training with 沈伯洋, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei mayoral candidate.
Former President 蔡英文 left a teasing comment on 蕭美琴’s post, saying she had gone to the gym with 沈伯洋 instead of hiking.
許甫, a Taipei City council candidate for the Taiwan People’s Party, recently disclosed a document from the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei City chapter, questioning whether 沈伯洋’s support depended entirely on mobilization.
吳沛憶, head of the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei City chapter, said the document was simply circulated for general information and was intended to ask grassroots members to help publicize the event to older people.
吳沛憶 stressed that seating at the campaign headquarters inauguration would be unreserved, with no seats held back.
Today’s (10/01) top news! One county or city adds a 500-yuan travel subsidy; new National Pension rules take effect, with consequences for unpaid premiums revealed; will it finally get colder? Fall cold air arrives “at this time.”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Today’s (10/01) top news covers three issues: one county or city adding a 500-yuan travel subsidy, new National Pension rules and the consequences of unpaid premiums, and when fall cold air is expected to arrive.
Enjoy a “mini everyday getaway” without traveling far: LocknLock樂扣樂扣’s 11 Snoopy lifestyle products debut together. Snoopy takes the wheel and Olaf relaxes, turning everything from the commute to the weekend into a mini getaway.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
樂扣樂扣 has partnered with SNOOPY™ for the first time to launch a “mini everyday getaway” collection featuring 11 products, including drinkware and lunch boxes. The collaboration aims to reach office workers and families through characters with cross-generational appeal.
Facts
LocknLock樂扣樂扣 has teamed up with SNOOPY™ for the first time on a collection themed around “mini everyday getaways,” featuring six product categories and 11 items.
The collaboration introduces the character Olaf and uses subdued, soft colors such as milk tea and blue, rather than the pastel palette of previous collections.
Character-licensed products performed strongly in their respective categories that year, with some items selling about 1 to 2 times as well as comparable products over the same period.
The featured Snoopy “Chew on Fun” stainless-steel straw cup has a 316 stainless-steel interior and keeps drinks cold for 14 hours or hot for 7 hours.
The Snoopy “Platinum Silicone Stand-Up Sealed Bag” meets U.S. FDA and German LFGB food safety standards and is heat-resistant up to 200°C.
維格餅家 has decided to end its emerging stock market trading amid shrinking revenue and years of losses, sending its share price plunging 45%.
Facts
維格餅家 held a board meeting on September 30 and formally decided to apply to voluntarily end trading of its shares on the emerging stock market.
Following the bad news, 維格餅家 shares plunged 45% during emerging market trading, falling sharply to 5.8 yuan.
維格餅家’s revenue for the full year last year was down to just 336 million yuan, nearly eight-tenths below its peak.
維格餅家 has been mired in losses for 6 consecutive years since last year, with a loss of 2.05 yuan per share last year.
At the height of mainland Chinese tourist spending, 維格餅家 reported earnings of 8 yuan per share in 2014, and its share price once soared to 152 yuan.
維格餅家 recorded cumulative revenue of about 154 million yuan in the first half of the year, an operating loss of 25.75 million yuan and an after-tax net loss of 24.93 million yuan.
Father buys a house in his son’s name and is hit with a 1.95 million gift tax! Tax authorities reveal the assessment standard; overlook one detail and face back taxes plus penalties.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taipei National Taxation Bureau of the Ministry of Finance issued a reminder that parents who use their own funds to buy real estate for their children without compensation must declare gift tax as required by law. A recent case shows that failing to declare based on the combined “announced land value” and “assessed house value” could result in back taxes and hefty penalties.
Facts
Under the law, using one’s own funds to buy property for another person without compensation is treated as a gift and is subject to gift tax.
The taxable value of a real estate gift is calculated by adding the land’s announced current value and the house’s assessed value, not by using the actual total sale price.
A minor purchased a home and land in a prime area of New Taipei City in 2025 under a sales contract worth 56 million yuan, with the entire amount paid by the father.
In a case handled by the Taipei National Taxation Bureau, a father reported a total gift of NT$22 million, calculated under the rules as the sum of the assessed current value of the house and the announced current value of the land.
The father ultimately paid more than NT$1.95 million in additional gift tax.
Failure to file a gift tax return by the deadline may result in a fine of up to 2 times the tax assessed as payable.
US IPO boom hits the brakes! Anthropic and OpenAI postpone listings in succession. What are companies and investors worried about?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The US IPO market has slammed on the brakes. Oura, SB Energy, NScale, Holtec and Inspire Brands have postponed or are reassessing their listing plans. Anthropic is considering delaying its listing until November, while OpenAI has pushed its plans back until after next year, amid market volatility, oil price swings, rising US Treasury yields and mounting concerns over AI safety.
Facts
Smart ring maker Oura has postponed its listing plans due to “uncertainty in the IPO market.”
Oura had planned to raise up to US$2.2 billion, at an estimated listing valuation of about US$15.6 billion.
SoftBank-backed data center operator SB Energy has delayed its IPO date after investors balked at its potential valuation.
Nvidia-backed cloud startup NScale had expected to begin investor roadshows as early as next week, but the timeline may be adjusted.
Nuclear reactor company Holtec withdrew its IPO filing earlier this month, citing unfavorable market conditions.
Anthropic is considering postponing its listing until November, mainly amid mounting concerns over AI safety.
OpenAI has pushed its IPO plans back until after next year and is in talks with investors about a new round of private fundraising.
As of the end of June, companies that went public in the US this year were trading at an average of 24% above their IPO prices. By earlier this week, that premium had almost completely disappeared, with shares less than 1% above their IPO prices.
SpaceX went public in June in a listing that raised US$86 billion.
If Anthropic still completes its listing this year, total US IPO fundraising for the year could surpass the 2021 record.
BMI must exceed 45 to be exempt from military service? Defense Ministry proposes tougher physical-fitness standards; retired generals shake their heads: even bunk beds in barracks could be a problem
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Defense Ministry's Medical Affairs Bureau has proposed tougher physical-fitness standards, under which only those with a BMI above 45 or a height of 144 centimeters or less would be exempt from service, prompting strong concerns from retired generals Chang Yen-ting and Li Cheng-chieh over safety and pressure on troop numbers.
Facts
The Defense Ministry's Medical Affairs Bureau said it plans to divide alternative-service fitness categories into levels A and B. In the future, only those with a BMI above 45 or a height below or equal to 144 centimeters would be exempt from service.
Current exemption standards are a BMI above 35 or below 15, or a height of 196 centimeters or more or 154 centimeters or less.
Chang Yen-ting, a former deputy commander of the Air Force, said people with a BMI above 45 generally weigh more than 100 kilograms and are at high risk of cardiovascular disease, the “three highs” and heatstroke.
Chang Yen-ting questioned whether the ergonomics of many US-made weapons used by Taiwan's armed forces are suitable for people with extreme body types.
Retired Major General Li Cheng-chieh said it was worth reviewing whether people around 145 centimeters tall could meet requirements for trench warfare, personal equipment and weapons handling.
This article ranks the most beautiful supporting actresses in mainland Chinese dramas from 2021 to 2026, with Chen Duling taking the top spot. The rankings combine discussion on Weibo and audience reviews, covering supporting performances in several hit period dramas.
Facts
This article ranks the most beautiful supporting actresses in mainland Chinese dramas from 2021 to 2026.
Chen Duling took first place among the most beautiful supporting actresses in mainland Chinese dramas over the past 5 years for her performance in “Till the End of the Moon.”
Chen Duling played 3 roles in “Till the End of the Moon”: Ye Bingshang, Tian Huan and Mo Nu.
Lu Yuxiao took second place for her role as Shangguan Qian in “My Journey to You.”
Wang Churan took third place for her role as Bai Xuelu in “The Legend of Jade Sword.”
Zhang Tian'ai took fourth place for her role as Nangong Pushe in “Sword Snow Stride.”
Meng Ziyi took fifth place for her role as Zhixi in “Immortal Samsara.”
Li Meng took sixth place for her role as Princess Wanning in “The Double.”
Campaign photo edited to look like a different person, 30 years younger? Candidate singled out as comparison photos surface; she proudly shares a makeup-free picture: her sincerity remains unchanged
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
During the 2026 nine-in-one elections, Pan Suxia, a candidate for township mayor in Chaozhou, Pingtung County, faced questions over excessive retouching of her campaign billboard photo. She posted a makeup-free picture and an older photo on Facebook to clarify the matter, stressing that her commitment to serving people and her sincerity had not changed.
Facts
Pan Suxia, a candidate for township mayor in Chaozhou, Pingtung County, faced online claims that her campaign billboard photo had been heavily retouched, making her look shocking and like a different person.
On September 29, Pan Suxia posted a photo from her study trip to Britain 35 years ago and a makeup-free photo taken that day on Facebook.
Pan Suxia stressed that she has spent 365 days a year, year-round, riding her motorcycle around to serve and visit people for decades.
Pan Suxia explained that the “SO HOT” wording on the billboard sounds similar to a Taiwanese phrase meaning “very enthusiastic.”
Xu Tingxuan, a candidate for village chief in Sanping Village, Douliu, Yunlin County, was said to look 30 years younger; she is a beauty instructor.
Interview》 Winning the pivotal third seat in Greater Gangshan! Tsai Bing-cong takes up the mission of the Chrysanthemum faction team and is a protégé of Chiu Chih-wei, seeking to seamlessly deliver central government projects in the council
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Tsai Bing-cong, a Democratic Progressive Party candidate for Kaohsiung City Council, is campaigning in the Greater Gangshan area. He advocates combining his experience as a central government aide with grassroots service to deliver development projects secured by legislator Chiu Chih-wei.
Facts
Tsai Bing-cong is the Democratic Progressive Party candidate in Kaohsiung City Council's third electoral district, covering the Greater Gangshan area.
Tsai Bing-cong served as confidential secretary to Taiwan Power Company Chairman Tseng Wen-sheng for 4 years.
Tsai Bing-cong currently serves as executive director of legislator Chiu Chih-wei's service office.
Tsai Bing-cong has put forward 4 major policy proposals: traffic management, a livable environment for highly paid talent, upgrades to traditional industries and agricultural protection.
The Greater Gangshan area is at a pivotal stage in the development of the Qiaotou Science Park and Baipu Industrial Park.
The favorite souvenir of Chinese tourists has fallen from grace! 維格餅家 shares plunge 46%, from NT$152 to NT$5.7; why did it suddenly withdraw from the Emerging Stock Market?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Amid declining sales and losses, 維格餅家 decided to voluntarily leave the Emerging Stock Market, sending its share price down more than 46% to NT$5.7. The company said it would remain publicly listed and pursue a business transformation.
Facts
The board of 維格餅家 (2733) resolved on September 30 to voluntarily apply to terminate trading of its shares on the Emerging Stock Market.
After the news of its withdrawal from the Emerging Stock Market was announced, 維格餅家 shares fell to an intraday low of NT$5.7, a decline of 46.43%.
維格餅家's revenue peaked at NT$1.335 billion in 2014.
維格餅家 currently has 684 shareholders, including 7 major investors each holding more than 1,000 lots.
維格餅家 will remain a publicly issued company after ending trading on the Emerging Stock Market.
Dentist and fellow passengers overpower hijacker: Israeli heroes recount terrifying moment of “miraculous rescue,” seizing the controls and saving 174 lives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An Omani co-pilot on Flydubai flight FZ1073, a UAE low-cost carrier, attacked the captain with a knife and tried to crash the aircraft. Israeli passengers subdued him and helped land the plane, and all 174 people aboard survived. The Israeli government described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
Facts
During a Flydubai flight FZ1073, the co-pilot stabbed the captain and tried to take control of the aircraft and crash it.
Several Israeli passengers rushed into the cockpit. Yaniv Harush subdued the co-pilot and pulled the control yoke to help stabilize the aircraft.
Israeli dentist Mosayev Shota helped subdue and restrain the co-pilot and provided emergency care to the injured captain.
All 174 passengers aboard, including 27 children, landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz described the incident as an “attempted jihadist terrorist attack.”
Millions of workers are getting paid! Labor Ministry distributes funds, with an average of NT$120,000 per person; check in one click how much you can receive from the new labor pension dividend
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Bureau of Labor Funds under the Ministry of Labor released performance figures for the first 8 months of this year. Driven by gains in Taiwan stocks amid the AI and semiconductor trends, total labor fund returns reached NT$2.3227 trillion, for a return rate of 29.45%.
Facts
At the end of August, total labor fund assets had reached NT$9.1092 trillion, with cumulative returns surging to NT$2.3227 trillion and a return rate of 29.45%.
Profits for August alone reached NT$366.67 billion, the fifth-highest monthly figure on record.
Can passive components keep rallying？國巨* hits limit-up，10 stocks light up，禾伸堂 surges more than 9%；analysts estimate full-year EPS could reach 12 yuan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Passive component stocks rose across the board today，with 10 stocks including 國巨 and 華新科 hitting limit-up，while 禾伸堂 surged more than 9%。The market is focused on demand for high-voltage MLCCs in AI servers。禾伸堂 posted EPS of 9.45 yuan for the first 8 months，and analysts estimate it could reach 12 yuan for the full year；國巨 is reportedly set to expand production capacity for high-voltage NP0 MLCCs rated above 500V to meet growing AI demand。
Facts
禾伸堂’s cumulative EPS for the first 8 months of this year reached 9.45 yuan。
國巨’s NP0 MLCCs have passed customer certification and are continuing to be submitted to AI server manufacturers for validation。
國巨 plans to expand high-voltage NP0 MLCC production capacity，primarily targeting specifications above 500V，with capacity expected to increase by a double-digit percentage。
Original2026年7月全球被動元件出貨金額為2,657億日圓，年增27%。
As of 11:30 a.m.，10 passive component stocks，including 國巨 and 華新科，had hit limit-up。
Could the KMT’s 21-year rule in New Taipei end？Ogasawara points to a “key variable”：Li Sichuan and Su Qiaohui remain neck and neck
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Japanese political scholar Ogasawara Yoshiyuki analyzed the New Taipei mayoral race，saying KMT candidate Li Sichuan and DPP candidate Su Qiaohui are evenly matched。The latest poll shows Su with a slight lead，but the margin is within the margin of error，so the race remains undecided。
E.SUN and Cathay United lose out！Taiwan’s strongest bank posts card spending of more than 85.9 billion；insiders praise its broad network，easy-to-use cards and substantial rewards
Two brothers each own half of land worth 10 million yuan；after dividing it，the older brother gets 7 million and the younger brother gets 3 million。Will the difference be subject to gift tax？
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Finance explained that if a division of jointly owned land results in a difference in value and no compensation is paid，the difference is treated as a gift。In the case described，the younger brother received 2 million yuan less after the division，constituting a gift to the older brother。However，because the amount is below the 2.44 million yuan tax exemption，no tax is due。
Facts
If jointly owned land is divided without an agreement to compensate for any difference in value，the person whose share decreases in value is considered the donor。
The value of gifted land is generally calculated based on its publicly announced current land value。
Each donor is entitled to an annual gift tax exemption of 2.44 million yuan。
When requirements are met，land value increment tax may be deducted from the total value of the gift。
If the total value of gifts exceeds the tax exemption，a return must be filed within 30 days of the transaction。
AMD teams up with Perplexity to bring AI agents to PCs！Ryzen AI Max supports Portable Computer，with local inference that uses no credits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
AMD and Perplexity announced a partnership to enable Windows PCs with Ryzen AI Max processors to run AI agents locally，without using cloud credits。The goal is to reduce users’ need to build AI infrastructure。
Facts
AMD and Perplexity announced a partnership to enable Windows computers equipped with Ryzen AI Max series processors to support the Portable Computer service。
Run AI models and agent workflows locally，with local inference using no Perplexity Computer credits。
The service is available to individual and business subscribers of Perplexity Pro and Max。
AMD provides the hardware platform for running local models，while Perplexity integrates models，tools and controls into Portable Computer。
Compatible hardware must have at least 24GB of GPU-accessible memory and approximately 20GB of available storage for initial setup。
Portable Computer can connect to Gmail，Outlook，Slack，GitHub and compatible local applications。
An AMD news release lists folder-level permissions，sandboxing technology and enterprise IT controls as safeguards。
Could Chen Shui-bian be sent back to prison？After accusing Cho Jung-tai of banning his show，Chen suddenly posts anxiously today：“Will I be taken back to prison on ‘that day’？”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Former President Chen Shui-bian posted on Facebook expressing anxiety over the possibility of being forcibly detained during his new book launch。The controversy also involves allegations that Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered his program off the air；the authorities denied having any knowledge of this。
Facts
Chen Shui-bian will hold a launch event for his new book，The Cross of Taiwan，on the 20th。
Chen Shui-bian fears that senior officials in the Presidential Office and Executive Yuan may order his return to prison。
Chen Shui-bian accused Premier Cho Jung-tai of ordering that his program not be broadcast。
The online program President Mirror Talk，produced by 鏡電視，was abruptly canceled on the day it was set to premiere。
AMD launches agentic AI assistant Ross！A one-stop automated solution for embedded development，from debugging to power optimization
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
AMD launched Ross，an agentic AI assistant that integrates embedded tools and a knowledge base to help engineers debug，optimize power consumption and deploy systems。It aims to reduce repetitive interactions and reuse expert methods。
Facts
Ross integrates embedded development tools，technical knowledge bases and workflows written by experts
Ross uses a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server architecture to connect tools
Ross can help Vitis HLS provide refactoring suggestions for C++ designs
AMD plans to add embedded tools and workflow features every month
Beijing Watch》China-US AI talent battle heats up! China imposes an exit ban on “immediate family members”: executives and their families all become national security bargaining chips
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
China has expanded its exit restrictions on AI talent to include senior executives’ immediate family members, aiming to prevent technology from reaching the United States. The move comes in response to new exit regulations and reflects intensifying competition between China and the US for AI talent and knowledge. While it may stem the outflow in the short term, it could stifle innovation and international exchange in the long run.
Facts
China has recently tightened exit controls on top artificial intelligence (AI) talent, extending the restrictions to spouses, children and other immediate family members of key figures, including prominent startup founders and core company executives.
Even for short trips abroad, family members of those affected must obtain official approval in advance before leaving the country.
In April this year, China’s National Development and Reform Commission halted Meta’s acquisition of Chinese AI startup Manus for about US$2 billion, citing national security concerns.
The two co-founders were also barred from leaving China after returning, underscoring Beijing’s deep sensitivity to the loss of technology and talent.
Relevant Chinese government departments have begun notifying some people affected and plan to gradually expand the list of AI talent subject to exit restrictions.
Such measures may reduce the risk of sensitive knowledge leaking out in the short term, but could have adverse effects on China’s AI ecosystem in the long run, including hindering international academic exchange.
Was Chiang Wan-an set up in the sugarcane controversy? Media personality reveals a temple’s 1 shrewd move: “The chairperson shouldn’t be this biased”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an faced public criticism after attending an event at Zhongzhuangzai Fude Temple. A media personality interpreted the sugarcane left at the venue and the temple chairperson’s biased remarks as a setup by the pan-Green camp aimed at insinuating his political stance.
Facts
Chiang Wan-an was given sugarcane while attending the Mid-Autumn Festival dinner at Zhongzhuangzai Fude Temple, but his team left it behind at the venue.
Chiang Wan-an later said the incident was due to an oversight and apologized to the temple’s board chairperson.
Temple board chairperson Lin Chun-yu said of Chiang Wan-an, “You only come during election season” and “You’re back at your childhood home—you’ve finally come back.”
Host Chu Kai-hsiang accused the pan-Green camp of repeatedly using temple chairpersons to mock Chiang Wan-an while drawing close to Shen Po-yang.
Famous Taiwan night market falls into decline! Nobody visits its 4000-ping site, with just 1 stall still open; locals shake their heads and reveal 2 major flaws
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Tianzhong Yang Night Market in Changhua reopened in July but has struggled to attract business, with only 1 stall now operating. Local residents criticize its poor layout, lack of parking and stalls that offer little variety, saying these have caused a sharp drop in visitors.
Facts
The Tianzhong Yang Night Market reopened on July 2 and 6 this year.
The Tianzhong Yang Night Market covers more than 4000 ping.
The Tianzhong Yang Night Market was formerly known as the “Tiezhilu Night Market.”
The Tianzhong Yang Night Market is about a 10-minute walk from Tianzhong Railway Station.
Visitors to the Tianzhong Yang Night Market recently found that only 1 stall selling salted chicken was open.
Local internet users say the main reasons for the night market’s decline include poor layout, inconvenient parking and repetitive stall offerings.
Famous Taiwan amusement park falls into decline with few visitors! Sparse crowds and empty spaces make it “look ready to close; I wouldn’t visit again”—its glory days from 10 years ago are gone
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The long-established Taiwan amusement park “369” sees few visitors on weekdays because it lacks mixed-use facilities, putting it at a disadvantage compared with parks such as E-DA and Lihpao that combine shopping and dining. Although Janfusun Fancyworld and Leofoo Village still attract around a million visitors, first-half figures show a downward trend. The industry is seeking a breakthrough through IP collaborations and seasonal events.
Facts
高雄義大世界 amusement park drew 2,662,295 visitors in the first half of this year, ranking first in Taiwan.
劍湖山世界 received about 1 million visitors in 2025.
劍湖山 recently launched a collaboration with “Detective Conan.”
Leofoo Village has planned limited-time events to attract visitors, including the Halloween “Tombstone Town.”
Traditional single-format amusement parks that rely on nostalgia have difficulty getting adults who have already visited once to spend money there again.
Show your ID! Get wagyu if your name contains “these 4 characters,” or lobster if your number matches; eligible customers can eat for free—see October restaurant deals
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
During the National Day holiday, restaurant operators including 屋馬 and 夏慕尼 are offering a range of deals. 屋馬 is offering discounts on A5 steak and gifts tied to customers’ names, while 夏慕尼 is giving away lobster based on ID numbers and partnering with 全家便利商店 on vouchers for collaborative products.
Facts
From October 1 to October 31, 屋馬燒肉 is cutting the price of Japanese A5 rib-eye steak from NT$1980 to NT$1010.
During the holiday from October 9 to October 11, 屋馬燒肉 is giving away a serving of Australian wagyu oyster blade steak or pork shoulder steak to anyone whose name contains any of the characters “雙,” “十,” “國” or “慶.”
From now through November 30, 夏慕尼 is offering 1 Boston lobster to customers who order 2 set meals if any 2 characters in their ID number match “HONEY520.”
夏慕尼 has partnered with 全家便利商店: customers who buy a co-branded main dish can receive a voucher for truffle abalone worth NT$388.
彩匯 buffet restaurant at 美福大飯店 is offering 1 birthday guest a free meal when at least 4 adults dine together and one of them is celebrating a birthday.
噶瑪蘭酒廠 and Puli Winery lose out! This is Taiwan’s most popular tourist factory, visitors praise it as “educational and fun, with children having a great time”
As of the end of August 2025, Taiwan had 150 tourist factories that had passed evaluation.
In 2025, tourist factories attracted a total of 21.36 million visits and generated NT$6.69 billion in output.
The Industrial Development Administration announced this year that 33 businesses had been selected in its featured-destination program, covering 3 categories: festival favorites, crafts by artisans, and educational tours.
The top 3 destinations by visitor numbers last year were 台泥DAKA－開放生態循環工廠, 雅聞湖濱療癒森林 and 台灣菸酒埔里觀光酒廠, in that order.
Food manufacturing accounted for the largest share of tourist factories, with 69 factories, or 46% of the total.
Can you check LINE on your phone while stopped at a red light if your car isn’t moving? Court ruling reveals key point: motorists can be fined NT$3000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines the legal risks of using a phone while waiting at a red light. Under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, drivers who use a handheld phone for data communication can be fined NT$3000. Courts differ on whether waiting at a red light counts as “driving on a road” and whether it “impairs driving safety.” Some fines have been overturned due to insufficient evidence or findings that a stationary vehicle posed no danger, while others have been upheld because the driver was distracted.
Facts
Drivers who use a handheld mobile phone in a way that impairs driving safety are subject to a NT$3000 fine.
Motorcycle riders who use a mobile phone in violation of the rules are subject to a NT$1200 fine.
The ban on handheld phone use does not apply when a vehicle has safely stopped or is temporarily parked and stationary on the road.
The Taipei High Administrative Court’s 113年度交上字第339號 ruling overturned the original judgment, dismissed the driver’s lawsuit and reinstated the NT$3000 fine.
Violations include sending, receiving or reading email or text messages; displaying videos or images; accessing online social media platforms; and running applications.
A case in which a man surnamed Chen in New Taipei City was fined for checking his phone at a red light was overturned after the court found that the in-car camera footage did not clearly show him holding the phone and that the evidence was insufficient.
The National Police Agency of the Ministry of the Interior says Article 31-1 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act applies whenever a driver uses a handheld phone, whether making a call, sending or receiving text messages, or reading them.
大同’s largest shareholder Zheng Wen-yi faces risk of wrongful imprisonment; lawyer says judiciary should have the courage to confront the issue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
大同 has launched an AI data center solution and reported strong financial results, but its largest shareholder, Zheng Wen-yi, is embroiled in a wrongful-imprisonment controversy. His legal team has questioned procedural flaws and the failure to apply a new law, while the Control Yuan has also stepped in to monitor the protection of procedural rights.
Facts
大同 has unveiled its “TTG AIDC CUBE” solution, touting rapid deployment in 180 days.
大同’s net profit reached NT$1.916 billion in the first half, up 147.6% year on year.
大同’s 3 major land development projects have a combined sales value of NT$43 billion.
In the 2 years before former chairperson Lin Kuo-wen-yen stepped down, 大同 posted losses of more than 12億元 in each year.
When 大同 was losing NT$860 million a year, it spent NT$700 million on legal battles against the market faction.
Article 211-1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, amended in 112, took effect in May 113, but the Supreme Court did not apply it in its July ruling.
The Supreme Court ruling listed as many as 14 flaws in the High Court's decision, yet found them harmless and upheld the original judgment.
Which nationality do Taiwanese people most often marry? Latest rankings are out: No. 1 tops 6,000 people, while the U.S. ranks No. 2
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of the Interior released 2025 statistics showing that Vietnamese spouses retained the top spot among nationalities in cross-national marriages, with 6427 people, while U.S. spouses rose to second place with 880. Although the overall number of marriages fell, the share of cross-national marriages climbed to 18.5%, and the proportion of foreign spouses who are men rose markedly.
Facts
In 2025, 6427 people in Taiwan married Vietnamese spouses, the highest number of any nationality.
In 2025, U.S. spouses ranked second among foreign spouses, with 880 people, far ahead of Indonesian spouses.
Taiwan recorded 104,376 marriages overall in 2025, down 15.2% from 2024.
In 2025, the share of marriages in which one spouse was a foreign national or a resident of mainland China, Hong Kong or Macau rose to 18.5%.
In 2025, the gender ratio of non-Taiwanese spouses was 43.5, with women set at 100.