Taiwan High Speed Rail to add 2 all-reserved-seat-free trains per hour during Friday evening rush hours from 10/8
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan High Speed Rail announced that starting Oct. 8, during the Friday evening super-peak period from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., it will add southbound trains to Taichung at a rate of 2 per hour, running 8 extra trains over 4 hours. All seats will be non-reserved, except in business-class cars. Using a special “quick turnaround at the platform” dispatch method, trains can depart again in just 12 minutes. The plan is expected to break through the current limit of 34 trainsets in operation and expand capacity during the super-peak period. During the travel rush, 23 additional trains will also be offered, with non-reserved seating expanded to 9 or 11 cars.
Facts
Daily ridership hit a record high of 347,970
Taiwan High Speed Rail carried a total of 1,788,815 passengers from Sept. 24 to 29
Break through the current limit of 34 trainsets in operation
Add southbound trains to Taichung at a rate of 2 per hour
8 extra trains running at a rate of 2 per hour over 4 hours
Trains can depart again in just 12 minutes
A total of 23 trains will be provided during the travel rush
Areas under heavy rain advisories are Keelung City, Taipei City, New Taipei City, mountainous areas of Nantou County, mountainous areas of Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County
BOJ: AI boom spurs demand and eases financial conditions, but risks a market pullback
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida said on the 5th that the global AI boom is easing financial conditions by stimulating demand and driving up asset prices, but markets could face a pullback if the profits of related companies fail to keep pace. Heavy bond issuance by AI companies is also putting upward pressure on long-term interest rates. The BOJ will continue to monitor the overall impact of AI on Japan’s natural interest rate.
Facts
Push it above the 2% target
The BOJ raised interest rates in June and September
Kang Yong appears at campaign headquarters and reportedly faces online backlash; Puma Shen: Hearing candidates’ platforms is commonplace in Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Well-known host Kang Yong appeared at the campaign headquarters launch for Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen, wearing an orange shirt and holding a “Taipei, get back on track” cheering balloon. He was targeted by Chinese netizens and saw Chinese companies cut commercial ties with him. Shen said Kang had simply come to learn about the platforms of different candidates, which is commonplace in Taiwan, and that it would be unfair to target him for it. KMT caucus secretary-general Hsu Yu-chen also opposed the blacklisting by mainland Chinese netizens and companies, and welcomed Kang to attend Chiang Wan-an’s campaign events to learn about his platform.
Chiayi County YouBike rides set to top 2 million; ride 5 times for a chance to win NT$5,000 in vouchers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The cumulative number of rides on Chiayi County’s YouBike public bicycle system is about to exceed 2 million. The county government is holding a “Ride More, Ride Better” prize draw from now through Nov. 5. For every 5 rides, participants receive 1 entry to the draw, with a NT$5,000 voucher as the top prize. The county said it has completed 188 stations and deployed 1,550 bicycles. It aims to reach 240 stations and 1,800 bicycles in the first quarter of 116年, and will make ongoing adjustments based on usage at each station.
Facts
Chiayi County marks the YouBike public bicycle service approaching 2 million cumulative rides
The top prize is a voucher worth NT$5,000
One prize-draw entry for every 5 rides
NT$10 subsidy for the first 30 minutes
A total of 188 stations have been completed so far
A total of 1,550 bicycles have been deployed
1,350 YouBike 2.0 bicycles
200 YouBike 2.0E bicycles
A total of 240 stations are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 116年
And 1,800 bicycles will be deployed
YouBike service has expanded to 16 townships and cities
Man suspected of drug-impaired driving flees police in Taoyuan; Zhongli officers arrest him and refer case for prosecution, with fines topping NT$70,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Officers from the Zhongli Precinct in Taoyuan City spotted a car driving without its headlights on Xinsheng Road on the evening of the 4th. When officers tried to stop it, the 46-year-old driver, surnamed Hsu, fled, committing traffic violations on multiple roads. Police surrounded and stopped the vehicle, and a saliva drug test came back positive for a Category 2 drug. Police arrested him on suspicion of endangering public safety and referred the case for prosecution. They also issued more than NT$70,000 in fines for more than 20 violations committed along the way.
Facts
Total fines exceeded NT$70,000
The driver was identified as a man surnamed Hsu, 46
Bolstering food safety response capacity; Chiang Wan-an: Add 33 staff, the most among local governments
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an inspected the Health Department laboratory and announced a four-part reform initiative to strengthen the city’s response to food safety incidents. The Taipei City Health Department will add 33 food safety staff in its first large-scale expansion of personnel, which is expected to boost inspection and sampling capacity by 10%. Annual food sample testing will rise from 4,000 to 5,000, alongside expanded testing technology and equipment.
Facts
This adds 33 people, marking the first time all local health bureaus have expanded their staffing on such a large scale.
Inspection and sampling capacity can increase by 10%.
From 112 to 114, inspections increased by at least 2,200 visits.
Annual food sampling increased from 4,000 to 5,000 items.
An increase of 1,000 items.
Developed 13 new testing methods.
Completed 3,571 food monitoring tests.
Completed testing in 2,582 food poisoning cases.
Launched 12 new sampling projects from 113 to 115.
Set up online food safety courses in 4 foreign languages, including English, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Thai.
U.S. midterm elections: Key figures on congressional seats, spending and the campaign
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The U.S. midterm elections will be held on Nov. 3, with voters choosing all 435 members of the House of Representatives, 35 senators, 36 governors and 6,139 state legislators. Agence France-Presse examined the key figures in this election cycle: Democrats need a net gain of 3 House seats or 4 Senate seats to take control of Congress; Trump’s approval rating stands between 32% and 41% in major polls; political ad spending for this election cycle is projected to reach a record $12 billion; and the number of primary candidates has reached 2,497, the highest since at least 2014.
Facts
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress, and all its seats are contested every 2 years.
The “magic number” for a majority in the 435-seat House
Democrats must gain a net 3 seats compared with the 2024 election results to control the House.
Senate seats up for election this cycle
Governors in 36 states are up for election this cycle.
Of the 99 state legislative chambers nationwide, members of 88 chambers are up for regular election.
Democratic congressional candidates lead Republicans by 12 percentage points, 53% to 41%.
Trump’s approval rating in several major polls in September fell within this range.
55% believe Trump’s policies have harmed the economy.
Projected total ad spending for the 2025-26 election cycle
AdImpact forecasts it will reach $11.6 billion.
That would surpass the record $8.9 billion set during the 2022 midterm elections.
Advertising for the California governor’s primary alone totaled $330 million.
Number of candidates in this cycle’s U.S. congressional primaries
As many as 2,232 are competing for House seats.
Of the House races on Nov. 3, 44 are “rematches” between the same major-party candidates who faced each other in 2024.
Companies mentioned：中央社、PBS News（公共電視網新聞）、NPR（全國公共電台）、Marist（馬瑞斯特）、Reuters（路透社）、Ipsos（益普益）、NBC News（國家廣播公司新聞網）、AdImpact、Kinetiq Political Insights
The Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers was jointly adopted in 1966
60th anniversary of the Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers
The number of teachers leaving their jobs at senior high schools and below rose from 179 to 262
From 2020 to 2024
The 3 demands include preventing abusive lawsuits and abolishing school affairs meetings, making administrative work full-time and guaranteeing reasonable working hours, and requiring the government to verify and allocate budget funds to compensate teachers for extra work hours
長庚醫院 shuttle bus crashes into transit station waiting area; 2 people lightly injured by flying glass
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taoyuan City's Guishan Precinct Police Department said that at around 10 a.m. on the 5th, a 長庚醫院 shuttle bus accidentally crashed into the waiting area as it was preparing to pull into 長庚轉運站, causing minor injuries to 2 people at the scene from flying glass. Initial investigations found that there were no passengers on board and no evidence of drunk driving. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Facts
Causing 2 people at the scene to suffer minor injuries from flying glass
At around 10 a.m. today, Hsu, the driver, was driving a 長庚醫院 shuttle bus
Kaohsiung Yancheng borough chief and wife suspected of defrauding neighborhood watch meal allowance of NT$220,000; 3 released on bail
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A borough chief surnamed Tsai in Kaohsiung's Yancheng District, along with his older sister and wife, allegedly used false sign-in records to fraudulently claim a total of NT$223,340 in meal allowances for the neighborhood watch from January 112 to February 115. Kaohsiung prosecutors ordered the 3 to post bail of NT$70,000 to NT$100,000 on charges including document forgery and fraud.
Facts
Initial estimates indicate that a total of NT$223,340 in meal allowances was fraudulently claimed from January 112 to February 115
Original諭知蔡男等3人以7萬至10萬元不等交保
Tsai was ordered to post NT$100,000 bail, the woman surnamed Tsai NT$90,000, and the woman surnamed Hou NT$70,000
Peng Chi-ming: Carbon fees to support a just transition; plan would allow Indigenous communities to apply directly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming attended a forum on climate and Indigenous peoples, outlining 4 major policy visions, including joint decision-making. He said NT$200 million from this year's carbon fees would be allocated to support a just transition, and that a direct application channel is being planned so funds can go straight to Indigenous communities. He hopes traditional knowledge can offer solutions to climate challenges.
Facts
Plans call for allocating NT$200 million to support a just transition
Outlining 4 major policy visions, including joint decision-making
There are 3 major trends in how the international community currently views Indigenous peoples
Green growth will be a priority over the next 10 years
Aerial confrontation erupts again near Democracy Reef; Philippines says Chinese J-16 approached patrol aircraft
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 菲律賓軍方 said a C-208 patrol aircraft conducting a routine maritime patrol near Democracy Reef, known as Huangyan Island in China, on the 3rd was dangerously approached and circled by 2 Chinese military aircraft. One was identified as a J-16 fighter jet. The J-16 repeatedly approached the Philippine patrol aircraft and entered its wake, posing an aviation safety risk. The Philippines condemned China's repeated “unsafe and coercive behavior” toward Philippine government vessels and aircraft.
Facts
Dangerously approached and circled by 2 Chinese military aircraft
This C-208 patrol aircraft near Democracy Reef on the 3rd
In April 2012, Philippine and Chinese vessels faced off near Democracy Reef for several weeks
Original2013年1月，菲律賓政府單方面將南海爭議提交海牙常設仲裁法院進行仲裁
On July 12, 2016, the arbitration tribunal ruled that China's 9-dash line had no validity under international law
China's 9-dash line had no validity under international law
New Taiwan dollar rises 5 cents at midday to 31.78
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The New Taiwan dollar provisionally closed at 31.78 against the U.S. dollar at noon in the Taipei foreign exchange market today, up 5 cents from the previous close, with trading volume of US$726 million. It reached a morning high of 31.75 and a low of 31.81, opening at 31.81.
Taiwan Lottery to launch 2 new scratch-off games in October, with total prizes topping NT$2.11 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台灣彩券公司 announced it will launch 2 new scratch-off games, “10來添金” and “喜從天降,” in October, priced at NT$500 and NT$200 per ticket, respectively. The games will offer more than 3.48 million prizes, with total prize money exceeding NT$2.11 billion.
Taichung City Library to host its first international forum, bringing library experts and scholars from 10 countries to Taichung
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台中市立圖書館 will host its first international forum at Green Museumbrary on the 29th and 30th, under the theme “City Libraries: Proposals for the Future.” Library directors, professionals and scholars from 10 countries, including Canada, Australia, the United States, Norway, Denmark and Germany, will gather in Taichung to share urban experiences in areas including reading, technology, architecture and social inclusion.
Facts
Library directors, professionals and scholars from 10 countries, including Canada, Australia, the United States, Norway, Denmark and Germany, to gather in Taichung
The forum will focus on the 3 issues of greatest concern to libraries today
Man erects unauthorized canopy and blocks road amid parking dispute with neighbor; Taoyuan police issue fine and order removal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Hsiao in Taoyuan City had a dispute with a neighbor over parking and illegally erected a canopy on the road in front of his home. The structure contained Buddhist statues and a lotus tower, giving it the appearance of a funeral hall and prompting public discussion. Police responded to a report and issued a citation under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. He could face a fine of NT$1,200 to NT$2,400 and was ordered to remove the structure immediately, with a warning not to install obstructions that impede traffic again.
Nobel Prize week begins, with weight-loss drug research a leading contender for medicine prize
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nobel Prize week 2026 is underway, with the medicine prize to be announced first at 5:30 p.m. Taiwan time on Oct. 5. Research into hormones such as GLP-1, which laid the groundwork for weight-loss drugs including Ozempic and Mounjaro, is considered a leading contender. Three scholars, Drucker, Holst and Mojsov, have been named as possible winners. The physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics prizes will be announced in succession by Oct. 12.
Facts
Nobel Prize week 2026 begins today
The prizes will be announced in succession from today through Oct. 12
The Nobel Prize in Medicine is expected to be announced at 5:30 p.m. Taiwan time today
The 6 Nobel prizes in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature, peace and economics
Three scholars frequently named as possible winners
The Nobel Peace Prize, scheduled to be announced on the 9th
Equality groups say alleged misconduct during police search of gay bar is not an isolated case; Chiang Wan-an vows to strengthen police discipline
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
北市警局萬華分局 came under fire over alleged discriminatory remarks during a search of a gay bar on the 3rd. Equality groups issued a statement on the 4th questioning whether excessive force was an isolated incident, and called on the Taipei City Government to investigate immediately, make a public statement, and impose disciplinary measures and apologize. Mayor Chiang Wan-an responded on the 5th during a visit to the Department of Health’s testing laboratory, expressing regret and apologizing. He said he had instructed the police department to handle the case in accordance with regulations and strengthen guidance on police discipline to prevent officers from engaging in discrimination.
Facts
Alleged discrimination during a search of a gay bar by the Wanhua Precinct of the city police department on the 3rd
Equality groups said in a statement issued on the 4th
Original中央社記者 楊淑閔 台北5日電
Asked by the media about only receiving one reprimand
Japan's Diet opens, with consumption tax and cuts to lower house seats in focus
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japan's 222nd extraordinary Diet session opened on Oct. 5, marking the first parliamentary showdown between the ruling and opposition parties since the Takaichi Cabinet reshuffle on Sept. 17. The session will run for 69 days, through Dec. 12. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and 日本維新會 are in the minority in the House of Councillors and will seek opposition cooperation to advance a bill to cut the consumption tax on food. Opposition parties have questioned the effectiveness and funding of measures to address rising prices. The Diet will also discuss a bill related to reducing the number of seats in the House of Representatives. A JNN poll found that the public most wants the Diet to focus on social security policies such as pensions and medical care.
At Silicon Valley Taiwan-U.S. industry and technology association annual meeting, Wang Mei-hua says cooperation will deepen as they do business worldwide
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Former Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua was invited to speak at the annual meeting of 矽谷台美產業科技協會（TAITA）, saying Taiwan-U.S. cooperation will deepen and that Taiwan, Japan and South Korea will work together to do business around the world. Taiwan's merchandise exports are forecast to reach US$903.6 billion this year, while its trade surplus with the United States will exceed US$200 billion. 台積電 is not expected to complete its overall factory construction in the United States until after 2034.
Facts
The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics forecasts merchandise exports will surge to US$903.6 billion this year
South Korea's merchandise exports are forecast to reach US$1 trillion this year
Taiwan's trade surplus with the United States will exceed US$200 billion this year
The ranks of “thousand-dollar stocks” are growing rapidly, with only 2 of the more than 50 companies unrelated to AI
Only 2 of the more than 50 companies are unrelated to AI
It takes about 9 to 10 months to build a factory in Taiwan
Even with construction speeds improving, it still takes about 2 years to build a factory in the United States
Most believe it is more likely to happen after at least 2034
Rubio visits 冰島 to bolster Arctic presence, then heads to Greece and Portugal for security talks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Reykjavik, 冰島, focusing on Arctic security and economic cooperation while continuing to advance 美國’s strategic influence in the Arctic. 美國 recently signed a security agreement with 丹麥 and 格陵蘭, planning to establish 2 new military bases in 格陵蘭. After his visit to 冰島, Rubio will travel to Athens, 希臘, for strategic talks and make a brief stop in Lisbon, 葡萄牙, before concluding his European tour.
Facts
美國 plans to establish 2 new military bases in 格陵蘭
冰島 has never had a military since gaining independence in 1944
The bilateral defense agreement signed with 美國 in 1951
Taiwan’s AI 3D medical imaging technology: Belize ambassador says it is a new tool for saving lives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s AI 3D medical imaging technology has made a major breakthrough, rapidly converting 2D CT scans into full-color, realistic 3D images. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and 智捷醫學科技 held the “2026 Domestic AI 3D Medical Imaging and Metaverse Applications Conference,” and 智捷醫學科技 donated 10 AI 3D medical imaging workstations to 衛生福利部. Belize Ambassador to Taiwan Mei Kaiser and ambassadors from several allied countries attended, recognizing the technology’s importance in improving medical services and saving lives. 台大醫院 plans to complete an automated AI 3D medical imaging conversion framework across the entire hospital in 2028, while Mackay Memorial Hospital also sees potential for reducing surgery time and risk.
Facts
智捷醫學科技 also donated 10 “Anatomy Cloud AI 3D Medical Imaging Workstations” to 衛生福利部
台大醫院 plans to complete an automated AI 3D medical imaging conversion framework across the entire hospital in 2028
The “2026 Domestic AI 3D Medical Imaging and Metaverse Applications Conference” was held today
Previously, converting a patient’s actual 2D DICOM CT scans into realistic 3D images
Peng Chi-ming: No invitation to COP31; Taiwan to host its own international conference
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming said Taiwan has yet to receive an official invitation to COP31. As a non-UN member, Taiwan has long been unable to attend as an official party to the convention, but the international community continues to recognize its efforts on climate initiatives such as carbon pricing. The Ministry of Environment plans to host more international cooperation meetings in Taiwan during COP31 and expand its outreach on Taiwan’s progress in emissions reduction and its achievements in combining Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge with climate adaptation.
Facts
The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) is scheduled to take place in Turkey from November 9 to 20.
An invitation to COP31 has still not been received
星宇航空 increases Taipei-Kuala Lumpur flights to 1 daily, effective immediately
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
星宇航空 announced that it is increasing Taipei-Kuala Lumpur service to 1 daily flight, effective immediately, and switching the route to the A330neo, targeting the connecting-passenger market. CEO Chai Chien-hua said passengers can connect through Taipei to 5 major North American cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario, Seattle and Phoenix.
Facts
Taipei-Kuala Lumpur service increases to 1 daily flight, effective immediately
5 major North American cities
The route will be operated by the A330neo
The aircraft type will also switch from the A321neo to the A330neo
Overseas compatriots begin checking in for National Day celebrations on the 5th; more than 4000 people from 51 countries expected to return to Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Overseas Community Affairs Council will open registration on the 5th for overseas compatriots attending National Day celebrations, with more than 4000 people from 51 countries expected to return to Taiwan. Council Minister Hsu Chia-ching presented an overseas compatriot certificate to Liao Kuei-ching, an overseas compatriot from Melbourne, Australia, the first to check in. Hsu said overseas celebration events faced interference from the Chinese Communist Party when trying to rent venues, but went ahead smoothly with support from Taiwan-friendly forces.
Facts
More than 4000 overseas compatriots from 51 countries are expected to register for this year’s National Day events
Among them, 85 overseas compatriots are returning from Brazil, Argentina, Chile and other countries in Central and South America
The 49 overseas compatriots from Africa include people from South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana and Malawi
A total of 281 overseas celebration events have been held so far
The Overseas Community Affairs Council invited 30 travel agencies to plan 155 tour itineraries
Eligible applicants can apply for a subsidy of up to 3000 yuan per person
The subsidy for the Hualien and Taitung regions has also been raised to 4000 yuan
The overseas compatriot quota for this year’s National Day gala was also increased from the previous 2000
The overseas compatriot quota for this year’s National Day gala was also increased from the previous 2000 to 2500
CPBL postseason challenge series starts 10/9; all 5 of the Dragons’ home games in the Taiwan Series will be at the Taipei Dome
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The CPBL announced its postseason schedule and home venues today. The postseason challenge series begins on the 9th at the Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, where 中信兄弟 will have 3 home games. The Taiwan Series begins on the 17th at the Taipei Dome, and all 5 of 味全龍隊’s home games will be held there.
Facts
The postseason challenge series begins on the 9th at the Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, home of the Brothers
The Taiwan Series will begin on the 17th
They will first face 統一7-ELEVEn獅隊, the team with the second-best regular-season winning percentage, in a 4-game, 3-win postseason challenge series
中信兄弟 will have 3 home games
味全龍隊…will have home-field advantage in 5 games
The team that advances through the postseason challenge series will have 2 home games
European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic will travel to Beijing on the 8th for two days of key talks with Chinese officials, seeking to avert a trade war. 歐盟 has taken a tougher stance toward 中國 to protect businesses from unfair competition in key industries such as automobiles, and has warned of the threat of a so-called “China shock 2.0.” The two sides have been negotiating since June, and Sefcovic hopes to secure concrete results before October. 歐盟執委會 will also propose a new trade defense instrument in December.
Facts
Original歐盟貿易事務專員塞夫柯維奇（Maros Sefcovic）8日將前往北京
Original與中國官員進行為期兩天的關鍵談判
The first wave of shocks in the early 2000s
Officials from 歐盟 and 中國 have been negotiating continuously since June
Said 歐盟 hopes the negotiations will achieve “concrete results” before October
Expected to be presented to national leaders in December
AI stocks and 南亞 lead the charge; Taiwan stocks surge 1294 points intraday to a record 49770
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Fueled by a rebound in U.S. technology stocks, Taiwan stocks opened sharply higher on the 5th, with AI and heavyweight shares leading a powerful rally. The weighted index surged as much as 1294 points intraday to 49770.66, setting a record high. 台積電 touched 2580 yuan intraday, setting a new record, while 南亞 hit the limit-up price of 286 yuan, also a record.
Facts
The weighted index surged as much as 1294 points intraday
Climbed to 49770.66, setting a record high
Rose 1245.5 points, a gain of 2.57%
Original成交值新台幣7806.49億元
Reached a high of 2580 yuan, up 3.2%
台積電, the wafer foundry, traded more than 1.5萬 lots intraday
鴻海 reached an intraday high of 256 yuan, up nearly 2%
Hit the limit-up price of 286 yuan intraday, setting a record high
Raised paving stones on Hengchun trail led to man's fatal fall; NT$3.84 million in damages finalized
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Yao died of a high cervical fracture after tripping on raised paving stones while walking along the Hengchun Circular Trail in Pingtung in ROC year 111. His three children sued for state compensation. The second-instance court found that 恆春鎮公所 was responsible for maintaining the trail and had failed to repair it or install warning signs, constituting a lapse in management. It ordered payment of more than NT$3.84 million in medical expenses, funeral costs and emotional distress damages. 最高法院 dismissed the appeal, finalizing the case.
Facts
Second-instance court orders 恆春鎮公所 to pay a total of more than NT$3.84 million in medical expenses, funeral costs and emotional distress damages to Yao's three children
Yao was walking along the circular trail beside Beimen Road in Hengchun Township, Pingtung County, on the afternoon of May 29, ROC year 111
He died after returning home on June 8 of the same year
恆春鎮公所 also argued that Yao was wearing earphones and looking around at the time of the incident, and should bear 50% contributory negligence
Nearly 10 months after the accident, the paving stones at the same location were still raised
恆春鎮公所 ordered to pay more than NT$3.84 million to the three children
華訊電能 accused of raising more than NT$219 million; CEO indicted, prosecutors seek 16-year sentence
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
華訊電能公司 allegedly illegally raised more than NT$219 million by soliciting investments in “FAFAGO green energy charging stations.” The Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted CEO surnamed Hsieh and 25 others, along with 華訊電能公司, on the 5th. Prosecutors said Hsieh was the ringleader and denied the allegations, and asked the court to sentence him to at least 16 years in prison. Hsieh also faces charges of aggravated fraud and money laundering, while the company's actual head, surnamed Chen, failed to appear and is wanted.
Facts
Allegedly raised more than NT$219 million illegally
Original每投資1個充電樁須支付30萬元
Company guaranteed a minimum monthly return of NT$3,520
Annualized return of about 14.08%
The company could buy it back for NT$210,000
華訊電能 installed fewer than 200 charging stations in ROC year 113
Original113年1月至115年1月間非法吸金共2億1905萬餘元
Prosecutors indict Hsieh and 25 others, along with 華訊電能公司
Prosecutors ask the court to impose a sentence of at least 16 years
Merz visits Kyiv and announces increased military aid, saying Germany will not be intimidated into retreating
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
German Chancellor Merz visited Kyiv on the 4th, announcing an additional 1 billion euros in military aid and 350 million euros to help repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and stressing that Germany would not be intimidated into retreating. Senior executives from German companies accompanying him signed 14 agreements with Ukraine worth about 6.6 billion euros in total, covering defense industry cooperation including IRIS-T air defense missiles, radar equipment and drone interceptors.
Facts
Announced an additional 1 billion euros (about NT$35.6 billion) in military aid
1 billion euros (about NT$35.6 billion)
Announced 350 million euros to help repair energy infrastructure
Signed 14 agreements with the Ukrainian government and companies
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation（FBI）arrested Wanying “Heather” Zhang, a 34-year-old real estate agent suspected of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the Chinese government. She is accused of traveling with an accomplice to Seattle, Washington, in September 2025 to surveil the home of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's son, Lai Ting-yu, and take photographs, then reporting back to a Chinese government contact via WeChat.
Facts
34-year-old Wanying Zhang
Lai Ting-yu, in his 30s
75-year-old Wang Shujun
Provided intelligence to China's Ministry of State Security for 17 years
She completed 130 home sales and listing transactions in Los Angeles and neighboring counties
Traveled to Seattle, Washington, in September 2025
In June 2025, Wanying Zhang was introduced through a classmate from her alma mater, Beijing International Studies University
Wanying Zhang wrote on August 26, 2025
In a criminal complaint filed on October 3, FBI agent Kevin Holt
In April 2023, two other people were arrested over their involvement with an illegal Chinese police station in Manhattan used to monitor Chinese dissidents
Wang was convicted in 2024 of acting as a foreign agent
Noul crosses the International Date Line; Krosa forms, with 3 typhoons present but no direct impact on Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Central Weather Administration said today that Typhoon Noul crossed the International Date Line this morning and entered the northwestern Pacific, becoming this year's No. 27 typhoon. Typhoon Krosa, this year's No. 28, also formed at 8 a.m. The northwestern Pacific now has 3 typhoons at once: Chan-hom, Noul and Krosa. None is expected to directly affect Taiwan.
Facts
Crossed the International Date Line and entered the northwestern Pacific at 8 a.m.
Developed into a mild typhoon at 8 a.m.
Became Typhoon Noul, No. 27
Typhoon Krosa, No. 28
This year's No. 26 severe typhoon Chan-hom
Its center was located over waters 530 kilometers east of Iwo Jima
Taiwan's ID cards used to look like this! They have undergone 5 complete replacements in nearly 80 years, and the first generation even had a “fingerprint symbol”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Since Taiwan first issued national ID cards in May 1947, the cards have undergone 5 complete replacements in nearly 80 years, evolving from white, double-page folded paper cards and single-page cards in different colors for men and women to today's security-featured cards with a light purple-to-light brown gradient, reflecting the evolution of Taiwan's household registration system.
Facts
Original台灣自1947年5月至年底辦理首次國民身分證核發
There have been 5 complete replacements in nearly 80 years, in 1954, 1965 to 1966, 1975 to 1976, 1986, and 2005 to 2006
The first-generation ID card was a white, double-page folded paper design with a “fingerprint symbol” field
The second-generation ID card changed from white to blue paper, and the age for receiving a card was raised to 14
The third-generation ID card became a single-page card, with color distinguishing men and women: light green for men and light red for women
The uniform identification number system was established in July 1969, and the fourth-generation ID card officially abolished “slogans” and adopted uniform identification numbers across the board
The fifth complete replacement began on December 21, 2005, with nearly 18.8 million new cards issued across Taiwan
The sixth-generation ID card measures 8.57 centimeters wide and 5.4 centimeters tall and has 21 security features
Kuanhsi herbal grass tea and pomelo-pepper salt lose out! The Farmers' Association must-buy food TOP 10 champion is this item, praised by food lovers as addictive after one taste and worth buying by the case
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
《網路溫度計DailyView》 used 《KEYPO大數據關鍵引擎》 to analyze big data from September 2024 to September 2026 and released its “Farmers' Association Must-Buy Foods TOP 10” ranking. Roasted corn from 台西鄉農會 took first place, followed by herbal grass tea from 關西鎮農會.
Facts
The champion of the Farmers' Association Must-Buy Foods TOP 10 ranking was “roasted corn” from 台西鄉農會
Second place went to “herbal grass tea and roasted herbal grass jelly” from 關西鎮農會
Third place went to “tea-roasted rice crackers” from 番路鄉農會
台西鄉農會's roasted corn is made with fresh, locally grown, non-GMO yellow corn kernels
番路鄉農會's “tea-roasted rice crackers” combine quality Taiwanese rice germ with high-mountain Alishan tea, and are made using a non-fried, direct-fire roasting method
麻豆區農會's “pomelo pepper salt” is made by low-temperature drying and grinding the peel of Madou pomelos
The analysis covered the period from September 30, 2024, to September 29, 2026
《KEYPO大數據關鍵引擎》 is an online community big data database that processes more than 200 billion pieces of Chinese-language data each month
Du Zongxi column: Has Shen Boyang's “ocean current” campaign strategy been revealed? What a senior AI expert told the writer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In an analysis of the 2026 Taipei mayoral race, Du Zongxi cited Shen Boyang's “three flows” theory, arguing that the “ocean current” did not arise naturally but was political mobilization operating according to a model in Shen's own paper.
Facts
In 2021, Shen Boyang published Taiwan's most systematic research paper on “China's cognitive warfare.”
Shen Boyang and others founded 黑熊學院 in 2021.
Original沈伯洋於2024年出版《打台灣不如騙台灣：中國對台灣認知作戰的Q&A》。
In 2022, Robert Tsao announced funding of NT$600 million, with the goal of training 3 million “Black Bear Warriors” in three years.
Shen Boyang's 2021 paper divided the “three flows” into flows of people, money, and information.
Remember to store water! 7 counties and cities face major water outages tomorrow, with “no water from morning to night for 40 consecutive hours”; check your home's outage area with one click
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Water outage projects on October 6 will affect 7 counties and cities across Taiwan, with outages lasting up to 40 hours in Kaohsiung. Residents should store water in advance and check details through 台灣自來水公司's Line account.
Facts
Water outage projects will take place in several parts of Taiwan on October 6, affecting areas including Taoyuan, Yunlin, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Yilan, and Hualien
Outages will last from 4 hours to as long as 40 hours
All of Luzhu, Yong'an, Hunei, and Qieding districts in Kaohsiung will be without water from 08 on October 6 until 00 on October 8, for a total of 40 hours
Xinying and Yanshui districts in Tainan will be without water from 09:30 on October 6 until 08:30 on October 7, for a total of 23 hours
Xiabu, Xiatian, Yong'an, and Shipai villages in Xinwu District, Taoyuan, will be without water from 21 on October 6 until 03 on October 7, for a total of 6 hours
Some roads in Dongshan Township, Yilan County, will be without water from 13 to 17 on October 6, for a total of 4 hours
Residents should finish storing water at least 6 hours before the outage
Tsai Kang-yung shows up—is the “ocean current” really breaking out of its bubble? Shen Cheng-nan identifies 1 key issue and shakes his head: it's nothing like Ko Wen-je in 2014
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party's Taipei mayoral candidate, established his campaign headquarters on the 4th, with Tsai Kang-yung's low-key appearance drawing attention. Psychiatrist Shen Cheng-nan criticized the rally for failing to reach beyond its existing base, saying the 30-minute speech had no substance and could not compare with Ko Wen-je's “White Force” in 2014.
Facts
Shen Boyang established his campaign headquarters on the 4th, with President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, former President Tsai Ing-wen, and other prominent figures attending to show their support.
Tsai Kang-yung made a low-key appearance at the opening event for Shen Boyang's campaign headquarters.
Tsai Kang-yung told the media, “I came to see what it's like and hear the views from all sides.”
Shen Cheng-nan said Shen Boyang's rally failed to break out of its bubble and that the 30-minute speech had no substance at all.
Ko Wen-je held his campaign headquarters inauguration ceremony on the same day 12 years ago in 2014, with guests from all political parties, independents, academics, experts, and the arts and culture community.
Original沈政男指出沈伯洋面臨兩大難題：投票率達7成以上、囊括絕大多數中間選票。
Shen Boyang chose orange-red as his campaign color, deliberately avoiding green.
A surveillance camera caught a man littering, and even captured his scooter's license plate! The Environmental Protection Bureau investigated but did not issue a fine—the reason is one many people would never guess
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In 2023, a man in Taichung was caught on camera throwing garbage into a residential community while riding a scooter. Although surveillance footage and the license plate were available, no fine could be issued because the offender and vehicle owner were of different genders. In July 2026, amendments to the Waste Disposal Act raised the maximum fine to NT$100,000 and made vehicle owners liable for penalties.
Not salt or starch! This is the top performer in a test of ways to remove grease from food storage containers, making the “container dry again” in 30 seconds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This report compiles tested methods for removing grease and odors from food storage containers, noting that shaking a paper towel inside for 30 seconds outperformed salt and cornstarch in tests by HK01, and summarizing tips from 樂扣樂扣, 陳映如 and 新米酒婦真澄 on cleaning seals and preventing stains.
Facts
Put 1 sheet of paper towel and dish soap in the food storage container, close the lid and shake for about 30 seconds to remove grease trapped in the crevices along the container walls.
Tests by HK01 found that paper towels were the most effective at removing grease, while salt was slightly less effective than paper towels and cornstarch.
A video on cleaning food storage containers shared by Japanese homemaking expert 新米酒婦真澄 has amassed more than 4 million views on TikTok.
樂扣樂扣 recommends using the handle of a spoon to pry out the food storage container's seal for cleaning, then soaking it in baking soda water to remove odors.
Homemaking expert 陳映如 recommends soaking food storage container seals in warm water with 1 tablespoon of sodium percarbonate for at least 1 hour.
Microwave-safe plastic food storage containers are mostly made of No. 5 PP.
Ways to prevent food storage containers from being stained by kimchi or curry include lining them with plastic wrap first or applying a thin layer of olive oil to the inside.
Rare emergency U.S. military deployment sends 12 B-1 bombers from Britain back to the U.S.; reportedly aimed at preventing an Iranian terror attack
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Acting on the latest intelligence about a potential terror attack by forces backed by Iran against the U.K.'s RAF Fairford base, the U.S. military urgently withdrew 12 B-1 bombers; the U.K. arrested 6 suspects, while President Trump is also cautiously weighing whether to launch a new wave of strikes against Iran.
Facts
U.S. military withdraws all 12 B-1 bombers stationed in Britain to the U.S. mainland over intelligence about a terror threat
As of October 4, at least 3 B-1 bombers had arrived at their home base in South Dakota
Original10月1日倫敦逮捕1名25歲英伊雙重國籍男子
On October 4, police raided locations and arrested 5 more British suspects, and found accelerants
The USS Theodore Roosevelt, carrying 7000 sailors and 2000 Marines, heads to the Middle East
An estimated 3 U.S. aircraft carriers will be assembled in the Middle East by the end of October
Who is Mearsheimer? From The Tragedy of Great Power Politics to predictions about Russia-Ukraine and the Taiwan Strait, a guide to the offensive realism scholar
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
風傳媒 profiles offensive realism scholar John Mearsheimer, looking back at his theory, the central arguments of The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, his predictions about the Russia-Ukraine war, and his actual position on the Taiwan Strait issue.
Facts
Mearsheimer was born in New York in 1947 and joined the military at 17. He later attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served in the U.S. Air Force for 5 years after graduating.
Mearsheimer earned a PhD in political science from Cornell University and has taught at the University of Chicago since 1982.
In a 2015 lecture at the University of Chicago, Mearsheimer predicted that NATO expansion would lead Russia to use military force; the video has nearly thirty million views.
In 2026, Mearsheimer said the odds of China invading Taiwan in the next 10 years were low, with the only exception being if Taiwan declared independence.
In 2024, Mearsheimer declared, "Ukraine has already lost," and said Russian forces had a 10-to-1 advantage in artillery.
After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, Mearsheimer published "Why the Ukraine Crisis Is the West's Fault," arguing that Ukraine should be allowed to become a "prosperous but neutral" buffer state.
A roundup of today's (October 5) top stories, including Labor Ministry subsidies of up to 31,200, the latest on the 10,000 cash payout, a 3,000 cash gift being handed out in one area, and a 3,600 fine for stopping at a red light without crossing the line.
中信兄弟 secured a 1-win advantage before the postseason challenge series by winning the second-half title.
Game 1 of the postseason challenge series will be played at 5:05 p.m. on October 9 (Friday) at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, with 統一7-ELEVEN獅 visiting 中信兄弟.
Game 2 of the postseason challenge series will be played at 5:05 p.m. on October 10 (Saturday) at Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadium, with 中信兄弟 visiting 統一7-ELEVEN獅.
Original味全龍以年度第一、上半季冠軍身分直接取得台灣大賽門票，握有5場臺北大巨蛋主場優勢。
Original台灣大賽採7戰4勝制，10月17日（六）與10月18日（日）皆於臺北大巨蛋進行。
If 中信兄弟 advance to the Taiwan Series, all 7 games of the series, at most, will be played at the Taipei Dome.
If the series goes to 7 games, the final game of the Taiwan Series will be played at 5:05 p.m. on October 25 (Sunday) at the Taipei Dome.
The Brothers need just 2 more wins to advance to the Taiwan Series, while Uni-Lions must win 3 games under the actual schedule.
Interest alone exceeds $1 trillion! U.S. Treasury yields keep surging—how far is the United States from a "fiscal crisis"?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasuries has held at 5%, and federal government interest payments are rising rapidly. Net interest outlays reached about $1.05 trillion in the first 11 months of fiscal 2026. Concerns are mounting that the United States' huge debt burden could trigger a fiscal crisis, but experts say the country still enjoys the dollar's "exorbitant privilege" and a resilient economy, leaving it some distance from a genuine fiscal crisis. Existing debt also has an average maturity of about 5.9 years, so the impact of high interest rates will be felt gradually rather than posing an immediate crisis.
Facts
U.S. government net interest outlays reached about $1.05 trillion in the first 11 months of fiscal 2026
The 10-year Treasury yield has held at 5%
U.S. interest expenses are about $1.1 trillion in fiscal 2026
They are projected to reach $1.4 trillion in fiscal 2027
They will rise to $1.5 trillion in 2028
They will climb further to $1.6 trillion in 2029
The weighted average maturity of U.S. government debt is about 5.9 years
Excluding Treasury bills, the average coupon rate on U.S. Treasuries is still only about 3.1%
The average interest rate on U.S. government debt is currently about 3.4%
U.S. nominal GDP grew at an annualized rate of 8.5% in the second quarter of 2026
U.S. federal debt held by the public is set to reach around 101% of GDP in fiscal 2026
Only 1% of respondents held this view
The housing market led at 42%
The stock market followed at 26%
The corporate credit market came in at 21%
Companies mentioned：美國國會預算辦公室（CBO）、美國負責任聯邦預算委員會（Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget）、TD Securities、美國經濟分析局（BEA）、L&G Asset Management、BMO Capital Markets、聯準會（Fed）
Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei's The Legend of Zang Hai only ranks fifth! The champion of Netflix's top 10 mainland Chinese dramas of 2026 is this show: it outscored Jing Boran's Early Spring, and viewers all praise it
Can high-dividend ETFs also beat the market? September performance rankings are out, with "these 8 funds" all beating Taiwan stocks; the top performer surged 11% in a single month
Taiwan’s benchmark index rose 1,811.66 points, or 3.93%, in September.
As of September 30, 8 high-dividend Taiwan-listed ETFs had outperformed the market for the month.
Capital Semiconductor Income ETF (00927) surged 11.11% in September, leading high-dividend ETFs in performance.
Original00927是榜單中唯一單月漲幅突破1成的ETF，比大盤高出7.18個百分點。
The estimated distribution for 00927’s 14th payout is currently NT$2 per share, with the ex-dividend date expected on October 19.
Cathay Sustainable High Dividend (00878) rose 5.18% in September, while Yuanta Taiwan High Dividend (0056) gained 4.30%; both beat the market.
Taiwan’s semiconductor revenue grew 61% year over year in August, while foundry and packaging and testing revenue is forecast to increase 15% to 20% quarter over quarter in Q3.
00927 closed at NT$39.89 on September 30, with an estimated single-payout yield of about 5.03%.
Media figure Zheng Shicheng wrote on Facebook urging the blue camp not to get caught up in the “ocean current” issue sparked by Shen Boyang’s street campaigning, but to focus instead on candidates’ policy platforms. He also warned that the Green camp may deploy prosecutors and investigators before the election.
Facts
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei mayoral candidate, has recently campaigned at markets and night markets across Taipei, sparking a wave dubbed the “ocean current.”
Zheng Shicheng cited the “walkaround workers” incident involving Huang Chun-ying in Kaohsiung in 2006 as a cautionary precedent.
In the 2006 Kaohsiung mayoral election, Chen Chu narrowly won by a small margin in an incident dubbed the “walkaround workers” affair.
Foreign media also shocked by raid on Ximending gay bar! A guide to the controversy over alleged discrimination against a disabled person and excessive force by Wanhua police; Mayor Chiang Wan-an apologizes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Wanhua Precinct searched Ximending gay bar Commander D on October 3. During the operation, officers verbally humiliated a disabled person, sparking controversy over discrimination and excessive force. Mayor Chiang Wan-an apologized on October 5, and more than a hundred people protested at the Red House, calling for a full investigation.
Facts
Ximending BDSM gay bar Commander D, which has been open for 14 years, was searched by Wanhua Precinct under a warrant on October 3.
Democratic Progressive Party Taipei City Councilor Hung Chien-yi questioned officials at the council on September 11, prompting Mayor Chiang Wan-an to order an immediate investigation.
An officer was given 1 reprimand for telling a disabled male customer, “People with disabilities can have sex too?”
Lawyer Chen Chun-wei listed 5 major questions about the police operation.
Didn’t take Taiwan Railways or the high-speed rail home for the long weekend! Savvy travelers switch to “cheaper, comfortable and quiet, with no worries about noise”: buses run even at midnight, so you can sleep all the way to your stop
The Highway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation has introduced discounts on intercity buses for the 115 National Day holiday, running from October 8 to October 11.
Original連假期間國道客運享基本票價85折，疊加TPASS 2.0+最高可達57折。
Passengers transferring to local buses within 10 hours of taking the high-speed rail, Taiwan Railways or an intercity bus can ride 1 segment or the basic distance for free.
Won NT$1 million on a uniform invoice but can’t claim it! It’s not just company tax IDs or expired claims; the tax bureau reveals other cases that are ineligible
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 115 July-August uniform invoice prize period opens for claims starting tomorrow (the 6th). The tax bureau reminds consumers that buyers with business status cannot redeem prizes even if they did not enter a tax ID, and has listed several other ineligible cases.
Facts
Claims for the 115 July-August uniform invoice prizes open starting tomorrow (the 6th), and the deadline is January 5 next year.
The special prize number for this period is 89996565, and the grand prize number is 91098182.
A person selling goods through an online platform won NT$1 million with a cloud invoice for a NT$1000 platform service fee, but was denied the prize because they had business status.
The National Taxation Bureau of the Northern Area cited a case in which an online seller received 185 invoices in September and October 2024, including 7 winning invoices worth a total of NT$2300. The prizes were later reclaimed, and the seller was required to pay more than NT$460,000 in business tax and report more than NT$9.2 million in sales.
Online sellers whose monthly sales of goods reach NT$100,000 or whose monthly sales of services reach NT$50,000 must apply to the tax bureau for tax registration.
The 5 types of buyers who cannot receive prizes are government agencies, state-run enterprises, public schools, military units and businesses.
The 24-hour customer service hotline for questions about claiming prizes is (02) 4128282.
Inheritance tax exemption to rise next year! Exemption may increase to NT$14.88 million; couples can give NT$5.44 million tax-free in a year by “doing this”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
With cumulative CPI inflation of 11.61% surpassing the statutory 10% threshold, the inheritance tax exemption is projected to rise to NT$14.88 million in 2027, and the gift tax exemption to NT$2.72 million. The new rules will take effect on January 1, 2027, with the Ministry of Finance to make a formal announcement at the end of the year.
Facts
As of August this year, the consumer price index (CPI) had risen a cumulative 11.61% from the previous adjustment base period, exceeding the statutory 10% adjustment threshold.
The inheritance tax exemption in 2027 may rise from the current NT$13.33 million to at least NT$14.88 million.
The gift tax exemption in 2027 may increase from NT$2.44 million to NT$2.72 million.
The annual combined gift tax exemption for a married couple will rise from NT$4.88 million to NT$5.44 million, an increase of NT$560,000.
The adjustment is based on the price-indexation mechanism in the Estate and Gift Tax Act. Once cumulative CPI growth reaches 10% or more, the exemption is recalculated according to inflation and takes effect the following year.
The previous adjustment to the inheritance and gift tax exemptions took place in 2022.
The new rules are expected to apply to inheritance and gift cases occurring from January 1, 2027; they cannot be applied early to cases this year.
The figures of NT$14.88 million and NT$2.72 million are currently only estimates based on CPI data to date, not final amounts announced by the Ministry of Finance.
Did she spy on Lai Ching-te’s son for Beijing?! FBI arrests Chinese real estate agent; surveillance footage appears to show her “filming” Lai Ting-yu and his wife
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The FBI arrested Zhang Wanying, a real estate agent accused of acting as an agent of the Chinese government, in Los Angeles. She is accused of traveling to Seattle in September 2025 to surveil Lai Ting-yu, son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, and his family.
Facts
Zhang Wanying was arrested by federal law enforcement officers at Los Angeles International Airport as she prepared to board a flight to Shanghai, China.
Zhang Wanying is accused of acting as an agent of a foreign government without registering with the U.S. government.
Zhang Wanying and an accomplice flew from Las Vegas to Seattle on September 1, 2025.
Zhang Wanying sent a Chinese government contact on WeChat the messages “I see him, a young man. It’s that young one,” and “I’m recording,” along with two sets of license plate numbers.
Lai Ting-yu works for Dutch multinational electronics company 飛利浦（Philips）.
Zhang Wanying met a Chinese government official in June 2025 through an introduction by a classmate from Beijing Foreign Studies University.
Zhang Wanying completed 130 home sales and listings in Los Angeles and neighboring counties.
FBI agent Kevin Holt filed a criminal complaint on October 3.
Is Lee Duo-hui’s home being used as a real estate sales gimmick? Agent sparks backlash by saying “Contact me if you want to be neighbors”; furious users say her privacy is being exploited to attract clients
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Korean cheerleading star Lee Da-hye was used by a real estate agent as a sales pitch to attract clients. The agent posted on social media, “Want to become neighbors with Da-hye? Get in touch with me,” and included a business card, prompting netizens to question whether Lee’s residential privacy was being used as a gimmick to sell homes. The incident began when a netizen shared on Threads an account of running into Lee, after which the agent followed up with a post. Lee was previously followed by an unfamiliar vehicle for 1 and a half hours to near her home, an incident that left her frightened and in tears as she called the police. She later did move house, making fans especially sensitive to any information that could point to her residential area. Although the agent did not directly reveal Lee’s exact address, the location of the agency’s office led people to question whether the post could provide more clues for piecing together the artist’s living area, sparking an online backlash.
Facts
After completing a 5-day motorcycle tour around Taiwan, Lee Da-hye returned to Taipei in November 2024
The entire incident lasted about 1 and a half hours
In a media interview in May 2025, she revealed that she had moved to a new rental home
China’s Ministry of State Security suspected of being behind surveillance of Lai Ching-te’s eldest son, Lai Ting-yu; Chinese American real estate agent arrested by FBI at Los Angeles airport
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The FBI arrested 34-year-old Chinese American California real estate agent Zhang Wanying at Los Angeles International Airport on October 5, 2025, accusing her of surveilling Lai Ting-yu, the son of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, at the direction of the Chinese government without registering as an agent of a foreign government as required by law.
Facts
Zhang Wanying was arrested by the FBI at Los Angeles International Airport on October 5, 2025, as she was preparing to board a flight to Shanghai, China.
Zhang Wanying is suspected of surveilling Lai Ting-yu, the son of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, in the United States at the direction of the Chinese government without registering as an agent of a foreign government as required by law.
Zhang Wanying is a licensed California real estate agent employed by JC Pacific Capital Inc.（JC太平洋資產有限公司）. She has about 130 past home sales and listing records on Zillow.
On September 1, 2025, Zhang Wanying and a man identified as “Person No. 1” flew from Las Vegas to Seattle, rented a black Nissan Rogue and then surveilled the area near Lai Ting-yu’s home.
Zhang Wanying was introduced to a Chinese government official by a classmate in June 2025 and graduated from the Beijing Institute of International Relations, which has close ties to China’s Ministry of State Security.
Lai Ting-yu is in his 30s, works as an engineer and is currently employed by 荷蘭飛利浦（Philips）.
FBI Special Agent Kevin Holt filed a criminal complaint on October 3.
Companies mentioned：JC Pacific Capital Inc.、JC太平洋資產有限公司、飛利浦（Philips）、Zillow
The latest statistics from the National Immigration Agency show that Taiwan has 128,252 Vietnamese spouses. New Taipei City ranks first with 22,206, followed by Taoyuan and Kaohsiung in second and third place. Among areas outside the 6 special municipalities, Changhua County has the most.
Facts
There are 128,252 Vietnamese spouses in Taiwan in total: 5,128 men and 123,124 women
New Taipei City ranks first nationwide with 22,206 Vietnamese spouses
Taoyuan City has 14,470 Vietnamese spouses, just slightly more than Kaohsiung City’s 14,414
Among areas outside the 6 special municipalities, Changhua County leads with 8,655, exceeding Taipei City’s 6,742
Lienchiang County（Matsu）has the fewest Vietnamese spouses in Taiwan, with just 56, all women
The Financial Supervisory Commission released electronic payment statistics for July 2026, showing about 41.51 million users in total. The top 3 providers are separated by fewer than 100,000 users, while LINE Pay Money ranked first in agency collection and payment transaction value, at about NT$11.23 billion.
Facts
At the end of July 2026, there were about 41.51 million domestic electronic payment account users
Original街口支付以約733.6萬名使用者排名第一
iPASS MONEY ranked third with about 7.254 million users
LINE Pay Money ranked first in agency collection and payment transaction value in July, at about NT$11.23 billion
The collection of highway maintenance fees in July drove increased demand for electronic payment services
There are 10 dedicated and 19 ancillary electronic payment institutions in Taiwan
Are Six Flags Village tickets outrageously expensive at full price? Insider reveals “money-saving trick” that saves NT$1,311: Don’t be silly and buy at the gate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A woman and her friend visited Six Flags Village on a weekday. A full-price adult ticket cost NT$1,400, or NT$2,800 for 2 people. Fortunately, she qualified for the birthday-month offer, bringing her ticket down to NT$690, while her friend got a discounted ticket for NT$799. They paid just NT$1,489 in total, saving NT$1,311. The post attracted more than 4,000 likes, and netizens also shared that travelers can compare prices in advance on ticket platforms to avoid overpaying.
Facts
A full-price adult ticket costs NT$1,400
Buying tickets directly would cost 2 people NT$2,800
The NT$1,400 ticket price was reduced to NT$690
Her companion also qualified for the discounted NT$799 ticket
The total cost of the 2 tickets instantly dropped by NT$1,311
The 2 people ended up paying just NT$1,489 in total
Nationwide NT$10,000 cash payout with additional local payments! Up to NT$6,000 in stimulus payments per person in October; “1 place” starts handing it out today. See when and where payments will be distributed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Several townships across Taiwan will begin distributing additional stimulus payments in October, including NT$6,000 per person in Huatan Township, Changhua County; NT$3,600 in Linnei Township, Yunlin County; NT$3,000 in Toucheng Township, Yilan County; NT$5,000 in Yanping Township, Taitung County; and NT$3,000 in Zhutang Township, Changhua County. The Executive Yuan said the planned distribution of the NT$10,000 “AI dividend” cash payment is targeted for as early as before Lunar New Year 2027, pending Legislative Yuan review of the overall budget.
Facts
Original全民普發現金 1 萬元「AI 紅利」政策
NT$6,000 per person in Huatan Township, Changhua County
NT$3,600 in Linnei Township, Yunlin County
NT$3,000 in Toucheng Township, Yilan County
Yanping Township, Taitung County, is raising the payment to NT$5,000
Zhutang Township, Changhua County: NT$3,000 in living allowance per person
Initial estimates suggest about 2,000 to 3,000 people are eligible
The target is to complete distribution by as early as before Lunar New Year
Drink this over the National Day long weekend! 先喝道’s most popular drink, English Fruit Tea, is buy one get one free on Oct. 8, plus a chance to win round-trip tickets to Kobe
Kevin Tsai appears at Puma Shen campaign event and is besieged by Chinese nationalist netizens! Weibo posts wiped clean; brands rush to distance themselves
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
After Taiwanese host Kevin Tsai attended a campaign event for Puma Shen, his Weibo posts and following count dropped to zero. Chinese automaker 零跑汽車, with which he had previously partnered, rushed to distance itself from him, sparking heated debate on social media on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
Facts
Kevin Tsai appeared at the opening ceremony of Puma Shen’s campaign headquarters on the 4th
Wearing a black mask and an orange shirt, Kevin Tsai sat in the front row and held a cheering baton reading “Taipei, get back on track”
Kevin Tsai has more than 36 million Weibo followers
Kevin Tsai’s Weibo posts are no longer visible, and his following count shows zero
零跑汽車 issued a statement late on the night of the 4th to distance itself from him
Kevin Tsai’s latest Xiaohongshu post is a video of his Sept. 8 interview with Show Lo
Kevin Tsai told the media only that he was “here to see what it’s like”
Trump uses arms sales to Taiwan as a bargaining chip. How does the international community view it? Indian scholar fears “allies are starting to hedge,” while Japanese columnist says “U.S. policy on Taiwan has not changed”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Trump has put on hold an arms sale to Taiwan worth about US$14 billion and treated it as a bargaining chip in talks with China, prompting two interpretations internationally: Indian scholar Harsh V. Pant fears allies are hedging, while Japanese commentator Yoshiko Sakurai argues that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed, citing the arrival of F-16Vs in Taiwan.
Facts
An arms sale to Taiwan worth about US$14 billion has yet to be approved by U.S. President Donald Trump
Trump once described the arms sale as “a very good bargaining chip”
Indian scholar Harsh V. Pant wrote in 新德里電視台（NDTV） on Sept. 30 that he fears allies are starting to hedge
Japanese commentator Yoshiko Sakurai argued in a column in 產經新聞 on Oct. 5 that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed
Two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets arrived at Chihang Air Base in Taitung on Oct. 2
Taiwan already has 139 upgraded F-16A/B jets, in addition to 66 F-16Vs
U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue said Trump once asked Xi Jinping whether he wanted to buy U.S. weapons
The Ministry of Finance released the winning numbers for the July-August 115 uniform-invoice lottery: 17 invoices won the NT$10 million Special Prize and 11 won the NT$2 million Grand Prize. The luckiest winner spent just 10 yuan at the FamilyMart Tainan Yanshui Wumiao store and took home NT$10 million.
Facts
The NT$10 million Special Prize number this period is 89996565, with 17 winning invoices
The NT$2 million Grand Prize number this period is 91098182, with 11 winning invoices
Original全家便利商店台南鹽水區鹽水武廟店有得主僅花10元購買飲品中千萬
A winner at the 7-ELEVEN Xinhua Fu store in Taipei’s Zhongzheng District spent 27 yuan on photocopying and won NT$10 million
The prize-claim period runs from Oct. 6, 2026, through Jan. 5, 2027
A customer at the 全聯福利中心 Yier store in Keelung spent 548 yuan on instant noodles and fresh groceries and won the NT$10 million Special Prize
The NT$200,000 top-prize numbers are 54348835, 44991397 and 6595111
“Arms sales to Taiwan could move faster!” Yu Da-lei urges action on U.S. TV; Washington official says “Trump will decide in the near term”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s representative to the United States, Yu Da-lei, called on Washington to speed up its review of an arms sale to Taiwan worth about US$14 billion in an interview with Bloomberg. He also stressed that U.S. policy toward Taiwan has not changed. A senior U.S. official speaking anonymously said Trump would make a decision “within a fairly short time,” but gave no timeline.
Facts
U.S. President Donald Trump has yet to approve an arms sale to Taiwan worth about US$14 billion
In December 2025, Trump approved an arms sale to Taiwan worth about US$11 billion, a record amount
Trump will decide on the arms sale “within a fairly short time”
Original國發基金管理會今年8月通過「投資臺灣生醫產業實施方案」，預計以10年為期、匡列100億元支持生醫產業發展。台灣東洋榮獲「2026 Taiwan BIO Awards傑出生技產業金質獎」，總經理侯靜蘭代表公司獲賴清德總統接見表揚，呼籲產官學研醫更緊密合作，讓生技產業成為台灣第二座「護國神山」。
Facts
NT$10 billion earmarked to support the biomedical industry
The plan is set to run for 10 years
A homegrown pharmaceutical company with a 66-year history
After Hou Ching-lan took over as general manager in early 2022
Why has fusion company CFS won Google’s favor? Legendary MIT team reveals “4 key advantages” as it races for commercial operation by 2035
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Founded in 2018 by an MIT team, CFS has raised nearly US$4 billion and aims to build the world’s first 400 MW commercial fusion power plant by 2035. It is working with Siemens, NVIDIA and Google DeepMind to develop AI digital twins.
Facts
CFS was founded in 2018 by a team from MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center
CFS raised nearly US$4 billion in 6 years
The SPARC experimental reactor is expected to start up in 2026–2027, with a target Q>1 and a design Q=10
CFS aims to complete the ARC engineering design before 2030 and build a 400 MW commercial power plant before 2035
CFS uses REBCO high-temperature superconductors, reaching magnetic fields of 20 T; conventional Tokamaks produce fields of about 5 T
In 2021, CFS successfully demonstrated the world’s first 20 T high-temperature superconducting magnet
CFS investors include Google, Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Singapore’s Temasek and Italy’s Eni
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is expected to announce in April 2026 that fusion power will be regulated under 10CFR30
Not labor insurance or labor pension! Workers often forget their “third retirement payment,” worth an extra NT$80,000 a year; applications are open while still employed—eligibility and application details
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In addition to labor insurance old-age benefits and labor pension payments, Taiwanese workers who are rehired after turning 60 and receiving their labor pension can claim a “continued-contribution retirement pension” as a third payment. Employers must contribute 6% of wages as required by law. More than 16,000 applications were filed in the first half of 114, averaging nearly NT$80,000 per application.
Facts
More than 16,000 applications for continued-contribution retirement pensions were filed in the first half of 114
Applicants for continued-contribution retirement pensions had an average of about 2 years of accumulated contributions
The average amount claimed per continued pension contribution is nearly NT$80,000.
Employers must make monthly retirement contributions of at least 6% of wages to the individual accounts of retired workers who remain employed
There is no age limit for continued retirement contributions; employers must keep contributing monthly as long as the person remains employed, even after age 90
Claiming a continued-contribution retirement pension is an individual worker’s right and does not require an application through an employer or business
The 6% pension contribution that employers are legally required to make cannot be paid directly to workers in cash.
How should civil servants and teachers enroll in health insurance after retirement? Don’t rush to join your children’s plan. The National Health Insurance Administration says to “check this first”: enrollment rules differ significantly.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The National Health Insurance Administration explained the health insurance enrollment rules for retired civil servants, teachers and workers. The key factor is whether they continue working after retirement. Those who keep working are enrolled by their new employer as Category 1 insured persons; those who are not working should first enroll as dependents or, if that is not possible, through the district office in their household registration area as Category 6 insured persons.
Facts
The key factor in determining health insurance enrollment after retirement is “whether the person continues working.”
When processing an employee’s departure and termination of coverage, the former insured unit will simultaneously transfer the person’s health insurance out.
Taiwan’s first banknotes had a maximum denomination of just 10 New Taiwan dollars! Why could 40,000 old Taiwan dollars be exchanged for only 1 New Taiwan dollar 77 years ago?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan carried out currency reform in 1949, setting the exchange rate at 40,000 old Taiwan dollars for 1 New Taiwan dollar. Initially, only 1-, 5- and 10-dollar New Taiwan dollar notes were issued, and even 1-cent notes once circulated. The 100-dollar denomination was not officially issued by 臺灣銀行 until 1961, while the old Taiwan dollar was withdrawn from circulation in 1950.
Facts
On June 15, 1949, the Taiwan Provincial Government announced the Taiwan Province Currency Reform Plan and the New Taiwan Dollar Issuance Regulations, setting the exchange rate at 40,000 old Taiwan dollars for 1 New Taiwan dollar.
The first New Taiwan dollar banknotes actually issued in 1949 were in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 dollars.
The official exchange rate between the New Taiwan dollar and the U.S. dollar was 5 New Taiwan dollars to 1 U.S. dollar, with total issuance capped at 200 million New Taiwan dollars.
The authorities also set aside 800,000 taels of gold as a currency reform fund and allocated foreign exchange and funds for import trade.
On June 10, 1961, 臺灣銀行 officially issued the vertical 100-dollar banknote.
A fee schedule published by 台南縣醫師公會 on June 14, 1949, listed the cost of a subcutaneous injection at 100,000 old Taiwan dollars; after currency reform, the fee became 2 New Taiwan dollars and 5 jiao.
The deadline for exchanging old Taiwan dollars was extended to January 14, 1950. After the deadline, the currency was officially withdrawn from circulation, having existed for just over 3 years.
0056 loses out! 4 ETFs set to post annualized yields above 20% in October’s ex-dividend wave. Experts reveal the truth behind the high payouts: “I’m amazed too”.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Financial expert Chen Chung-ming said 105 Taiwan ETFs are going ex-dividend in October, including 4 Taiwan-stock ETFs with estimated annualized distribution yields above 20%. Mega Taiwan Electronic High Dividend Equal Weight (00943) leads with 20.55%. The high payouts mainly come from capital gains, which enjoy tax-exempt treatment.
Facts
The 105 ETFs going ex-dividend are made up of 31 Taiwan-stock funds, 63 bond funds, 10 overseas-stock funds and 1 balanced fund.
Mega Taiwan Electronic High Dividend Equal Weight (00943) will distribute 0.36 dollars per unit, for an estimated annualized yield of 20.55%.
Taishin Taiwan Semiconductor 30 (00904) will distribute 2.20 dollars per unit, for an estimated annualized yield of 20.26%.
Active Mega Taiwan Harvest (00996A) will distribute 0.73 dollars per unit, for an estimated annualized yield of 20.17%.
Capital Taiwan Semiconductor Yield (00927) will distribute 2.00 dollars per unit, for an estimated annualized yield of 20.06%.
The TV and smartphone panel markets are still actually in poor shape.
Original沈萬鈞以聯電（2303）為例說明「資產重置成本」概念
Current market price targets generally range from 22.5 to around 35.2 dollars, with only a few large local investment advisory firms offering the more optimistic target of 44 dollars.
CPBL water party spirals out of control! Rakuten Girls doused with beer and sprayed at their lower bodies; Airong is taken to hospital with an eye injury, while Daiying angrily refuses future shifts.
The Wall Street Journal: Forget six-pack abs—today’s women in fitness want to show off their biceps.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Wall Street Journal reported on a shift in fitness trends: modern women are no longer chasing toned abs, but showing off muscular biceps to project strength. Several people interviewed, including a trainer, firefighter, movie stunt performer and doctor, said arm workouts produce visible results quickly and are difficult to fake.
Facts
80 years ago, Rosie the Riveter flexed her biceps in an advertisement, encouraging women to join the manufacturing workforce during World War II.
At 57, Kelly Cross does about 50 biceps curls a week.
At 35, Devon Dalton served as Matt Damon’s arm double in scenes for The Odyssey.
Compared with the abs or glutes, biceps show fitness results more quickly.
Well-defined biceps are difficult to fake with surgery or medication.
At 37, Monique Collier does 48 hammer curls a week.
Dalton’s favorite biceps exercise is the chin-up, and he can currently do 12 in a row.
Companies mentioned：The New School（紐約新學院大學）、Australian Gold
Should you shut down your computer every day or leave it on? Experts reveal the right approach! Get it wrong and you could make your machine more likely to break down.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Data Doctors says modern computers do not need to be shut down every day; sleep mode is enough. Regular restarts are more important than shutting down daily. Laptops should be fully shut down when traveling, while Tim哥 recommends restarting phones once a week.
Facts
Modern computers do not actually need to be shut down every day.
Sleep mode can significantly reduce power consumption.
Disk-encryption devices in sleep mode may face a higher risk of sophisticated physical attacks.
“Restart” and “Shut down” are not exactly the same in Windows.
You should not put a sleeping laptop in a closed bag.
Tim哥 recommends restarting your phone once a week or shutting it down once every 3 days.
Did Tsai Kang-yung wipe his Weibo account with 36 million followers? He appears at Shen Po-yang rally and faces calls for a boycott; Chinese automaker cuts ties late at night and deletes all ads.