12 Taiwanese delicacies featured in Taiwan Travelogue: How many can still be eaten today? A look at rice-sieve noodles, jute-leaf soup and “兜麵”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines 12 Taiwanese delicacies from the Japanese colonial period described in the novel Taiwan Travelogue, exploring how they have changed over time and their status today. It finds that most have become part of everyday life or retained their local character, while only a few, such as 兜麵, rely on family memories.
Facts
Set during the Japanese colonial period, the novel Taiwan Travelogue follows Japanese writer Aoyama Chizuko and Taiwanese interpreter Wang Qianhe on a journey along the main railway line, using 12 dishes to portray food culture at the time.
“兜麵” is a holiday dish from Taipei families of Quanzhou descent. Ingredients such as shiitake mushrooms, squid and dried shrimp are mixed with a sweet potato starch slurry into a dough-like mass. It is now extremely hard to find outside family kitchens and is mostly passed down through generations.
Jute-leaf soup is made with young jute leaves. Jute was widely cultivated during the Japanese colonial period to meet industrial demand, but the industry declined after plastic products replaced burlap sacks. The tradition of eating the leaves has endured in the Taichung area.
Taichung’s Xingfating honey bean ice shop opened in Republic of China year 27 (1938), the same year in which the novel’s story takes place. The shop’s information can still be found on the Taichung City Tourism and Travel Bureau website.
Caiwei soup originated in Taiwan’s traditional banquet culture. After a banquet, leftover ingredients set aside for the purpose were cooked into a mixed-ingredient soup and shared with friends and neighbors. As banquet traditions have changed, it has become harder to find a version that preserves the full tradition.
Chiang Min-chin’s view: Big money may not win hearts and minds—the paradox of the midterm elections
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines the relationship between money and election prospects in the midterm elections, noting that although Republicans have a vast fundraising network, voters care more about the cost of living and government performance. It stresses that advertising spending is constrained by market rules and differences among audiences, and that a failure to mobilize supporters can keep high spending from translating into victory.
Facts
Under U.S. political advertising rules, eligible candidates can receive the lowest unit rates when buying certain broadcast advertising time during the sixty days before a general election. Independent spending groups such as super PACs, however, are not automatically entitled to the same rates.
Texas is vast and includes different media markets and political cultures, from Dallas and Houston to border areas. One ad cannot persuade all voters.
Tariffs are initially paid by the party liable for them at the point of import, but the economic burden may be redistributed among importers, manufacturers, retailers, foreign suppliers and consumers through changes in prices, profits, supply chains and exchange rates.
The area around Grand Rapids in western Michigan has long had deep Republican roots, but shifts in demographics, suburban politics and local factions mean the region is no longer an unchanging red stronghold.
Under Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment, House seats are apportioned based on each state’s population. The calculation uses the state’s total population, not just the number of citizens.
Li Qize’s view: The real weight of Europe’s tougher stance toward China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
On October 7, 2026, the European Parliament passed recommendations on China that strengthened its hard-line stance, addressing the trade deficit and allegations of support for Russia. France and Germany plan to push new trade tools to counter market distortions, while EU officials soon headed to Beijing for talks, reflecting Europe’s efforts to balance security and economic interests.
Facts
On 二○二六年十月七日, the European Parliament passed recommendations on EU-China political relations, criticizing China for supporting Russia’s war and for industrial policies that have distorted competition.
The EU’s trade deficit in goods with China has exceeded 十億 euros per day on average.
Macron and Merz jointly wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 十月五日, proposing a new tool to restrict foreign businesses’ access to the EU market.
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to visit Beijing from 十月八日至九日 to meet Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.
A European Parliament research brief linked China’s provision of dual-use goods to Russia with the country’s ability to sustain its war effort, calling China a “decisive enabler” of Russia.
Lin Chien-fu column: The cost of ignoring constraints—from economics to Taiwan’s survival strategy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lin Chien-fu’s column analyzes the international political and trade constraints facing Taiwan, arguing that the United States has shifted toward nonintervention and recommending that Taiwan acknowledge the 九二 Consensus to break out of its predicament.
Facts
As of 2026, Taiwan has only 12 diplomatic allies left.
Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations and cannot join major regional trade agreements such as the CPTPP and RCEP.
A report by the U.S. think tank Defense Priorities argues that the United States should shift from strategic ambiguity to an explicit policy of nonintervention.
The United States’ 2025 National Security Strategy and 2026 National Defense Strategy report reflect a realist approach.
The author, Lin Chien-fu, is a board member of the Chinese Association of Money and Banking and an emeritus professor in National Taiwan University’s Department of Economics.
The little green pedestrian signal starts flashing as you cross the street. Can you keep going? The Ministry of Transportation explains what it really means: It is not telling you to hurry up and run.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of the Interior revised traffic regulations, changing the instruction for pedestrians when the green light flashes from “do not enter” to “avoid entering” and removing the words “proceed quickly.” The changes aim to eliminate public misunderstandings and ensure pedestrians can cross safely.
Facts
On March 11, 2026, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of the Interior jointly amended Article 207 of the Regulations on Road Traffic Signs, Markings and Signals.
The amendment changed the rule for pedestrians who have not yet entered the roadway from “do not enter” to “avoid entering.”
The amendment removed the wording that pedestrians should “proceed quickly” while the green light remains on.
Premier Cho Jung-tai called for the removal of the acceleration animation on the flashing little green pedestrian signal.
Current regulations do not set a uniform standard for how many seconds must remain on a pedestrian signal countdown for someone to still begin crossing.
Li Wo-teng column: Was Chien Yi-chun really wrong? A closer look at Shen Po-yang’s answers about drugs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines Shen Po-yang’s performance when he was questioned by Chien Yi-chun on TVBS’s The Situation Room. The author says Shen had several problems in responding to an old 2014 article on drug policy, including omitting key wording, misunderstanding how the proposals related to one another and conflating harm reduction with other concepts. The article supports Chien’s criticism that he was “evading the key issues and being insincere.”
Facts
During an interview on TVBS’s The Situation Room, Shen Po-yang read from his 2014 article but omitted the opening six characters of Plan B: “將毒品除罪化” (“decriminalize drugs”).
Chien Yi-chun interrupted Shen Po-yang on the program, questioning the difference between his stance as an academic at the time and as a politician now. She later posted that he was evading the key issues, being insincere and making specious arguments.
Shen Po-yang presented Plan B in the original text (decriminalization/harm reduction) and Plan C (prevention/education) as a choice between a secondary position and a primary one, sidestepping the point of contention.
According to Shen Po-yang’s 2014 Facebook reply and the article linked in it, the phrase “providing drugs to drug users” actually referred to supervised injection sites in Vancouver, Canada, or heroin-assisted treatment in Switzerland.
On the program, Shen Po-yang cited Chiang Wan-an’s remarks on drug treatment to try to show that their positions were similar, but was accused of misreading them.
Li Hua-chiu’s view: Can the currents wash away Beijing’s fantasy of extending its long-arm jurisdiction over Taiwan independence?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Li Hua-chiu analyzes the current effect at Shen Po-yang’s campaign headquarters opening and the response from Chinese Communist Party military media. He argues that long-arm jurisdiction will be hard-pressed to contain the growing support for Taiwan independence within Taiwan, and urges Beijing to shift toward pragmatic communication.
Facts
Shen Po-yang opened his campaign headquarters on October 4, claiming that 12萬 people streamed into the venue. Well-known director Kevin Tsai was also there.
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s official media account Jun Zhengping posted a criticism of Taiwan independence, bluntly calling its supporters “the dregs of the nation.”
The “2026 Cross-Strait Survey” released by the United Daily News on September 21 found that 32% of people in Taiwan support or lean toward independence.
The author argues that Beijing wants to exercise long-arm jurisdiction over the idea and actions of Taiwan independence, but that sentiment for independence in Taiwan appears to be growing.
The author recommends that Beijing set aside its insistence on unification or independence and find an opening for peaceful engagement that neither the pan-green nor pan-blue camp would reject.
Zhang Jun-kai column: Who is Chiang Wan-an’s “toxic ally”?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Kevin Tsai’s attendance at Shen Po-yang’s campaign headquarters prompted calls for a boycott from Chinese internet users, while Chiang Wan-an was criticized as wishy-washy after urging respect for Taiwan’s democracy. Veteran media figure Zhang Jun-kai argues that the KMT and DPP are essentially alike on cross-strait issues, with both centering their positions on opposition to China, and that the outcome of the Taipei mayoral race could be disastrous.
Facts
Kevin Tsai appeared at the opening rally for Shen Po-yang’s campaign headquarters, drawing fierce criticism from internet users in mainland China.
Chiang Wan-an urged mainland China to respect Taiwan’s democracy and freedom and not to discriminate based on political leanings.
Shen Po-yang has been listed by mainland authorities as a “diehard Taiwan independence supporter” and placed on a “Taiwan independence blacklist.”
The pan-green camp hopes the backlash against Kevin Tsai will become a “Chou Tzuyu incident” 2.0 and help Shen Po-yang.
The article’s author argues that the KMT and DPP are both fundamentally opposed to China on cross-strait issues.
Liu Xueyi and Zhu Yilong aren’t even No. 1! TOP10 most compelling “unhinged villain heartthrobs” in mainland Chinese dramas: The No. 1 villain is so wicked, yet hard to hate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article compiles drama fans’ discussions on platforms such as Weibo and Douban to rank the TOP10 unhinged villain heartthrobs in mainland Chinese dramas. It examines the villains’ wickedness and online popularity, from Xue Yang in The Untamed to Lou Qiyan in Yun Xiu Xing.
Facts
This roundup of the TOP10 unhinged villain heartthrobs in mainland Chinese dramas ranks Wang Haoxuan as Xue Yang from The Untamed at No. 1.
Ranked No. 2 is Bai Choufei, played by Liu Yuning in Heroes.
Ranked No. 3 is Ye Zun, played by Zhu Yilong in Guardian.
Ranked No. 4 is Liu Xueyi, who plays both the Heavenly Emperor and the Demon Emperor Zhan Huang in The Destiny of White Snake.
Ranked No. 5 is Xie Wang, the leader of the Scorpions, played by Li Daikun in Word of Honor.
Ranked No. 6 is Lou Qiyan, played by Deng Wei in Yunxiu Xing.
Ranked No. 7 is Xiao Changqing, Prince Xin, played by Xu Zhengxi in the 2026 series Bai Hua Sha.
Ranked No. 8 is A Fu Jun, the second prince of the Jishui clan, played by Wang Yilun in Song of the Moon.
Opinion: Shen Boyang’s hypocrisy in the name of “freedom” and the “Constitution”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An opinion piece criticized Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei mayoral candidate, for backing the mass recall campaign on the grounds that the Constitution grants the power to do so, calling it an abuse of political power and hypocrisy.
Facts
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei mayoral candidate, said he supported the mass recall campaign because there had been many disturbances in the legislature at the time, and recall is a power granted by the Constitution.
The author argues that Shen Boyang both invokes the Constitution in his defense and disclaims being an organizer, showing that he is unwilling to take political responsibility and lacks a sense of accountability.
The author says the issue is not what crimes opposition lawmakers may have committed, but that Lai Ching-te has labeled them “an opposition dictatorship.”
The article’s author is a retired elementary school teacher.
Opinion: Removing Chinese elements from National Day and forgetting our ancestors—where is Taiwan headed?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A social media article criticized Lai Ching-te’s administration for reversing democratic progress, weakening judicial independence and being unable to address the declining birthrate. It said fraud and drug-impaired driving cases had surged, questioned whether Lai had violated the spirit of the Constitution, and argued that the core of his policies was “anti-China to secure votes” rather than truly protecting Taiwan.
Facts
According to a report by a Swedish international think tank, Taiwan’s judicial independence rating fell from “high-performing” to “medium-performing.”
Taiwan recorded 197,000 fraud cases in 2025, a record high.
A total of 6,730 cases involving drug-impaired driving were referred to prosecutors across Taiwan from January to May 2026.
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party’s Taipei mayoral candidate, was previously revealed to have advocated distributing drugs to drug users at community centers.
On the Highway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ National Day fireworks traffic-control map, the icon representing Zhihang Air Force Base was a Chinese PLA J-10 fighter jet.
Education Point: What comes after free lunches? Making school meals part of a comprehensive child welfare and education system
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The article analyzes five challenges facing Taiwan’s free school lunch policy, including food waste, the undervaluation of teachers’ supervision work, inconsistent compensation standards, uncompensated operating costs and gaps in administrative implementation. It stresses the need for a comprehensive system to ensure children’s welfare.
Facts
In the early days, school meals were primarily relief for children in poverty. Over time, they became part of child welfare, nutrition and health, and educational equity.
Universal free meals have changed eligibility from support for specific groups to a system covering all students.
Japan’s “food education” initiative incorporates learning about ingredients, balanced diets and eating together into everyday school life.
Some counties and cities announced plans to follow suit and provide free school lunches around the run-up to the 2026 local elections, creating a trend toward nationwide coverage.
During lunch, teachers help students collect meals, maintain order, deal with picky eating and food waste, and handle unexpected situations; the value of this work is often underestimated.
In some counties and cities that introduced free lunches long ago, teachers have supervised students during meals for years without receiving additional compensation.
Government payments for students’ meals cover only the most visible expense, failing to account for the operating costs incurred once the policy is implemented in schools.
Weng Zhonghe’s view: AI is starting to make decisions for you—who should be held responsible when something goes wrong?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Weng Zhonghe, chairman of the 數位金融交易暨資料保護協會, wrote about the governance challenges of the age of AI agents. He said AI is shifting toward autonomously carrying out tasks, creating new risks and accountability requirements, and also discussed the passage and implementation of Taiwan’s Artificial Intelligence Basic Act.
Facts
AI is shifting from a passive role answering questions to becoming an AI agent capable of carrying out tasks autonomously.
AI agents can independently break down tasks based on goals, find information, use tools and collaborate with other AI systems.
If an AI agent has system privileges and makes a faulty judgment, it can cause real losses through actions already taken.
Effective AI governance requires identity and access management, traceable records and mechanisms for human intervention.
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act in its third reading in December 2025.
The Artificial Intelligence Basic Act lists human autonomy, transparency and explainability, and accountability as fundamental principles.
The author is Weng Zhonghe, chairman of the 數位金融交易暨資料保護協會.
Zhuang Bozhong’s view: Chicken cutlets are nearly 100, but campaign giveaways are still priced at 30?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Zhuang Bozhong, a journalism professor at Chinese Culture University, wrote that the 30-yuan threshold for election gifts is outdated, making it difficult for candidates to know what is legal, and questioned whether prosecutors were applying the rules inconsistently.
Facts
The 30-yuan threshold for election gifts stems from a 2001 prosecutors’ conference and an interpretation issued by the Ministry of Justice; it is not a statutory price cap.
Changhua County Council Speaker Hsieh Tien-lin of the Kuomintang was detained over allegations involving public funds in a banquet case.
The Ministry of Justice discussed the difference between retail and wholesale prices for handbags in 2003.
Wu Tong-hsiung’s view: Redefining Taiwan-U.S.-mainland relations and wealth justice—who are the three giants?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The second Trump-Xi meeting set the tone for a short-term truce, with both sides focusing on economic and trade competition, AI development and the Taiwan issue. It proposed a model for cooperation based on wealth justice and highlighted the influence of the three giants on Trump’s policies.
Facts
The second Trump-Xi meeting has set the short-term outlook as a “truce,” with both sides announcing clear goals: jointly addressing economic and trade competition, AI development and the Taiwan issue.
Elon Musk, OpenAI’s Sam Altman and 輝達’s Jensen Huang are described as the three giants who could influence Trump’s views on Taiwan and the direction of his actions.
Trump’s strategy is to promote U.S.-mainland Chinese joint ventures and cooperate through 50-50 partnerships.
Shares cannot be sold before retirement, but shareholders retain voting rights and can participate in selecting the management team.
Opinion: The next step for Blue-White cooperation—from the 2026 agreement to joint governance in 2028
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines how Blue-White cooperation moved from failure in 2024 toward institutionalization in 2026, noting that the breakdown in Hsinchu County exposed the lack of an institutional arbitration mechanism. It argues that the priority in 2028 should be to establish a framework for power-sharing and policy cooperation, and says Huang Kuo-chang needs to consolidate the Taiwan People’s Party’s autonomy while seeking common ground in society that transcends the two parties to deepen the alliance.
Facts
The Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party formally approved a local election cooperation agreement in March this year, with some counties and cities opting for integration through public opinion polls.
Huang Kuo-chang said the 2026 cooperation agreement should first be fulfilled, and that the parties should then look ahead to 2028 on that basis.
The Taiwan People’s Party announced that elections at all levels in Hsinchu County would no longer be bound by the Blue-White cooperation agreement, saying the episode had damaged the mutual trust the two parties had built over the past two years.
Ko Wen-je once cited Japan’s coalition government as an example, proposing that cooperating parties spell out in a party agreement both the issues they jointly support and those that remain disputed.
Kuomintang Chair Cheng Li-wun said clearly that the 2028 candidate should not be decided in advance, and that the party should nominate whoever is strongest under the circumstances at the time and can win public support.
Why is there a “dab of colored sealant” on the screws of a new scooter? It’s not sloppy factory work! A repair shop reveals its important purpose—and why you should check when buying a new vehicle
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Scooter shop owners and industrial marking experts say colored marks on the screws of new scooters can help detect whether parts have been removed or loosened. When taking delivery, consumers should check that the marks are intact, as well as inspect tire wear and the vehicle’s exterior, to ensure it is in new condition.
Facts
Wang, a scooter shop owner, says the colored sealant or paint marks on the screws of a new scooter can be used as a reference for checking whether the vehicle has been dismantled.
Industrial marking products manufacturer Markal says torque marking is a common visual inspection method: technicians apply a continuous mark after tightening a screw to the specified torque.
If a screw turns, the originally continuous mark may break or become misaligned, making it easier for inspectors to spot a change in the relative positions of the parts.
German industrial marking materials manufacturer Lackfabrik Bäder says a damaged mark can only be a clue warranting further inspection; a new vehicle should not be assumed to have been improperly dismantled simply because some color has come off.
New vehicles typically do not travel long distances after leaving the factory, and are mostly just pushed or moved short distances, so their tires should not show obvious wear from prolonged use.
TVBS新聞網 reported on Jan. 22, 2026, on the purpose of markings on motorcycle screws and things to watch for when buying a new motorcycle.
Opinion: Everything is recorded when violations occur, but is recording selective in enforcement? Improving enforcement quality starts with sound footage management.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Regarding the controversy over discriminatory conduct by officers from the Wanhua Precinct, the author says body-camera management has systemic blind spots and calls for automated uploads and strict audits, so body cameras become a tool for self-discipline before incidents rather than merely a means of assigning blame afterward.
Facts
The Taipei City Police Department’s Wanhua Precinct recently raided a gay bar, sparking controversy over discriminatory enforcement after officers made inappropriate remarks about specific groups and people with disabilities.
Police later reviewed body-camera footage and confirmed that four officers had made inappropriate remarks. The team leader and precinct chief were also disciplined.
Kent Police in the United Kingdom requires officers to turn on their body cameras when conducting stops, making arrests, or using force, and to record a reason if they do not use them.
The New York City Police Department has officers place body cameras in docking stations at the end of their shifts, automatically uploading footage to a cloud storage system.
New South Wales Police in Australia explicitly includes wearing body cameras as a general duty principle and recording a reason when they are not used in its operating procedures.
Taiwan’s Standards for Police Duty Equipment and Machinery have long stipulated that each officer be issued one miniature camera.
Opinion: Moving the funding front forward—from life insurers’ assets and risk strategies to a new landscape for health and well-being investment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Financial Supervisory Commission issued an interpretive order easing restrictions on insurers’ investments in health and well-being businesses. In this opinion piece, the author calls for viewing the policy through the lens of life insurers’ risk management and actuarial strategies, and establishing an assessment framework that considers financial, actuarial and impact factors in parallel.
Facts
The Financial Supervisory Commission recently issued a new interpretive order easing restrictions on insurers’ investments in health and well-being businesses, removing the requirement that services be limited to policyholders and allowing a higher proportion of equity investment.
Under the Financial Supervisory Commission’s interpretive order, health and well-being businesses fall into five major categories: health management and promotion services; health and medical technology and digital applications; long-term care and age-friendly services; healthy food and nutritional support; and integrated health and well-being services.
Insurers may also acquire higher ownership stakes in some non-publicly listed health and well-being businesses, but must still meet relevant investment and regulatory requirements.
If services such as health promotion, disease prevention, long-term care, assistive devices and daily living support can reduce some health risks, life insurers may have an opportunity to move from passively bearing risk to participating in risk management.
Life insurers’ long-term capital, long-term risk data and long-term customer relationships are advantages few other industries possess, and could be extended in the future to health, housing and care services.
The author recommends establishing an assessment framework that considers financial, actuarial and impact factors in parallel, tracking indicators such as healthy life expectancy, delayed disability, care burdens and access to services.
The author recommends strengthening the corporate governance and accountability mechanisms of investment targets, requiring investees to have transparent governance, professional management, service quality and risk reporting mechanisms.
Opinion: Don’t let AI governance become an empty slogan—clarifying corporate accountability with the “Three Lines Model of Internal Control”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article explores how companies can use the “Three Lines Model of Internal Control” to build an AI governance framework, clarify the responsibilities and roles of different units in AI risk management, and strengthen accountability and independent assurance.
Facts
The first line of AI governance comprises business, IT and other operational units that actually use AI. They are primarily responsible for day-to-day AI risk management.
With the spread of generative AI, unauthorized use of external AI services or inputting confidential data into external models has become a common corporate risk gap that is easy to overlook.
The IIA issued a position statement in July 2026, emphasizing how accountability, independence, coordination, assurance and advice together support effective governance.
The key to interpreting death lies in interpreting time: Excerpt from “Lectures on Eastern and Western Culture” (1)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In his lecture, Li Jie looks back on how his views on life and death changed, from a fear of death shaped by materialism to reconsidering the relationship between time and the continuation of life through his Tantric experiences and knowledge of Buddhist and physics concepts.
Facts
As a child, Li Jie was influenced by materialism after reading “One Hundred Thousand Whys.” He believed that nothing existed after death, which made him intensely afraid of dying.
At a small Tantric Buddhist center at Jing’an Temple in Shanghai, Li Jie met a taxi driver with paranormal abilities who accurately named the two books Li Jie was writing at the same time.
The two books Li Jie mentioned were “Cultural Landscapes of the West in the 20th Century” and “On Dream of the Red Chamber.” The ideas for both books arose while he was in prison.
Li Jie cites a dialogue in the “Surangama Sutra” between the Buddha and an heretical bodhisattva about the Ganges, saying that although the body’s organs age, the ability to see remains unchanged, thereby demonstrating the continuity of life.
Li Jie believes that human thought about death has long been confined to a two-dimensional plane, a mode of thinking unable to describe life-and-death phenomena occurring on a sphere or in curved space.
Friends of the Junior Chamber of Commerce launched; Chiang Chi-chen unveils youth policy blueprint, stressing that when young people have a stage, Taichung has a future
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Kuomintang Taichung mayoral candidate Chiang Chi-chen attended the founding meeting of the Friends of the Junior Chamber of Commerce on the 11th, proposing a youth policy blueprint covering housing, employment and entrepreneurship. He advocated building a Taiwan robot manufacturing city and an AI empowerment academy, and aims to usher in a golden decade for Taichung through internationalization, smart development and sustainability.
Facts
Kuomintang Taichung mayoral candidate Chiang Chi-chen attended the founding meeting of the “Friends of Taichung Mayoral Candidate Chiang Chi-chen” on the 11th.
Chiang Chi-chen said youth policy should center on “finding a place to live and thrive, building a family and career, and realizing one’s potential.”
Chiang Chi-chen advocated building a “Taiwan Robot Manufacturing City (TRMC)” and planning to establish an “AI Empowerment Academy.”
Chiang Chi-chen advocated transforming the former Taichung County Council building into a flagship startup incubator.
Chiang Chi-chen emphasized that future city development would be driven by transformation along three axes: “internationalization, smart development and sustainability.”
Chiang Chi-chen urged supporters to turn out in large numbers to vote on Nov. 28.
Zuoying Wannian Festival draws 500,000 people! Fire lion sent skyward in a blessing ritual as 5 days of festivities conclude successfully
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 Zuoying Wannian Festival in Kaohsiung concluded on the evening of the 11th, with more than 500,000 visits recorded over the 5-day event. The finale, featuring the “Fire Lion Parade Carnival” and “Fire Lion Burning” ceremony, took place at Zhouzai Qingshui Temple. The ritual symbolized sending people’s prayers to heaven and seeking peace for all of Taiwan.
Facts
The 2026 Zuoying Wannian Festival ran for 5 days and drew more than 500,000 visits.
The Fire Lion Burning ceremony was held at Zhouzai Qingshui Temple at 8:17 p.m.
The parade carnival opened at Lianchihtan Image Square at 5:50 p.m.
The event invited firefighters to take part in the sedan-chair procession for the Fire Virtue Star Lord.
The parade passed Ciji Temple, Qiming Hall, Yuandi Temple, Tianfu Temple, the Confucius Temple and Xianshu Sanshan Temple.
80% of Samsung’s memory capacity for next year snapped up! 輝達, Google and 微軟 sign long-term contracts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
80% of 三星電子’s memory capacity for next year has been snapped up, with 輝達, Google and 微軟 signing long-term contracts. Investment in AI infrastructure is heating up, and the long-term contract trend is spreading to power and cooling equipment. Suppliers’ bargaining power is increasing, but so is the risk of a market reversal.
Facts
輝達, Google and 微軟 have signed chip supply agreements with 三星電子 lasting more than 5 years.
三星電機 is set to sign a long-term supply agreement for MLCCs worth 7,000億 Korean won with 台達電.
Advance payments under long-term supply agreements typically account for 20% to 25%.
美光科技’s strategic customer agreements increased from 16 in the second quarter to 26 in the third quarter.
LG電子 signed a 5 trillion Korean won chiller supply contract with U.S. AI data center infrastructure company Air.
Could AI computing rental rates collapse? 高盛 warns that expanding supply could undermine investment returns, with spot and contract prices more than 2 times apart
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
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Facts
高盛 analysis shows that annualized revenue per gigawatt of AI compute is about US$40 billion to US$50 billion for short-term spot rentals，compared with about US$20 billion to US$30 billion for long-term contracts.
The break-even threshold for hyperscalers building their own compute capacity is about US$12 billion per gigawatt annually.
OriginalSpaceX過去一季宣布兩筆新的算力託管合約，每吉瓦300至500億美元高端價格
Short-term spot prices are about 2 times those of long-term contracts.
高盛 estimates that the all-in capital expenditure to build one gigawatt of compute capacity for a cloud provider specializing in high-performance computing is about US$42 billion.
Six major cloud providers must generate a cumulative approximately US$1.42 trillion in AI revenue between 2028 and 2030 to achieve a 15% ROIC on their investments，equivalent to about US$11.6 billion per gigawatt annually.
摩根大通 estimates that leading model providers can achieve gross margins of 60% to 80% on inference businesses，with one gigawatt of compute capacity generating US$20 billion to US$40 billion in annualized token revenue.
OpenAI's annualized revenue as of the end of September was about US$50 billion，below the roughly US$70 billion in monthly recurring revenue previously cited in market reports.
Ukraine's deep counteroffensive: Russian forces suffered more than 50,000 casualties last month，10 times Ukraine's toll
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
NATO officials disclosed that Russian forces suffered more than 50,000 casualties last month，a record high. Ukraine seized the opportunity to counterattack and retake territory，while Germany's intelligence agency judged that Russia's military was mired in internal attrition and that the war would be difficult to end through political means in the short term.
Facts
A senior NATO official said Russia suffered more than 50,000 casualties last month，including 28,000 killed.
Ukraine suffered about 5,000 casualties over the same period，with Russian military losses far exceeding Ukraine's.
Ukraine used deep-strike attacks to destroy Russian refineries and data centers，and retook more than 125 square kilometers of territory.
Jaeger，head of Germany's Federal Intelligence Service，said Putin could not end the war without paying a political price.
Iran criticizes US response on conditions for reopening Hormuz as inadequate！7 conditions remain “unresolved”；rejects negotiations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Rezaei，secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council，criticized the US response to Iran's 7 conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz as inadequate，saying Tehran would reject negotiations until the conditions were clarified. Qatar and other mediators continued coordinating efforts to end the conflict and restore maritime traffic.
Facts
Rezaei，secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council，said the US response to the proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was inadequate.
Iran said the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within 7 days at the earliest if its conditions were met.
Iran made clear that it would not open the strait or begin negotiations until its conditions were met.
Qatar and other mediators continued relaying messages between Washington and Tehran.
Trump said he had rejected Iran's proposal.
The White House had not immediately responded to Reuters' request for comment as of press time.
Will AI server stocks escape today's decline？US launches 337 investigation，drawing in suppliers including Luxshare，Foxconn and 廣達
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The US ITC has launched a 337 investigation into VPD technology，drawing in AI supply-chain companies including Luxshare，Foxconn and 廣達；a potential exclusion order could affect US stocks.
Facts
Original美國國際貿易委員會(USITC)對特定垂直電力傳輸系統(VPD)立案337調查。
Original被告包含立訊精密、工業富聯、鴻海、台達、廣達等廠商。
Complainant Vicor，a Nasdaq-listed power-module maker，filed its complaint on Sept. 9.
VPD technology places converters beneath GPU packages to deliver power vertically.
In the previous case，337-TA-1370，a final ruling in February 2025 found that some 台達 modules infringed patents and issued a limited exclusion order.
台積電 posted record quarterly revenue in Q3，surpassing its guidance；長榮 said on its earnings call that peak-season demand would continue through next Lunar New Year. 大立光 and 聯發科 also reported strong or in-line Q3 results，reflecting robust momentum in the semiconductor and shipping industries.
Facts
台積電's September revenue was NT$511.857 billion，up 54.6% year over year and the second-highest on record.
台積電's third-quarter revenue was NT$1.494244 trillion，a record for a single quarter and above the high end of its guidance.
長榮's consolidated revenue in September reached NT$49.711 billion，up 65.04% year over year and the highest since September 2024.
大立光's third-quarter net profit after tax was NT$5.182 billion，up 11% quarter over quarter and down 26.8% year over year.
聯發科's third-quarter revenue was NT$168.057 billion，exceeding the top end of its guidance by NT$8.257 billion.
Foreign investors withdrew NT$75.8 billion ahead of the long holiday.
September exports rose for a record 35th consecutive month，while imports and the trade surplus also hit record highs.
Is Ukraine about to change presidents？Zelensky: Putin must agree to a 60-day ceasefire for an election！Trump announces Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed holding an election in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire，responding to Trump's remarks calling for a change in leadership. Trump later announced that the two sides had reached an energy ceasefire agreement，halting attacks on each other's energy facilities.
Facts
Zelensky said Ukraine would hold an election if Putin agreed to a 60-day ceasefire.
Trump announced that an energy ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict would take effect immediately.
Russia will supply an additional more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the US and global markets.
Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to stop attacking Russian refineries if Russia halted attacks on energy infrastructure.
The US exports about 1.5 million barrels of diesel per day.
Investment narrative quietly shifts！高盛: AI trade moves from chips to hardware；the next breakout is “it”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
高盛 analysts Ben Schneider and Pete Callahan examined the evolution of the AI trade，saying the narrative is shifting from chips to hardware and the application layer. Investors are watching for slower capital expenditure growth after 2027，with funds moving toward the inference economy and personal agents；they expect stocks to rise before year-end，supported by earnings.
Facts
高盛 TMT analyst Pete Callahan said the market has reached a consensus on AI capital expenditure in 2027，providing about 12 to 15 months of visibility.
Investors' attention is moving up the stack to the application layer，with the inference economy and companies offering tools to help businesses and consumers deploy AI drawing interest.
Inside China: 優衣庫 has fewer stores in China，but earns more
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
優衣庫 parent company 迅銷集團 said revenue in Greater China for fiscal 2026 reached 724 billion yen. Despite closing 50 stores，its “individual store management” strategy lifted operating profit to 117.1 billion yen，demonstrating improved store-level performance.
Facts
In fiscal 2026，ended Aug. 31，2026，優衣庫's revenue in Greater China rose 11.3% to 724 billion yen.
優衣庫's operating profit in Greater China for fiscal 2026 grew 26.4% to 117.1 billion yen.
優衣庫's total number of stores in Greater China fell by a net 50 to 958 in fiscal 2026.
優衣庫's core strategy for improving store-level performance is “individual store management.”
Starting in the spring-summer season of 2025，the China market incorporated feedback from store managers and customers into sales plans to optimize inventory.
Companies mentioned：Jolt Capital、ジョルト・キャピタル、ジョルト・キャピタル・ジャパン株式会社、Jolt Capital Japan、インフィニオン・テクノロジーズ・ジャパン、テンプレス、Tempress、住友精密工業、SPPテクノロジーズ、SPTマイクロテクノロジーズUSA、マクニカ・ホールディングス、AMD
【NVIDIA Jetson Thor】【Physical AI】Bringing robots’ “brains” to the field: Fanless AI computer 「EAC-7000」 powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
アスメック株式会社 has begun handling Vecow社’s industrial edge AI computer, 「EAC-7000」. Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor, the product features a fanless design suited to demanding field environments.
Notice: Nature play for parents and children, “huggy time—Let’s enjoy a walk”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
特定非営利活動法人ほっぺ will hold “huggy time—Let’s enjoy a walk,” a nature play event for parents and young children, on October 26, 2026, at コープこうべ協同学苑 in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture.
Photo studio aim東京原宿店 is holding an October-only Monthly Campaign. Benefits include up to 20% OFF eligible plans, half off the costume upgrade option, and a free welcome board.
October bookings now open✨｜【aimme】The latest furisode styles that steal the spotlight! Additional outfits from the hugely popular “椿 series” and reservations for wearing them on ceremony day now available
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Gen Z-focused photo studio aimme has purchased additional outfits from its hugely popular “椿 series” and will begin accepting reservations in October for wearing them on the day of Coming of Age and graduation ceremonies.
A show-stopping heroine look with expert styling! Early reservations open at aimme札幌店 for Coming of Age Ceremony Day preparations and furisode rentals for 2029
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
有限会社三景スタジオ has begun accepting early reservations at aimme札幌店 for hairstyling, makeup, dressing, and furisode rentals for the 2029 Coming of Age Ceremony.
Putting experience in welfare and parenting support into books for society. えんとかくBOOKS, the publishing division of NPO えんとかく, expands its publication areas
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
えんとかくBOOKS, the publishing division of NPO えんとかく, is expanding its range of books sharing experience in welfare and parenting support, and will begin selling 4 new titles on its official website on October 7, 2026.
Turn your experience into your next career as a PM or PMO. 1 million yen signing bonus campaign extended through November 30 日本プロジェクトソリューションズ株式会社
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
日本プロジェクトソリューションズ株式会社 announced that it will extend the eligibility period for its 1 million yen signing bonus campaign through November 30, 2026, to support career transitions to PM and PMO roles. The company conducts online informal interviews without requiring a resume and works to recruit and develop people from diverse backgrounds.
Facts
Total: 1,000,000 yen
By November 30, 2026
Item on creating a welcoming atmosphere for new employees: 96%
Item on showing appreciation for good work and special efforts: 94%
Aim to obtain PMP® certification within 3 years
Paid in 2 installments of 500,000 yen each
Annual salary offered: 3.5 million yen or more
Companies mentioned：日本プロジェクトソリューションズ株式会社、プロシアグループ、Great Place To Work® Institute Japan、PMI
Good Morning, World》US launches Section 337 investigation, with 鴻海, 台達電 and others included; 經濟部: assistance will be provided if necessary
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The US launches a Section 337 investigation naming 20 companies, including 鴻海 and 台達電; former President 蔡英文 visits San Francisco and Silicon Valley for exchanges; Canadian lawmakers visit Taiwan to promote practical exchanges; new stations on the Tainan underground railway open; remarks on Taiwan by Japan’s Komeito secretary-general spark controversy; Trump pressures Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries; 中央氣象署 issues a weather forecast for the coming week; table tennis player 林昀儒 finishes runner-up; the Uni-Lions tie their record.
Facts
Section 337 investigation
20 companies
To be completed within 12 to 16 months
More than 60 lawmakers from across party lines
After nearly 10 years of negotiations and resettlement
8 consecutive months of conflict in the Middle East
Taiwanese community in São Paulo celebrates Double Ten National Day, with a thousand people turning out to show unity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taiwanese community in São Paulo, Brazil, held a Republic of China 115 Double Ten National Day celebration on the 10th local time, attended by nearly a thousand people. 朱怡靜, director of the 駐聖保羅台北經濟文化辦事處, attended and delivered remarks, highlighting Taiwan’s democratic values, semiconductor industry advantages and potential for Taiwan-Brazil trade and economic cooperation. She also announced that the 台灣－巴西商會 was officially established in September.
Facts
Republic of China year 115
30th anniversary of Taiwan’s direct presidential elections
The EU plans to limit imports of Chinese hybrid vehicles to 350,000 a year, with the related safeguard measures taking effect as early as Dec. 1. The move aims to address the trade deficit and protect local industries. The agreement covers all sources of imports and is accompanied by temporary measures, including China’s cancellation of some tariffs.
Saudi Press Agency: Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers discuss regional tensions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and Iran spoke by phone to discuss regional tensions, marking the first publicly disclosed contact between senior officials of the 2 countries since Yemen’s Houthi movement attacked Saudi Arabia. Iran said it was willing to help facilitate talks between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The Houthi movement, a radical Yemeni Shiite group, had previously attacked Saudi Arabia several times, causing significant casualties.
Trump and Putin reach diesel deal; US senator says it is illegal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
7 bipartisan US senators issued a joint statement questioning the legality of President Trump’s agreement allowing Russian diesel exports, saying it violated a congressional ban and was made without consultation with Congress. Treasury Secretary Bessent defended the agreement.
Facts
7 bipartisan US senators
Congress explicitly banned imports of Russian energy in 2022
Does livestreaming an execution pose a security threat? US homeland security secretary rejects claim
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
US Homeland Security Secretary 穆林 rejected the claim that livestreaming 哈山’s execution would pose an additional security risk, saying no one was being forced to watch. British Prime Minister 柏南 condemned the act as abhorrent.
Facts
56-year-old Hasan
At Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009
13 people killed
More than 30 people were injured
Since 1945
Secretary of War Hegseth (Pete Hegseth) on the 8th
Proposed a public execution by firing squad on Dec. 3
Based on a physician survey by m3.com Doctors LIFESTYLE, author Sarukoro Mizutani uses manga to explain rules between couples and parents and children, as well as research data, on the theme of “all-you-can-eat.”
A knit blouson emerges as an alternative to cardigans in medical settings
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
With short sleeves the norm even in winter for hygiene management and infection prevention in medical settings, a medical knit blouson has been introduced that can be quickly thrown on in chilly weather, is suitable for wearing outside the hospital, and pairs easily with scrubs.
Is making use of “points ecosystems” the key? How doctors book hotels
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
m3.com surveyed 4,857 physician members about their use of business hotels. Vol. 1 reported on the gap between budgets and amounts paid, while vol. 2 analyzes booking methods and priorities.
【Manga review】Women forced into the mold of “normal”
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
A manga review depicting two women: Keito, an office worker in her late 20s experiencing uncertainty about her gender identity, and Aya, a married 50-year-old who has played the role of a wife. Uncomfortable with being forced into the mold of “normal,” they seek to reclaim their true selves in this queer story.
【Manga】Advance to the next year or help someone? The ultimate choice facing a medical student
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
A manga episode about a medical student who arrives late for an exam and faces the ultimate choice between advancing to the next year and helping a patient in need. The series turns memorable stories from current medical students and doctors into manga.
Patient complaints at clinics: where to draw the line and how to handle them
Published ・ Source Japan | m3.com
Docpedia LIFESTYLE offers answers from experienced experts and doctors on where to draw the line and how to handle patient complaints at clinics, exclusively for m3.com physician members.
【鴻海】Statement on the US International Trade Commission’s Section 337 investigation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 臺灣證券交易所
鴻海 faces a Section 337 investigation initiated by US Vicor over patent US 10,903,734. 鴻海’s assessment is that there is currently no significant impact on operations, and it is responding through legal channels.
Facts
The US International Trade Commission formally launched a Section 337 investigation on Oct. 9, 2026, concerning a patent infringement claim filed by 美國Vicor Corporation.
The US patent involved in this investigation is US 10,903,734.
鴻海精密工業股份有限公司 and its affiliates have been named as respondents in the Section 337 investigation.
鴻海’s preliminary assessment is that the investigation has not currently had a significant impact on its production and operations, product shipments or customer partnerships.
鴻海 said it has formed a specialist team to clarify the relevant patents and product scope, and will actively respond in accordance with legal procedures.
Companies mentioned：鴻海精密工業股份有限公司、鴻海、美國Vicor Corporation、Foxconn Industrial Internet Co., Ltd.、FII USA Inc.、Ingrasys Technology Inc.、Ingrasys Technology USA Inc.
鴻海 subsidiary Foxconn Industrial Internet faces a Section 337 investigation initiated by US-based Vicor, which alleges infringement of a patent for a vertical power delivery system. The products involved are still in the validation stage and have no material impact on the company’s operations.
彰化銀行 announced that on Oct. 9, 115, it transferred a syndicated loan claim worth approximately US$11.72 million to EAST WEST BANK to optimize its credit asset allocation.
Facts
彰銀 announced on Oct. 9, 115, that it was transferring a financial institution claim under a syndicated loan.
The total transaction amount is USD 11,729,332.14.
The counterparty to the transaction is EAST WEST BANK, which has no affiliation with 彰銀.
The transaction was approved by the general manager and is intended to manage the allocation of credit assets.