Should the US send troops to defend Taiwan? Washington security experts clash: Taiwan’s fall could affect Japan, while another camp advocates withdrawing US forces from Okinawa
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The publication of the 美國外交政策協會 ran two articles debating the defense of Taiwan. Sobolik of the 哈德遜研究所 argued that defending Taiwan would safeguard Japan’s security and prevent nuclear proliferation; Kavanagh of Defense Priorities opposed sending troops and recommended pulling back forward deployments to avoid steep costs.
Facts
Statecraft & Strategy, a publication of the 美國外交政策協會 (AFPC), published articles debating the defense of Taiwan in its third issue of fall 2026.
Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the 哈德遜研究所, said that if China took control of Taiwan, Japan’s maritime lifeline would come within China’s strike range.
Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, argued that the US should explicitly rule out sending troops to defend Taiwan and redeploy US forces in Okinawa and Luzon.
Original根據彭博2026年的模型估算，如果中國封鎖台灣，美國經濟可能萎縮約3%。
Kavanagh believes that Japan, not Taiwan itself, is the real key to the balance of power in Asia.
How narrow is the gap between Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang? She warns of 2 crises for the KMT: the reason it lost Huang Shan-shan’s 340,000 votes is “this person”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The latest TVBS poll shows the gap between Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang in the 2026 Taipei mayoral race narrowing to 8%. Taipei City Councilor Qin Huizhu said many of Huang Shan-shan’s votes had shifted to Shen Po-yang, warning that Chiang Wan-an’s camp must guard against the trend toward a pan-green and pan-white alliance and the risk of losing votes.
Facts
Among voters who previously supported Huang Shan-shan, 53% switched to Shen Po-yang, while only 39% supported Chiang Wan-an.
Huang Shan-shan supporters’ intentions shifted from 63.3% for Chiang and 27.3% for Shen in early August to 39% versus 53% in this poll.
The TVBS poll was conducted from October 3 to 7, 2026, with 1,120 valid responses.
Graphic》Taiwan elementary school classes once had as many as 52 students! Now the average is only 23? Click to see how crowded your class was
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Ministry of Education statistics show that the average size of Taiwan’s elementary school classes fell sharply from 52 students in 1966 to 22.65 in 2025, a decline of more than half. The article offers a historical data lookup to show how classroom crowding differed across generations.
Facts
In the 1966 school year, Taiwan’s elementary schools averaged 52 students per class.
In the 2025 school year, Taiwan’s elementary schools averaged 22.65 students per class.
Over nearly 60 years, the average number of students per elementary school class in Taiwan fell by about 29, a decline of more than half.
In the 1986 school year, Taiwan’s elementary schools averaged 43.88 students per class.
The average number of students per elementary school class rebounded to 23.18 in the 2023 school year.
Why are towels handed out after a funeral? Can you take one home? It’s not just for wiping away tears—the touching meaning dates back to ancient times
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A funeral services team explains the history and folk significance of towels given as return gifts at memorial services. The custom originated in agricultural society as a way to care for guests and has since become a gesture of thanks to relatives and friends for accompanying the deceased. The article says the towel symbolizes washing away grief and letting go, while the accompanying mugwort sachet conveys a wish for safety. It urges people to set aside superstitious concerns and accept the kindness graciously.
Facts
The custom of giving towels as return gifts originated in early agricultural society, when tissues were not widely available. Bereaved families provided towels so guests who had traveled long distances and arrived sweaty and tearful could wipe their faces and tidy their appearance.
Today, the main purpose of giving towels at memorial services is to thank relatives and friends for being there to accompany the deceased on their final journey, rather than to provide something for practical cleaning.
Folk psychology holds that wiping one’s face with a return-gift towel represents “letting go,” symbolizing the end of the ceremony and the need to put grief aside and return to daily life.
Return-gift towels are usually paired with a mugwort sachet or a purification talisman. These express the bereaved family’s gratitude and the wish that guests “get home safely,” making them a kind gesture of goodwill.
Experts suggest that anyone uneasy about using a return-gift towel can wash and dry it thoroughly before using it as a cleaning cloth. If you have no such concerns, it can be used directly as a daily face towel, as it is usually made of pure cotton.
Race for council seats in Wugu, Taishan and Linkou heats up! 3 newcomers from the blue and green camps vie for 2 seats; locals tip one as a likely winner
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In 2026, the number of council seats in New Taipei City’s Wugu, Taishan and Linkou electoral district will increase to 5. Incumbents have an advantage, while the remaining seats are being contested by three newcomers: Zheng Cheng-hong, Tsai Pei-cheng and Tai Ling-yu. Local figures see Zheng as a strong contender, citing his education and industry experience.
Facts
The number of council seats to be elected in New Taipei City’s Second Electoral District (Wugu, Taishan and Linkou) has increased from 4 to 5.
KMT legislator Hung Meng-kai campaigned for Zheng Cheng-hong and promised to provide central-government-level services if he is elected.
Zheng Cheng-hong graduated from California State University, Los Angeles, where he majored in financial management.
Zheng Cheng-hong serves as chairman of the Taiwan Electric Vehicle Development Association and as an adviser to the New Taipei City government.
Former DPP councilor Lai Chiu-mei is having her daughter, Tai Ling-yu, run for council in her place.
Incumbent KMT councilor Sung Ming-tsung is not seeking reelection, and his daughter, Tsai Pei-cheng, is running to succeed him.
The electoral prospects of independent Chang Chao-lung are uncertain because of his involvement in a vote-buying case.
1200 yuan goes to the treasury! Highway 1 traffic violation catches “many drivers by surprise when the ticket arrives”; penalty criteria revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A driver’s 1200-yuan fine for parking too long at a national highway service area has drawn attention online. The Directorate General of Highways said parking at service areas is limited to 4 hours to improve turnover. Violators face fines of 600 to 1200 yuan, and fatigued drivers are advised to use the free driver rest areas.
Facts
Vehicles may park at national highway service areas for up to 4 hours.
Parking illegally for more than 4 hours can incur a fine of 600 to 1200 New Taiwan dollars.
Some large national highway service areas have free driver rest areas.
Smart parking management systems are in place at Shiding, Guansi and Yangmei.
The Zhongli service area has a license plate recognition system at its entrances and exits.
台塑化 shares surge! Local brokerage says buy, sets target price at 150 yuan; how much further upside is there?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台塑化 is benefiting from high refining margins and the impact of Middle East hostilities on refined-product supplies, fueling strong earnings this quarter. A local brokerage upgraded its rating to buy and raised its target price to 150 yuan, while increasing its EPS estimates for the next 2 years. The market is watching the spread in the fourth quarter.
Facts
A local brokerage upgraded its investment rating on 台塑化 to “buy” and raised its target price to 150 yuan.
台塑化 posted third-quarter EPS of 2.76 yuan, bringing its cumulative EPS for the first 3 quarters to 7.08 yuan.
A local brokerage raised its EPS estimate for 台塑化 to 9.09 yuan for 2026 and 7.10 yuan for 2027.
台塑化’s consolidated revenue in September rose 65.6% year over year to 86.928 billion yuan.
Foreign investors sold a net 9,080 lots of 台塑化 shares, while investment trusts bought about 15,000 lots.
K-pop godfather Lee Soo-man is back! New girl group A2O LITE goes viral on debut; all 9 members’ identities and backgrounds revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lee Soo-man’s A2O Entertainment launched the 9-member multinational girl group A2O LITE in October 2026. The members’ average age is under 15. Their debut single, “NEON,” has sparked buzz, with Girls’ Generation’s Sunny involved in behind-the-scenes training, marking Lee’s return to the Korean idol market.
Facts
A2O LITE, a 9-member multinational girl group launched by Lee Soo-man’s A2O Entertainment, held its debut stage on October 12, 2026.
A2O LITE members have an average age of under 15. The youngest members, AYUNE, OA and AIJING, were born in 2013 and were only 13 at debut.
A2O LITE released its first digital single, “NEON,” on October 13, 2026. Its music video had already amassed nearly 4 million views soon after going online.
Lee Soo-man left SM娛樂 in 2023 and was bound by a non-compete agreement until March 2026, after which he re-entered the Korean market.
Girls’ Generation member Sunny, Lee Soo-man’s niece, joined A2O Entertainment to take part in newcomer training and training plans.
A2O LITE shares a fictional universe called “Soulite” with the 15-member boy group A2O SOUL.
Veteran music producer Yoo Young-jin contributed to the music and performance production for A2O LITE and the boy group A2O SOUL.
Would waving a five-star flag in Taiwan bring a NT$50,000 fine？Online rumors of a major National Security Act amendment spread，FactCheck Center reveals the ultimate fate of a proposal by this DPP lawmaker
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taiwan FactCheck Center clarified online claims that amendments to the National Security Act would impose a NT$50,000 fine，saying the claim refers to a draft proposed by DPP lawmaker Wang Ting-yu in 2020 that did not pass。Current laws contain no such penalty，and a similar proposal in 2017 was rejected by the Ministry of Justice as unconstitutional。
Facts
DPP lawmaker Wang Ting-yu proposed amendments to the National Security Act in 2020 that would impose fines of NT$10,000 to NT$50,000 on people who illegally waved five-star flags。
Wang Ting-yu’s proposed amendment to the National Security Act received its first reading on Oct. 6，2020，and was referred to the Internal Administration Committee for review。
After reviewing draft amendments to the National Security Act from March to April 2022，the Internal Administration Committee decided not to adopt Wang Ting-yu’s proposal。
Free LINE stickers available for a limited time！Accusefive’s “Good Morning，Good Afternoon，Good Night” stickers are now available，with 6 sets expiring tomorrow
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The LINE Sticker Shop has new releases this week，including stickers from FamilyMart and Accusefive，as well as Jifu Fund’s Fu the Chick。Users are also reminded that downloads for 7 sticker sets close on Oct. 15 and 16，so they should add the official accounts soon to claim them。
Facts
3 new free LINE sticker sets are available this week，including a FamilyMart and Accusefive collaboration，Jifu Fund’s Fu the Chick，and LINE TV’s dachshund French Fries。
The download period for 7 free LINE sticker sets ends in 2 days or less，with 6 sets expiring on Oct. 15 and 1 on Oct. 16。
FamilyMart’s “Five Meals a Day ft. Accusefive” stickers feature photos of real people and match the five-meals-a-day theme，with good-morning，good-afternoon and good-night greetings，as well as puns。
AH × Ugly White Rabbit “Free Healing Mid-Autumn Festival Stickers” are valid for only 90 days from the download date，and can be used until mid-January next year at the latest。
LINE Premium × ㄅㄅㄐ stickers feature phonetic-symbol text and puns，making them suitable for use in work group chats。
Before quitting，while on an overseas assignment，the author sat dazed on a park bench on the day his grandmother died，feeling numb and suffocated。
At 42，the author quit without another job lined up，gave up a job with an annual salary of over NT$1 million，and decided to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain。
In his book，painter Huang Kuo-wei wrote about how he changed，quitting with an attitude of “to hell with it” and taking an unplanned trip around Europe。
The guiding principles of the pilgrimage include having no expectations，remembering it is not a competition，making no plans，and traveling light。
At 65，should retirees join National Pension Insurance or Farmers’ Health Insurance？The Bureau of Labor Insurance calculates premiums and Old Farmers’ Allowance amounts，including the maximum benefit for those without jobs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Bureau of Labor Insurance has outlined differences between Farmers’ Health Insurance and National Pension Insurance，as well as restrictions on claiming the Old Farmers’ Allowance，and reminds people to assess changing insurance status before age 65 to avoid gaps in coverage。
Facts
Farmers’ Health Insurance policyholders pay only 30% of the premiums，with the government subsidizing the remaining 70%。
A National Pension Insurance policyholder in the general category pays about NT$1,329 in monthly premiums。
The full Old Farmers’ Allowance is NT$8,110 per person per month。
To receive the Old Farmers’ Allowance after having received Labor Insurance old-age benefits，a person must have joined Farmers’ Health Insurance by Nov. 12，ROC Year 87，and maintained continuous coverage。
The additional amount for Category A National Pension Insurance old-age benefits was adjusted to NT$4,049 starting in January 113。
The total Farmers’ Health Insurance funeral allowance is NT$306,000。
The statute of limitations for claiming National Pension Insurance old-age benefits is 5 years。
Explainer》The Chinese military holds live-fire drills in 5 maritime areas。How far is the nearest area from Taiwan？Should flights and fishing boats avoid them？
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
China’s Maritime Safety Administration issued navigation warnings for five maritime areas，with restrictions in effect from Oct. 12 to 17。Defense Minister Wellington Koo assessed that the drills were artillery firing exercises，while the Maritime and Port Bureau estimated that the nearest area was about 150 nautical miles from Taiwan and said there would be no impact on Taiwanese vessels。
Facts
Starting Oct. 8，2026，China’s Maritime Safety Administration issued navigation warnings for five maritime areas：the Bohai Sea，northern Yellow Sea，southern Yellow Sea，East China Sea，and South China Sea。
The restricted navigation periods for the five maritime areas fall between Oct. 12 and 17。
The exercise area nearest to Taiwan’s main island is off Wenzhou，Zhejiang，an estimated 150 nautical miles away。
The Maritime and Port Bureau assessed that the exercises would have no impact on vessels in waters around Taiwan。
Defense Minister Wellington Koo’s initial assessment was that these were firing exercises by coastal artillery and other units。
Major new Labor Ministry policy！“New labor pension rules take effect nationwide” Retirement benefit rules differ from before，with the impact explained
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Labor amended enforcement rules to allow workers covered solely by the old pension system to voluntarily contribute to retirement funds and establish individual accounts，while also allowing employers and workers to agree to settle old-system service years early。Statistics show tens of thousands of workers have made voluntary contributions or completed account settlements，and those who qualify can receive tax benefits。
For voluntary retirement contributions made by workers covered solely by the old system，eligible contribution amounts may be deducted from that year’s salary income when filing income taxes next year。
Explainer》Puma Shen’s father accused of making “red money” in mainland China！Taiwan Affairs Office imposes tough sanctions，with consequences revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
On Oct. 14，2026，the Taiwan Affairs Office sanctioned VWAY，banning it from trading with mainland China。The move followed revelations that after Shen Tucheng，Puma Shen’s father，was sanctioned over his company Zhaoyi，he continued doing business and making profits in mainland China through VWAY，which was deemed a company linked to Taiwan independence。
Facts
After revelations that Shen Tucheng had used his company 兆億有限公司 to do business and make profits in mainland China，he continued dealings there under the name of another company he owns，VWAY，to evade sanctions。
From June 2025 to March 2026，VWAY conducted 39 trade transactions with mainland China，totaling US$689，800。
The Taiwan Affairs Office said it would never allow companies linked to Taiwan independence hardliners to profit in mainland China，and decided to take necessary measures against VWAY，including banning transactions and cooperation。
VWAY was established in 2005 and originally specialized in sourcing textiles such as fabrics and carpets from mainland China。
New hope for low-dose oral medicines！三福生醫 secures global rights to 艾諾斯’s VELDONA®，targeting Sjögren’s syndrome and thrombocytopenia
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
三福生醫 announced today that it has signed a licensing agreement with 艾諾斯生技，obtaining global rights to low-dose oral interferon VELDONA® for Sjögren’s syndrome and thrombocytopenia，with the aim of accelerating drug development and providing patients with safe and effective treatment options。
Facts
三福生醫 has secured global development，manufacturing and commercialization rights from 艾諾斯生技 for low-dose oral interferon VELDONA® for 2 indications：Sjögren’s syndrome and thrombocytopenia。
VELDONA® for the treatment of Sjögren’s syndrome has completed Phase II/III clinical trials in the United States。
According to forecasts by Vantage Market Research，the global Sjögren’s syndrome market is projected to grow from its current US$3.2 billion to about US$6.1 billion。
A Phase II clinical trial in Taiwan found that patients in the low-dose (500 IU) group showed an upward trend in average platelet counts，recovering to above normal levels。
三福生醫 also retains the right of first negotiation for VELDONA®’s other 15 unlicensed indications。
Puma Shen’s “Letter to Party Members” revealed！He opens up about his path to candidacy：I will give it my all and fight to the end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 民進黨台北市黨部 announced that it would send out a letter from Puma Shen to party members，and previewed a vote-allocation strategy for city council candidates to be announced at the end of October，with a joint campaign involving 26 candidates aiming to win the mayoral race and maximize council seats。
Facts
The 民進黨台北市黨部 announced that it would mail this week “A Letter to Party Members” from mayoral candidate Puma Shen，sharing his journey as a candidate with tens of thousands of party members。
In the letter，Puma Shen urged party members to keep canvassing if “洋流” was a powerful current，and to uphold the spirit of a positive campaign if it was a warm current。
The 民進黨台北市黨部 previewed the return at the end of October of its “Council Candidate Sweep・Joint Vote Allocation” strategy，which has been absent for more than a decade。
The strategy will combine forces with 26 nominated council candidates to campaign jointly, aiming to win the mayoral race and maximize council seats.
Taking your dog out on a scooter and letting it stand on the footboard could get you fined! The Ministry of Transportation reveals the correct way to carry pets: many owners overlook 1 thing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Transportation’s 168 Traffic Safety Portal published information on Dec. 23, 2025, clarifying how to carry pets legally on scooters. Many owners mistakenly think it is fine to let their dogs stand on the footboard, but this violates Article 88 of the Road Traffic Safety Regulations and could result in a fine of NT$300 to NT$600. The article details limits on cargo weight and dimensions, as well as the proper use of pet carriers, to ensure road safety.
Facts
The Ministry of Transportation’s 168 Traffic Safety Portal published a traffic safety quiz on Dec. 23, 2025, stating that letting a pet stand directly on a scooter’s foot mat is a violation.
Drivers who carry passengers or items on a scooter without complying with regulations face a fine of NT$300 to NT$600.
Cargo on a standard heavy scooter must not exceed 80 kilograms, on a standard light scooter 50 kilograms, and on a small light scooter 20 kilograms.
Cargo on a scooter must not extend more than 10 centimeters beyond the outer edge of the handlebars, and the portion extending beyond the rear of the vehicle must not exceed half a meter from the rear axle.
The Changhua County Police Department’s Traffic Police Corps replied to a member of the public in June 2021 that animals carried on scooters must also comply with relevant regulations.
Will the political current spill over to the deep-blue camp? Latest poll in Miaoli mayoral race shows Lin Yueqin has closed the gap to “single digits”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lin Yueqin, the DPP’s candidate for Miaoli mayor, released a new poll showing her support at 16.4%, narrowing the gap with her rival Yu Wenzhong to 9.2%. Lin credited the “political current” brought by Shen Boyang and announced that a campaign headquarters inauguration will be held on Oct. 17.
Facts
KMT candidate Yu Wenzhong has 25.6% support.
DPP candidate Lin Yueqin has 16.4% support.
The gap in support between the blue and green camp candidates is 9.2 percentage points.
42.0% of respondents have yet to express a preference.
The survey completed 1,068 valid samples.
The survey was conducted by 循證民調有限公司.
Lin Yueqin will hold a joint campaign headquarters inauguration at 2 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Showcasing hands-on disaster response capabilities, New Taipei City’s alternative service team takes runner-up in the Ministry of the Interior’s alternative service verification outdoor training competition
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A team of 10 alternative service conscripts from New Taipei City took runner-up in a disaster response competition held by the Ministry of the Interior, demonstrating a high level of professionalism. The achievement reflects the effectiveness of New Taipei City Government’s training to strengthen civil defense mobilization and urban resilience, helping improve emergency response capabilities.
Facts
A team of 10 alternative service conscripts from New Taipei City competed in the Ministry of the Interior’s alternative service disaster response coordination training competition and took runner-up.
A total of 23 elite teams from counties and cities took part in the competition.
The competition site simulated outdoor disaster scenarios to assess practical experience, teamwork and response judgment.
New Taipei City Government held the “2026 Urban Resilience (All-Out Defense Mobilization) Exercise” from Aug. 11 to 13.
The exercise brought together 462 active-duty and reserve alternative service personnel to take part in tabletop exercises and practical drills.
Is Cho Jung-tai playing a careful game by refusing to countersign? Shen Fu-hsiung deciphers his remark: the opposition will fall into a trap if it agrees to talk
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu criticized Premier Cho Jung-tai at the National Day celebration for refusing to countersign bills, and Cho responded that he was protecting constitutional order. Former legislator Shen Fu-hsiung interpreted the move as a political trap, warning that the opposition would be put on the defensive if it agreed to talk, and urging the KMT caucus to sharpen its arguments.
Facts
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu went off script in his speech at the 115年 National Day celebration, raising the controversy over Premier Cho Jung-tai’s refusal to countersign bills.
Cho Jung-tai said his refusal to countersign was intended to protect constitutional order, adding that the Executive Yuan was willing to communicate if the Legislative Yuan acted in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution and within the law.
Former legislator Shen Fu-hsiung said on the program “Shaokang War Room” that Cho Jung-tai’s condition would trap the opposition as soon as it agreed to talk.
Shen Fu-hsiung urged the KMT legislative caucus to offer Han Kuo-yu more advice, saying he was concerned Han might soften his stance.
At the National Day celebration, Han Kuo-yu warned that Taiwan’s democracy must never be seen by the world as “fake democracy, real autocracy.”
NT$10,000 cash handout is coming! Could it be increased to NT$20,000? The Ministry of Finance responds, with the earliest deposit date revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In response to KMT lawmakers’ calls to increase the universal cash handout to NT$20,000, Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun said central government tax revenue growth was limited, with most of the increase going to local governments. She added that the NT$10,000 handout had been included in the overall budget in a bid to distribute it before the Lunar New Year, without increasing borrowing.
Facts
KMT lawmaker Lin Te-fu relayed local grassroots concerns during questioning, saying the executive branch’s decision to tie the universal cash handout to review of the overall budget amounted to pressuring the Legislative Yuan.
Original財政部次長阮清華表示普發2萬元需要4,700多億元，勢必得舉債支應。
National tax revenue from January to September this year rose by NT$700 billion year on year, but central government revenue increased by only NT$250 billion, while local government revenue rose by NT$450 billion.
Following revisions to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, 95.5% of business tax revenue goes to local governments, leaving the central government with only NT$28 billion.
The Ministry of Finance included the universal cash handout in the overall budget proposal to secure the Legislative Yuan’s swift approval and meet the goal of distributing it before the Lunar New Year.
Verbal clash over Shen Boyang’s absence! Wang Yi-chuan calls Hsu Chiao-hsin a “terrible convener”; Hsu fires back: “Oh, so fierce”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee held a special report meeting on the relocation of Songshan Airport on the 14th. KMT convener Hsu Chiao-hsin and DPP lawmaker Wang Yi-chuan had a heated exchange over Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Boyang’s absence, with Wang calling Hsu a terrible convener and Hsu mocking him as aggressive. The meeting then resumed normal questioning.
Facts
The Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee held a meeting on the 14th, with a special report on the relocation of Songshan Airport on the agenda.
The meeting invited Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai and the Civil Aeronautics Administration to deliver reports.
KMT convener Hsu Chiao-hsin and DPP lawmaker Wang Yi-chuan traded barbs over Shen Boyang’s absence.
Wang Yi-chuan criticized Hsu Chiao-hsin as the worst convener he had ever seen and questioned her impartiality.
Responding to Wang Yi-chuan, Hsu Chiao-hsin said, “Oh, so fierce,” and urged him to calm down.
After the verbal clash, KMT lawmaker Huang Jen took the floor for the first round of questioning.
On the path to net zero by 2050! 亞氫動力 joins forces with Bosch to advance hydrogen-powered vehicles and build a local hydrogen ecosystem
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
亞氫動力 and 台灣博世 signed an MOU, combining Bosch’s fuel cell technology with 亞氫動力’s integration capabilities to promote hydrogen applications in Taiwan’s commercial vehicles and industrial equipment and accelerate the net-zero transition.
Facts
亞氫動力股份有限公司 and 台灣博世 signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly promote hydrogen-powered mobility technology applications in Taiwan.
Bosch’s C190 fuel cell module uses advanced thermal management technology and a highly integrated control architecture, with a design focused on efficiency, durability and cold-start performance.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the two parties by Yang Chien-hsin, general manager of the original automotive parts business at 台灣博世, and Hsiao Feng-hsiang, general manager of 亞氫動力.
亞氫動力 has long invested in the development of fuel cell and hydrogen application technologies. Its products include stationary power generation systems, combined heat and power (CHP) equipment, and containerized integrated hydrogen production and power generation systems.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the two parties will work on system integration for commercial passenger and freight vehicles, heavy-duty transport vehicles, logistics delivery fleets and industrial mobile equipment.
The real gap between Su Chiao-hui and Lee Chuan? He flags “2 major data points” in the poll: a phenomenon among blue-camp supporters
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A poll of the New Taipei mayoral race released by the Xinmin Association showed Su Chiao-hui leading Lee Chuan by 13.1 percentage points. KMT lawmaker Hung Meng-kai questioned whether the results were affected by pollster effects and a sample discrepancy, saying blue-camp supporters were experiencing a spiral of silence. The candidates responded separately, with Lee stressing the importance of public opinion and Su saying she would carefully consider all polls.
Facts
A New Taipei mayoral poll released by the Xinmin Association on the 13th showed Su Chiao-hui with 43.1% support and Lee Chuan with 30%.
KMT lawmaker Hung Meng-kai questioned the poll results on the program “Shaokang War Room,” saying they could reflect pollster effects and a sample discrepancy.
Do you support a NT$20,000 cash handout? Online poll results are in! More than 57,000 people took part, with “the result overwhelmingly one-sided”; latest developments revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In response to the KMT’s proposal to distribute NT$20,000 to everyone, a 《Yahoo奇摩》 poll showed 61.1% support. The Executive Yuan opposes the plan, fearing it would require borrowing, while the KMT says it should be funded with excess tax revenue. The NT$10,000 payment could be deposited as early as the end of January 2027.
Facts
Original《Yahoo奇摩》網路投票中，贊成普發2萬元及2萬元以上的比例合計為61.1%。
A bill proposed by the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan to distribute NT$20,000 to everyone could be sent directly to its second reading as early as October 16.
If the statutory budget process for the Executive Yuan’s planned NT$10,000 cash payment is completed on schedule, the money could be deposited as early as January 26, 2027.
Net tax revenue collected nationwide in the first 9 months of this year reached NT$3.5714 trillion, an increase of NT$700.4 billion from the same period last year.
The cash payment is expected to be distributed through 5 methods: registration for direct deposit, ATM cash withdrawal, pickup at post offices, direct deposit, and distribution based on compiled lists.
Limited-time buy one, get one free deals are here! CoCo/星巴克/85℃/麻古: October promotions at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Several chain bubble tea and coffee brands are offering promotions and new products in October. CoCo都可 is offering buy-one-get-one-free deals on tapioca pearl milk tea and Monday-to-Tuesday promotions on its coffee series; 星巴克 is offering a single price of NT$99 for Starbucks Refreshers, high-protein drinks, and a buy-one-get-one-free deal with a co-branded card; 85℃ is launching new products in its UBE Cloud series and giving away movie tickets; and 麻古茶坊 is bringing back its Kyoho grape series.
Facts
Throughout October, CoCo都可 is offering buy-one-get-one-free deals at the same price every Monday and Tuesday on its barista Americano, fruit coffee Americano, and coconut latte series.
Starting October 8, 85℃ is launching its UBE Cloud series, including a large UBE Cloud milk green tea priced at NT$80.
How much do you need to spend for a better chance of winning a major unified-invoice prize? Statistics on July-August winners were “surprising”: purchase locations and items revealed
58-year-old husband earns NT$8.5 million a year but gets just NT$30,000 a month in pocket money! He checked their savings before retirement and was stunned: Where did all the money from a lifetime of work go?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Japanese media reported that a 58-year-old office worker, Masashi, discovered before retirement that his household had savings of only 12 million yen and still had a mortgage. After reviewing their expenses with his wife, he understood where the money had gone and made new financial plans.
Facts
58-year-old Masashi earns about 8.5 million yen a year and receives 30,000 yen a month in pocket money.
Masashi had thought his household had at least 20 million yen in savings, but when he checked, he found they had only about 12 million yen.
The household still has about 4.5 million yen left to pay on its mortgage.
Statistics from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications show that households of 2 or more people headed by someone aged 50 to 59 have average savings of 17.56 million yen.
Among households headed by someone aged 50 to 59, 53.7% have debt.
His wife, Hiromi, works part-time about 3 days a week.
The article cited was published by THE GOLD ONLINE on October 7, 2026.
致茂 hit with NT$58.59 million in failed settlements! 金管會’s new rules take effect next year: Will even one default restrict trading?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
致茂 shares saw NT$58.59 million in failed settlements. 金管會 announced that new rules will take effect next year, requiring investors to prepay funds and securities for 10 days after a first default to strengthen risk controls.
Facts
Shares of testing equipment maker 致茂 (2360) saw failed settlements totaling about NT$58.59 million, marking the 13th such case involving a listed company this year.
金管會 announced revisions to the failed-settlement management system, scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027.
Under the new rules, after an investor’s first default is resolved, they must prepay the full amount of funds and securities for 10 consecutive trading days to resume trading.
The monitoring period for failed-settlement records will be extended from 1 year to 5 years.
From January to September this year, failed settlements on the centralized market accounted for about 1.8 per 100,000 of the market’s total trading value.
Hurry to claim the government’s small cash gift! “NT$500 per person” before October 18 if you meet just 1 condition; how and when to claim it
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 台北市政府商業處 and 工務局水利處 have launched the “2026 Panda Hide-and-Seek” stamp-collection activity, combining resources from the Maokong shopping district and riverside areas. Participants are invited to visit 5 distinctive shops and complete the activity to redeem vouchers and souvenirs, promoting local spending and tourism.
Facts
The activity runs from September 19 to October 18, 2026.
Collect stamps from 3 shops to redeem a NT$500 shopping-district voucher; 500 are available.
The voucher can be used for NT$500 off a table’s bill of at least NT$1,000, with a limit of 1 voucher per table.
Collect stamps from 5 shops to also redeem 1 set of panda-shaped commemorative socks; 300 sets are available.
A total of 96 shopping-district gifts have been set aside for an additional prize draw.
Where did the three thousand beauties of the imperial harem go after an ancient emperor died? Most faced 6 possible fates, one of them utterly inhumane
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article looks back at how the fates of women in the imperial harem changed after the deaths of emperors in ancient China. The cruel practice of burying living people with the dead, from the pre-Qin period through the Qin and Han dynasties, gradually gave way to women returning to their hometowns and remarrying in the Han dynasty, and entering convents in the Tang dynasty. In the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi abolished the custom of burial and established a system of support, reflecting the increasing humanization of palace institutions.
Facts
The pre-Qin period had rituals involving the burial of living people, and archaeological discoveries confirm that women were among those sacrificed.
After Qin Shi Huang died, Qin Er Shi, Hu Hai, entombed hundreds of palace maids and child servants alive in the mausoleum.
Before his death, Emperor Jing of Han allowed concubines who had borne no children to leave the palace and return home, and provided them with farmland and residences.
After Emperor Taizong of Tang died, during the Yonghui era of Emperor Gaozong’s reign, more than thirty former concubines without children were sent to Chang’an’s Ganye Temple to become nuns.
Emperor Kangxi formally issued an edict ending the practices of human sacrifice and burial with the dead, replacing them with a system of allocated support.
Bo Ji, mother of Emperor Wen of Han, became empress dowager after her son Liu Heng ascended the throne and enjoyed an honored life in her later years.
China says Taiwan’s increased defense budget will squeeze out spending on people’s livelihoods; Koo Li-hsiung: It is an effective deterrent and a way to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung responded in the Legislative Yuan to China’s criticism of Taiwan’s defense budget, stressing that strengthening self-defense capabilities is necessary to maintain peace across the Taiwan Strait. On the proposed relocation of Songshan Airport, he said alternatives serving its multiple functions must be carefully assessed to ensure defense and rescue capabilities are not diminished.
Facts
China criticized Taiwan’s increased defense budget, saying it would squeeze out spending on people’s livelihoods, and accused Taiwan of playing up the threat.
The Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee invited Defense Minister Koo Li-hsiung to report on the relocation of Songshan Airport and expansion of Taichung Airport, as part of a nationwide restructuring of military and civilian airport functions.
Songshan Airport handles domestic flights, air transport to outlying islands, medical evacuation missions, and serves as a base for the National Airborne Service Corps, while also undertaking military missions.
Koo Li-hsiung cited an earlier Japanese poll showing that China was considered the greatest threat to world peace.
Will promised pay adjustments for military, police and firefighters fall through? Latest “written report” on protections for military and public-sector employees revealed; he blasts the government: “Do you consider them second-class citizens?”
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Military Personnel Benefits Act and the Police Personnel Act in their third reading in 2025.
The amendment to the Military Personnel Benefits Act adds a monthly NT$30,000 allowance for voluntary-service military personnel.
The amendment to the Police Personnel Act raises the maximum income replacement ratio for retired police officers, firefighters and other personnel to 80%.
Premier Cho Jung-tai submitted a written report on “Specific Government Measures to Strengthen Protections for Military, Public-Service and Teaching Personnel” on September 24.
The Taiwan People's Party helped 2,000 retired police officers and firefighters file a class-action administrative lawsuit this year.
The pension fund raked in 340 billion, with returns surging to a record high.
Bonuses for military, public-service and teaching personnel have risen for the first time in 35 years; a seniority-based estimate puts the maximum at NT$15,000.
The Ministry of Labor’s Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Penghu-Taitung Branch honored 10 outstanding employment volunteers for drawing on their life experience to support job seekers. The event combined professional training with courses on self-care to strengthen the volunteers’ service skills.
Facts
The Ministry of Labor’s Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Penghu-Taitung Branch held volunteer training and an awards ceremony from October 13 to 14, honoring 10 outstanding employment volunteers.
Among the 10 volunteers honored, 6 had received the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Volunteer Service Excellence Gold or Silver Award, or its Gold Badge.
Chen Ying-yi, a volunteer at the Chaozhou Employment Service Center, has served for 13 years and once helped a single mother who was a new immigrant find a job.
Liu Bang-dong, deputy director of the Workforce Development Agency’s Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Penghu-Taitung Branch, said volunteers’ greetings and companionship can help job seekers regain confidence.
The volunteer training courses offered by the Workforce Development Agency’s Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Penghu-Taitung Branch covered labor laws, gender equality, circularity and advance medical care planning.
The Ministry of Labor’s Workforce Development Agency Kaohsiung-Pingtung-Penghu-Taitung Branch can be reached at (07) 821-0171 for employment services and vocational training consultations.
From emergency-care reform in Taiwan to global health equity: National Taiwan University Yunlin Hospital Director Ma Hui-ming receives Johns Hopkins Distinguished Alumni Award
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Ma Hui-ming, superintendent of 台大醫院雲林分院, received 約翰霍普金斯大學’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions over thirty years to reforming Taiwan’s emergency care system, innovating in rural healthcare and advancing international health cooperation.
Facts
Ma Hui-ming received 約翰霍普金斯大學’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ma Hui-ming helped establish more than 10,000 public-access AEDs nationwide.
The survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients in Taiwan has risen nearly sevenfold.
Ma Hui-ming has trained more than 2,000 professional emergency medical responders.
Ma Hui-ming previously served as chair of the Asian Association for Emergency Medical Services.
Ma Hui-ming has worked on medical cooperation with Burkina Faso, Indonesia and Somaliland.
To accommodate the construction of the Zaoqiao Interchange on National Freeway 1, 台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Pingxing and Zaoqiao villages in Zaoqiao Township, Miaoli County, on October 14, 2026.
Due to equipment failure at the Zhongxing-Limin Road intersection, 台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service for emergency repairs on October 14, 2026, in Lijia Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County, and Kangle, Xinyuan and Fengtian neighborhoods in Taitung City.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs to a burst pipe on Section 1 of Chulinhu Road, resulting in a water outage in Sanlun, Kanjiao and Xincuo villages in Mingjian Township, Nantou County. The disruption is scheduled from 08:44 to 15:00 on October 14, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued an update on a water outage in Renmei Village, Niaosong District, Kaohsiung City. The outage runs from 11:44 on October 14, 2026, until the scheduled end time of 16:00 on October 15, 2026.
To expand access to tap water, 台灣自來水公司 will carry out a water shutoff and pipe connection work on October 14, 2026, in the area around Lane 109, Chongde 1st Road, in Neicuo and Yuemei villages, Zhongli District, Taoyuan City.
台灣自來水公司 is coordinating with 國峻營造股份有限公司 on construction at a worksite in Banqiao District, New Taipei City, and will suspend water service in Guangfu and Pucianli villages on October 14, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for parts of Luzhou District, New Taipei City, due to emergency repairs to a burst pipe. Affected areas include Zhonghua, Zhonglu and Guanghua neighborhoods. The outage runs from 11:23 to 17:30 on October 14, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs to a leak on Lane 640, Linsen Road, in Dama Village, Guangfu Township, Hualien County, on October 14, 2026, resulting in a water outage in the area from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Construction for a water outage in Beishizi has lowered water pressure in the Fengshou residential community, affecting parts of Dalin Township, Minxiong Township and Xikou Township in Chiayi County. 台灣自來水公司 issued the notice.
台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in several villages in Gongguan Township, Miaoli County, on October 14, 2026, for emergency repairs to a pipeline on Provincial Highway 6.
台灣自來水公司 issued an update on a water outage in Chiayi City due to emergency repairs to a leak at the entrance to Lane 608, Yijiao Street. The outage affects Houhu, Dingzhuang and Yijiao neighborhoods in the East District and runs from 11:14 to 15:00 on October 14, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Pengcuo and Xin'er villages in Yanpu Township, Pingtung County, due to emergency repairs to a burst pipeline on Shirong Road. The outage runs from 10:54 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 14, 2026.
To improve water quality and strengthen supply stability, 台灣自來水公司’s Yangmei Service Center, Second District, is conducting a pipeline network isolation survey in some villages in Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, resulting in a water outage.
To improve supply stability and ensure water quality, 台灣自來水公司 is replacing pipelines along residential streets in several neighborhoods of Magong City, Penghu County, resulting in a water outage.
台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in parts of the East District of Hsinchu City and Baoshan Township, Hsinchu County, from 10:30 to 14:30 on October 14, 2026, for emergency repairs at No. 377, Gaofeng Road.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out emergency repairs after a pipeline was damaged during replacement work, resulting in a water outage in Yichang and Nanchang villages, Ji'an Township, Hualien County.
Emergency repairs are being carried out for a road leak on Shenggong 1st Street in the South District of Tainan City, resulting in a partial water outage and reduced water pressure in the area.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for several neighborhoods in Dajia District, Taichung City, due to the installation of new water well electromechanical equipment. The disruption runs from October 14 to 15, 2026.
Strong Wind Advisory for Land Areas (yellow alert) (Pingtung County, Miaoli County, Taoyuan City, Yunlin County, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Chiayi County, Changhua County, Taichung City, Taitung County, Penghu County)
台灣自來水公司 said an emergency repair of a burst pipe at No. 1210, Bagua Road, would interrupt water service in parts of Nantou County and Changhua County from 10:11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 14, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage notice for some neighborhoods in Qingshui District, Taichung City, due to emergency repairs to a burst pipe at No. 110, Zhongshan Road.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for several neighborhoods in Hualien City, Hualien County, as emergency repairs were needed for a leak at the intersection of Zhonghua Road and Zhongzheng Road. The outage was scheduled from 10:08 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 14, 2026.
台灣自來水公司 will interrupt water service in several villages in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, on October 14, 2026, to conduct maintenance on the Minxiong office's district water network and investigate leaks.
台灣自來水公司 will interrupt water service in some neighborhoods in Bade District, Taoyuan City, on October 14, 2026, to improve water quality and supply stability.
台灣自來水公司 will conduct an inspection of water shutoff valves in Yanshou Village, Tucheng District, New Taipei City, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 14, 2026, in coordination with construction of the MRT Wanda Line.
台灣自來水公司 will interrupt water service in Yingxi Village, Xigang District, Tainan City, from October 13 to 14, 2026, to install a fire hydrant near a designated factory.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for several neighborhoods in Sanxia District, New Taipei City, due to emergency repairs to a leak on Lane 395, Section 2, Zhongzheng Road. The affected areas include Erjiu Village, Dapu Village and six other villages. The outage was scheduled from 08:32 to 17:00 on October 14, 2026.
Water service will be interrupted in Xingang Village, Yong'an District, Kaohsiung City, for emergency repairs to a leak in a 100mm PVCP pipe on Xinxing Road.
台灣自來水公司 will interrupt water service in Sanhe Village and Rongquan Village, Wuri District, Taichung City, from 8:29 to 13:00 on October 14, 2026, to relocate pipelines on Chenggong West Road in coordination with 臺中市政府新工處.
台灣自來水公司 issued a water outage alert for Guanglin Village, Longshan Village and Longdu Village in Meinong District, Kaohsiung City, due to the connection of old and new pipes for a pipeline extension project. The outage was scheduled from October 14 to 15, 2026.
The Hong Kong Economic Times reported that Hock Tan was referring to investors who sell stocks based on short-term data, saying they were like casino gamblers.
Wolf Richter, author of Wolf Street, said returns on AI investments remain unclear and that the biggest constraint is the source of funding.
Semiconductor equipment maker ASML (ASML-US) will report earnings on Wednesday, while TSMC (TSM-US) will release results on Thursday.
Drivers Beware! Fake FarEasTone Toll Collection Emails Demanding Parking Fees Are Scams; Any License Plate Number Shows a NT$120 Debt
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
遠通電收 warned that scammers are impersonating the company to send payment-demand emails and trick recipients into entering credit card information for fraudulent charges. The company stressed that it does not send payment demands by email and recommended signing up for automatic payments to reduce risk.
Facts
遠通電收 is the ETC system operator under 遠東新 (1402-TW).
Scammers are impersonating 遠通電收 to send emails demanding parking fee payments.
The fake website shows an outstanding fee of 120 or 40 yuan for any license plate number entered.
遠通電收 does not send parking fee payment demands by email.
Scam emails often use the subject line “Notice: Vehicle Parking Fee Payment Deduction Failed.”
Scammers list 遠通電收's actual customer service phone number in emails to gain recipients' trust.
遠通 recommends that vehicle owners sign up for eTag automatic top-ups and eTag parking payment services.
A disaster！Former 英特爾 executive takes another shot at HBM：the low-bit-density “hot sandwich”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Former 英特爾 CEO 季辛格 criticized HBM for defects including low bit density，difficult heat dissipation and crowding out capacity for general-purpose DRAM，calling on the industry to develop alternatives over the long term。
Facts
Former 英特爾 CEO 季辛格 criticized HBM as “ugly and terrible” in a recent interview，saying it has serious architectural flaws。
HBM3/3E connects to computing chips through an ultra-wide bus with 1024 bits，while HBM4 increases that to 2048 bits。
According to an analysis by 韓國科學技術院，once HBM power consumption exceeds about 30 watts，heat generated by the physical layer itself becomes the primary source of thermal stress in the memory。
HBM has a complex manufacturing process，and producing the same capacity consumes about 三 times as many wafers as ordinary DRAM。
台灣南亞科技 expects the DRAM supply shortage to possibly continue into early 2028。
特斯拉 robotaxis under review by US regulators over speeding in school zones；an estimated 1000 vehicles involved
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The US regulator NHTSA is assessing whether to investigate allegations that 特斯拉 robotaxis sped in school zones，involving about 1,000 vehicles。The case stems from a petition and supporting videos，with no injuries or fatalities reported。A decision on whether to launch a formal defect investigation is expected by Jan. 21，2027。
Facts
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is assessing whether to launch a formal investigation into allegations that 特斯拉 robotaxis sped in school zones。
NHTSA estimates that the review may involve about 1,000 特斯拉 vehicles。
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation received an investigation petition on Sept. 23 and opened case file number DP26010 on Oct. 9。
The petitioner provided 3 social media videos as evidence，and regulator records list 4 related incidents。
Under US federal regulations，NHTSA must decide whether to grant or deny a petition within 120 days of receiving it，with a decision expected by around Jan. 21，2027，at the latest。
特斯拉 launched commercial Cybercab service in Austin on Sept. 3，2026。The model features no steering wheel，brake pedals or side-view mirrors。
NHTSA previously asked 特斯拉 to provide sworn information explaining how the Cybercab，which has no steering wheel or pedals，complies with federal motor vehicle safety standards。The response deadline was Sept. 30。
微軟 filed regulatory documents announcing more than $1,300億 in new data center leases in a single quarter and plans to increase capacity to more than 38 gigawatts by 2032 to meet demand for AI and cloud computing。
Facts
微軟 added more than $1,300億 in data center lease commitments in a single quarter。
微軟 plans to increase global data center capacity from about 12 gigawatts (GW) to more than 38 gigawatts by 2032。
At the end of the quarter ended June 30，微軟 had a total of $3,291億 in lease commitments not yet commenced。
微軟's capital expenditure reached $1,450億 in its most recent fiscal year。
微軟's lease commitments not yet commenced rose more than 67% from $1,966億 in the previous quarter。
SpaceXSI bundles Grok，Cursor and X Premium+ to capture the AI subscription market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
SpaceXSI launched The X Subscription，combining Grok，Cursor and X Premium，with monthly plans starting at $30 to lower user costs and compete in the AI market。
Facts
SpaceXSI announced the launch of the integrated subscription service “The X Subscription” on Oct. 12。
The X Subscription's Premium plan costs $30 per month and combines SuperGrok，Cursor Pro and X Premium+ features。
SpaceX acquired Cursor developer Anysphere in an all-stock deal valued at $60 billion。
OpenAI notified SpaceX that it was terminating its contract to supply OpenAI models to Cursor，effective Nov. 12。
The X Subscription Ultra plan costs $200 per month and includes 50 times the shared AI usage allowance of the Plus plan。
Companies mentioned：SpaceX、SpaceX Super Intelligence、SpaceXSI、SpaceXAI、OpenAI、Anthropic、Cursor、Anysphere、Apple
2026 is the “year of inference”！超微's 蘇姿丰：CPU demand to grow 50% annually；EPYC to generate $1000億 in annual sales
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
超微 CEO 蘇姿丰 declared 2026 the “year of inference” at the OCP Summit，forecasting 50% annual growth in the CPU market driven by demand for AI agents and targeting $1000億 in EPYC business。
Facts
超微 estimates that the CPU total addressable market could exceed $2000億 by 2030，with a compound annual growth rate of about 50% over the next 4 to 5 years。
超微 aims to capture more than 50% of the market，and its EPYC processor line could become a business worth more than $1000億 by 2030。
超微's EPYC server processors captured a record 46.2% share by revenue in the first quarter of this year。
超微's first Helios next-generation AI accelerator systems were delivered to customers including OpenAI，Meta，微軟，甲骨文 and Anthropic。
The Helion Agentic AI rack system features more than 32000 Zen 6 cores，40% more cores than competing racks。
Companies mentioned：超微、OpenAI、Meta、微軟、甲骨文、Anthropic、Mercury Research
Will spending hundreds of billions of dollars pay off？祖克柏 admits he is unsure about his AI bet
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Meta CEO 祖克柏 admitted that the company had committed hundreds of billions of dollars to AI infrastructure before its AI products had proved successful。Despite warnings from its CFO about the risks，it is still launching new models and the Muse assistant to challenge market leaders。
Facts
祖克柏 said Meta had committed about $1,000億 or $2,000億 to building AI infrastructure。
Iran refuses to let 川普 push oil prices down，steps up attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and targets US midterm elections
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Iranian officials confirmed that，to interfere in the US midterm elections and drive up oil prices，the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has switched to using small reconnaissance boats to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz after its radar was damaged。Attacks have been frequent over the past 48 hours，and the situation is grave。
Facts
Two senior Iranian officials told Reuters that Iran is deploying a new tactic targeting ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz，seeking to drive up international oil prices and interfere in the upcoming US midterm elections。
Since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28，the authorities in Tehran have continued to try to control the Strait of Hormuz。
Analysis of data from maritime security sources，along with incidents reported to the UK Maritime Trade Operations office (UKMTO)，shows that at least five incidents involving oil tankers and other merchant ships have occurred around the Strait of Hormuz in the past 48 hours。
With most of Iran's radar facilities destroyed by US forces，the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has turned to using small，unarmed reconnaissance boats (dhows) to identify targets at close range。
The war and its monthly cost of $30億 have become major issues in the US midterm elections in November。
高盛 is bullish on US stocks but mentions the dot-com bubble “twice”！Stock supply could reach $2.3 trillion in 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
高盛 strategist Tony Pasquariello said US stocks have a bullish technical outlook in the short term，but warned of deteriorating market breadth and the risk of a surge in stock supply in 2027。The median S&P 500 constituent has fallen the most since the dot-com bubble，and net supply could reach $2.3 trillion in 2027，making the medium-term environment more complex。
Facts
The median S&P 500 constituent is now down 15% from its 52-week high，its worst performance since the dot-com bubble。
高盛 estimates that potential net US stock supply in 2027 could total about $2.3 trillion。
The large US technology stocks known as the “七巨頭” now account for about 22% of 高盛's prime brokerage client exposure，a record high。
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index recently came in at 46.3，the second-lowest reading since records began in 1952。
高盛 forecasts that US corporate earnings growth will reach 27% to 28% in the third quarter，possibly the peak of the current growth cycle。
Even with strong iPhone sales，could 蘋果 still lose the AI race？Analysts point to threats from Muse and Grok
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Analyst Gene Munster warned that 蘋果 could lose out because its AI assistant is not competitive enough，with Meta Muse and Space Grokbot posing threats。Despite updates to Siri，a capability gap remains，though Dan Ives believes 蘋果's device base remains an advantage。
Facts
Prominent investor Gene Munster believes Apple could lose the AI race because once users get used to Meta Muse or Space Grokbot, it will be difficult to switch to Siri.
Doug Clinton, a partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said Apple faces an even greater risk: losing the growth potential Siri might otherwise have realized.
Meta's AI agent Muse surpassed 2.5 million downloads in its first two weeks after launch.
美國銀行證券 analyst Wamsi Mohan said Apple's Siri lacks the ability to perform tasks continuously in the background and broad support for third-party operations.
Yorkville Ives analyst Dan Ives believes Apple could become a toll booth on the consumer AI superhighway, thanks to its more than 2.5 billion active devices.
China's September exports surge 36.3%, while imports grow 31%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
China's General Administration of Customs released September data showing exports surged 36.3% to $447.18 billion and imports grew 31%. Growth in the first three quarters was the fastest in nearly 5 years, and China maintained its position as the world's largest goods trader, providing support for growth in the fourth quarter.
Facts
Total exports in September were $447.18 billion, up 36.3% from a year earlier.
Total imports in September were $313.65 billion, up 31%.
China's total exports from January to September this year were $3.3707 trillion, up 21.3% from the same period last year.
China's total imports from January to September this year were $2.4325 trillion, up 27.5%.
The trade surplus from January to September this year was $938.11 billion.
Foreign trade growth in the first three quarters was the fastest for the same period in nearly 5 years.
China continues to firmly hold its position as the world's largest goods trader.
統一超 rolls out multilingual self-checkout across its stores, creating the most extensive network of international-friendly shops.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
統一超 announced that 7-ELEVEN self-checkout will support 7 languages and introduced an ibon carton reservation service to improve the experience for international travelers and foreign workers.
Facts
Starting today, 7-ELEVEN self-checkout service will support 7 languages at 40 stores across Taiwan.
The self-checkout interface supports 7 languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Malay.
The multilingual self-checkout service is expected to expand to stores across Taiwan by the end of October.
More than a million people use the foreign-language service options on ibon machines each year.
7-ELEVEN has teamed up with 南洋百貨INDEX to launch the new ibon carton reservation service.
統一超 currently employs more than 1,300 foreign students, foreign spouses and new immigrant staff.
The global AI race is focused on real-world deployment! Yeh Chun-hsien unveils 4 measures to lower the barriers to corporate transformation and support overseas expansion.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
經濟日報 held its 2026 Technology Forum on the 14th. National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien attended and outlined four major strategies to help Taiwanese businesses lower the barriers to AI transformation and expand into overseas markets.
Facts
National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien was invited to attend and deliver remarks. He stressed that the government will continue to improve the domestic AI development environment across four areas: computing power, talent, applications and governance.
The telecommunications, manufacturing and service industries have begun integrating AI into processes such as network management, operations and customer service.
The National Development Council will step up efforts to advance applications by strengthening field validation, building AI collaboration platforms and facilitating international matchmaking to accelerate the deployment of mature solutions.
Musk gives more than $276 million to Republicans! The biggest donor in the 2026 US midterm elections.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Since July, Musk has donated more than $276 million to groups aligned with the Republican Party, bringing his total federal political contributions to $366 million and making him the biggest donor in the 2026 midterm elections. His largest single donation, $158 million, went to the 參議院領導力基金會 to support key races in states including Texas.
Facts
Musk has donated more than $276 million since July to groups supporting Republicans.
Musk's publicly disclosed federal-level political contributions in the 2025-2026 election cycle totaled about $366 million.
Musk's largest donation, $158 million, went to the 參議院領導力基金會.
Musk's contributions in the 2025-2026 cycle have surpassed the amount he spent in the 2024 presidential election.
As of October 12, polls in the Texas attorney general race showed Talarico leading Paxton.
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, held the opening event for his campaign headquarters, attended by Kang-yung Tsai. The Taiwan Affairs Office strongly criticized actions advocating 'Taiwan independence' and announced sanctions against Zhaoyi Company and VWAY, businesses linked to Shen Boyang's family, cutting off their commercial interests in mainland China.
Facts
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, held the opening event for his campaign headquarters on the 4th on Beiping East Road.
Well-known host Kang-yung Tsai appeared at the opening event for Shen Boyang's campaign headquarters.
Tsai said he attended because he 'just wanted to see what it was like' and wanted to hear the views of different sides.
Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, said on the 14th that he firmly opposed separatist activities in any form that advocate 'Taiwan independence.'
The Taiwan Affairs Office announced sanctions against 兆億有限公司, headed by Shen Boyang's father, Shen Tucheng.
The Taiwan Affairs Office decided to sanction VWAY, prohibiting it from engaging in any transactions or cooperation with mainland China.
Don't panic over the global bond sell-off! Private equity giant KKR: AI creates an opportunity to target high-quality Asian credit assets.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
KKR said the global bond sell-off presents an opportunity to lock in high yields while managing risk. Driven by the Middle East conflict and central bank tightening, yields on Asian investment-grade bonds have risen to a more than 2-year high, averaging 5.8%. KKR sees this as an opportunity to improve portfolio quality and increase the margin of safety.
As of June this year, KKR managed $796 billion in assets.
Dengzhao Pan, head of KKR's Asia liquid credit business, said: 'We see this as an opportunity to improve portfolio quality, not a reason to sit on the sidelines. Higher credit quality can give investors a greater margin of safety and reduce expected credit losses.'
The Middle East conflict has pushed up oil prices, prompting central banks to tighten monetary policy. As a result, yields on investment-grade corporate bonds, including Asian government bonds, have risen to near their highest level in more than 2 years.
Data show that the average yield on Asian investment-grade dollar bonds is currently 5.8%, with longer-dated and subordinated bonds offering higher yields.
技嘉 subsidiary 技鋼科技 enters Europe's sovereign AI market, partnering with Scaleway to deploy AMD AI and cloud platform.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
技嘉 subsidiary 技鋼科技 partnered with France's Scaleway to unveil an AI cloud platform based on AMD Instinct™ GPUs at the ai-PULSE event in Paris, aiming to strengthen Europe's sovereign AI infrastructure.
Facts
技鋼科技 announced a partnership with French cloud service provider Scaleway to jointly unveil an AI and cloud platform powered by AMD Instinct™ GPUs at the ai-PULSE event in Paris.
The multi-rack deployment is built around 技嘉's G4L3-ZX1-LAT4 DLC server, with each server equipped with 8 AMD Instinct™ MI355X GPUs and 2 AMD EPYC™ 9005 CPUs.
Scaleway has integrated a full ecosystem of partners covering computing, storage and cooling, bringing the AI platform to market through a multi-vendor collaboration model.
技鋼 is responsible for GPU servers, rack configuration, power and networking; Bull handles cluster testing and deployment; VAST Data specializes in the data platform; and Motul provides liquid-cooling solutions.
AMD Instinct™ MI355X GPUs enable customers to train, fine-tune and deploy large models on an open software stack while keeping data and workloads within the jurisdiction of the European Union.
Shen Boyang's father used a new company to profit from mainland China; Taiwan Affairs Office announces sanctions.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua announced sanctions against Zhaoyi Company, controlled by Shen Boyang's father, Shen Tucheng, and VWAY, saying they sought to evade sanctions and profit from mainland China. He also strongly condemned Shen Boyang's hypocritical conduct.
Facts
China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office held its regular press conference on the 14th, where spokesperson Chen Binhua announced sanctions against 兆億有限公司 and VWAY, companies headed by Shen Tu-cheng, father of Shen Bo-yang.
To evade the sanctions, Shen Tu-cheng continued trade and business cooperation with mainland-related enterprises under the name of another company, VWAY, and profited from these activities.
The Taiwan Affairs Office decided to take necessary measures against VWAY, including prohibiting it from conducting any transactions or cooperation with mainland organizations, enterprises or individuals.
In June 2025, the Taiwan Affairs Office announced sanctions against 兆億有限公司, headed by Shen Tu-cheng, father of Shen Bo-yang.
Chen Binhua criticized Shen Bo-yang for railing against China and obstructing cross-strait exchanges and cooperation while joining with relatives to find ways to make money from the mainland.
Responding to the “Financial Giving Back” initiative, 南山人壽 innovates in microinsurance, using its core business to protect vulnerable groups
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
In response to the Financial Supervisory Commission's “Financial Giving Back” initiative, 南山人壽 has introduced group microinsurance for cancer and heat-related illnesses, extending coverage beyond death benefits to provide immediate support. It is also working with a climate think tank to study emerging risks and has donated more than NT$160 million to protect disadvantaged groups.
Facts
Since launching its microinsurance program in 2014, 南山人壽 has donated more than NT$160 million.
This year, 南山人壽 launched the industry's first “Group Microinsurance for First-Time Cancer Diagnosis,” providing a fixed benefit of NT$50,000 per person.
In July, 南山人壽 launched the nation's first “Group Microinsurance for Hospitalization Due to Heat-Related Illness,” piloting it in Tainan City and providing a hospitalization benefit of NT$10,000.
As of the end of June this year, 南山產物's micro fire insurance for incidental expenses had been offered in partnership with the governments of 11 counties and cities, with coverage for more than 210,000 people.
南山人壽 is planning to work with an external climate think tank to analyze the relationship between climate-related variables and claims data.
Dalio believes the vicious debt spiral will be difficult to end unless high interest rates severely damage the real economy and financial markets.
The U.S. debt burden is now at its highest level since World War II, and about $10 trillion in debt is due to mature and be refinanced this year.
Dalio advised investors to reduce their bond holdings and turn to gold.
The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds briefly neared 5.4% early this month, reaching a nearly 25-year high.
Japanese policymakers have an incentive to steer domestic investors toward reducing their $1.1 trillion holdings of U.S. Treasuries.
With energy prices and economic resilience in play, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates high. An index tracking U.S. Treasuries has fallen about 2.4% so far this year.
China's CPI rose 0.9% in September, up 0.1 percentage point
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
China's CPI rose 0.9% year on year in September, while its PPI climbed 5.0%, with both increases widening. The main factors were the Middle East conflict, which pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel, and rising prices for AI-related goods.
Facts
China's consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.9% year on year in September, an increase 0.1 percentage point wider than the previous month.
China's producer price index (PPI) climbed 5.0% in September, an increase 1.2 percentage points wider than the previous month.
A worsening conflict in the Middle East sent oil prices soaring above $100 a barrel, one of the main drivers of increases in the CPI and PPI.
Gasoline prices rose 16.6%, contributing about 0.47 percentage point to the CPI increase.
Food prices fell 1.7%, with pork and fresh vegetable prices declining 10.0% and 8.1%, respectively.
Prices of gold jewelry rose 22.5%, contributing about 0.11 percentage point to the CPI increase.
Service prices rose 0.8%, with travel service prices up 2.1%.
ASE expands its PowerSiP™ platform with 3D system-in-package technology, cutting parasitic routing losses by more than 50%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
日月光投控 announced the launch of its PowerSiP™ 3D SiP solution, which uses vertically integrated VRMs to reduce parasitic losses by more than 50% and meet the high power demands of AI systems.
Facts
ASE announced the launch of a 3D system-in-package solution for its PowerSiP™ platform.
The solution can reduce parasitic routing losses by more than 50%.
The power consumption of chips in today's high-performance AI systems has surpassed the kilowatt level.
Peak current demand at sub-volt levels exceeds 1,000 amperes.
The PowerSiP™ toolkit includes high-aspect-ratio (4:1) copper-pillar integration technology.
Hungarian parliament passes amendment removing former prime minister's anti-LGBTQ+ provisions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Hungary's parliament voted 139 to 51 to amend the Child Protection Act, removing restrictions imposed on LGBTQ+ people in 2021 by the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The move is seen as the first major measure since new Prime Minister Péter Magyar took office, aimed at bringing the law into line with EU rules and strengthening child protection.
Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma; surgery removes lower lobe of right lung
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Pope Leo XIV was found to have a lung mass during a routine health check and was admitted to hospital for surgery on the 13th. The medical team successfully removed his right lower lung lobe in a procedure lasting about 90 minutes. He was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, with no complications, and is expected to need 1 week to recover.
Black Sea merchant ship sinks after drone attack; 11 crew members missing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
The Black Sea merchant ship Dignity sank after a drone attack, leaving 11 crew members missing; all crew members aboard another merchant ship, Chelsea 3, were rescued. Bulgaria summoned the Russian ambassador to express its dissatisfaction, while 北約 and 歐盟 condemned the attack and discussed responses to the threat of Russian hybrid warfare.
Facts
11 crew members aboard remain missing
The 5 crew members rescued from the vessel
Including 7 Ukrainian nationals
8 Azerbaijani crew members
All 15 were rescued
There were 3 drones attacking us
The 2nd incident of a merchant ship being attacked by drones off the coast of Bulgaria
Ultimately leaving 10 people still missing to this day
Keelung Metro funding review approved; nearly NT$70 billion allocated in push to open in 2033
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
The Keelung Metro funding review has been approved. The 15.6-kilometer line is planned to have 13 stations and will be integrated with the Xizhi-Donghu Line and Taipei Minsheng Line in a through-service system. Preliminary construction is now 43% complete, and the project is aiming to open in 2033, while station-area development and a smart technology park are also being advanced.