Cheng Chao-fang presents Hsinchu County transport and agricultural policies; Hsu Hsin-ying to unveil campaign headquarters on the 17th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Democratic Progressive Party Hsinchu County mayoral candidate Cheng Chao-fang opened campaign offices in Beipu and Emei and put forward policies on transportation and agricultural products. Kuomintang candidate Hsu Hsin-ying will hold a campaign headquarters unveiling ceremony and a lawn concert on the 17th.
中華電信 has nurtured more than 80 startups and sets up 2 AI subsidiaries
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中華電信 Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President Chen Yuan-kai said the company has nurtured more than 80 startups through corporate venture capital and recently established 2 subsidiaries focused on cloud-based generative AI and edge AI software. He also noted that Taiwan's capital market has a market capitalization of US$5.3 trillion.
正文科技 partners with Starman to establish U.S. manufacturing, target optical interconnect market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
正文科技 and Starman New Photonics, a subsidiary of Starman Holdings, announced a strategic partnership. The companies will invest US$15 million and US$30 million, respectively, to establish a joint venture that will manufacture advanced optical transceivers in New Jersey, targeting the optical interconnect market for hyperscale data centers.
Facts
US$15 million
About NT$485 million
US$30 million
US$285 million
90% equity stake
Companies mentioned：正文科技、Starman Holdings、Starman New Photonics、Starman Optical、GoPro、中央社
考試院 approves draft amendment to staffing allocation rules, giving agencies more flexibility
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
考試院 approved a draft amendment to Article 7 of the "Standards for the Allocation of Titles, Ranks and Positions in Government Agencies," removing minimum staffing requirements for entry-level positions in grades 1 to 3, loosening hiring restrictions and giving agencies greater flexibility.
Facts
Agencies with 30 or more positions
Based on whether they have at least 100 employees
Minimum requirement to assign 1 or 2 entry-level positions in grades 1 to 3
Civic groups call for full public access to Taichung Prefectural Hall; city says original use takes priority
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Restoration of the national historic site Taichung Prefectural Hall has been completed and it has reopened. Several civic groups called for it to be fully opened to the public and returned to the people. 台中市政府 said the reuse of historic sites should prioritize their original purpose or compatible uses, and that the Cultural Affairs Bureau would move in to manage the building.
Facts
Taichung Prefectural Hall, built in 1913
The Taichung City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau moved in at the end of August
Original規劃近4成空間作為藝文展演及委外場域
Taipei Prefectural Office and the other 3 prefectural offices also followed this principle
Taiwan’s AI dividend awaits wider distribution; scholars urge expansion of semiconductor supply-chain布局
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
WTO Chief Economist Stieger said the AI boom shows no sign of slowing and Taiwan is benefiting; Hong Kong University’s Xiewei Deng advised Taiwan to deepen its semiconductor supply-chain布局 to boost traditional industries.
Facts
Taiwan’s real gross domestic product (Real GDP) growth forecast for this year was sharply raised to a globally rare 10.7%, from 5.2% in April
Taiwan’s real gross domestic product (Real GDP) growth forecast for this year was raised from 5.2% in April
總統府 opens to visitors on the 17th, with performances by a Hakka folk-music ensemble and Wu Yongji
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
總統府 will open to visitors on the 17th, with areas including the plaza in front of the building, the auditorium and several exhibition spaces open to the public. The modern Hakka folk-music ensemble「好日HoNi」and 吳永吉, lead singer of 董事長樂團, are scheduled to perform live.
Zelensky says Ukraine will resume strikes on oil refineries; Russia reports attacks on energy facilities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Financial Times in an interview that he was lifting restrictions on attacks against Russian oil refineries and would resume strikes. He also took a tough stance toward U.S. President Donald Trump, urging Washington to be candid and support Ukraine.
台積電 posted record revenue and earnings in the 3rd quarter and forecasts annual revenue growth of about 44% in U.S. dollar terms. The company said AI demand is strong and it is evaluating a plant in Texas and discussing cooperation with Terafab. Nearly 20 fabs are underway worldwide, and 1 additional 3-nanometer fab is planned in Tainan.
Facts
U.S. dollar revenue is expected to grow about 44% this year
U.S. dollar revenue is forecast to grow another 14%
3rd-quarter revenue of $46.72 billion
Quarterly earnings per share reached 29.43
Nearly 20 fabs are currently underway worldwide as planned
13 advanced-process fabs and advanced packaging plants are being built in Taiwan
Another 5 to 6 fabs overseas
2-nanometer process technology to enter mass production in the 4th quarter of 2025
Annual 2-nanometer capacity is set to increase by more than 1 time in 2027
Mass production is expected to begin in the first half of 2027
Add 1 more 3-nanometer fab in Tainan
Mass production is expected to begin in the first half of 2028
Mass production is expected to begin in the 3rd quarter of 2027
The first televised debate between Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and DPP candidate Shen Po-yang is set for October 31, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., and will be jointly hosted by TVBS and 三立.
Education Ministry plans to revise the「Wu Bao-chun clause」; recruitment allowed only after plans are approved
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Education Ministry plans to revise the「Wu Bao-chun clause」, adding an oversight mechanism requiring schools to submit recruitment plans for approval before admitting students, and specifying penalties for violations to safeguard trust in higher education.
Beijing marks 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth; 陸委會: Do not participate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
陸委會 said the Chinese Communist Party will hold events marking the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth and promote「opposing independence and advancing unification」. People who need permission to travel to mainland China will not be granted approval if they apply to attend the events, and the public is urged not to become tools of united-front work.
Export boom lifts business demand; bank lending to SMEs posts second-largest increase for first 8 months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
金管會 statistics show that domestic banks’ outstanding loans to small and medium-sized enterprises reached NT$11.4599 trillion. The increase of NT$571.421 billion in the first 8 months was the second-largest for the same period in 10 years, driven mainly by export growth and greater demand for operating funds.
Facts
NT$11.4599 trillion
Monthly increase of NT$36.1 billion
Cumulative loan growth reached NT$571.421 billion in the first 8 months
Accounted for 61.14% of total outstanding corporate loans
Accounted for 64.87% of outstanding loans to private enterprises
This year’s target is an increase of NT$500 billion
Taiwanese and French scholars examine Taiwan’s central role in semiconductors, clarify 5 major misconceptions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese and French scholars examined Taiwan’s central role in the semiconductor industry at an online seminar, clarifying 五 major misconceptions about 台積電 and the industry ecosystem and emphasizing the link between stability in the Taiwan Strait and European economic security.
Man duped by cryptocurrency investment asks mother to withdraw NT$400,000; Taichung police and bank join forces to stop scam
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man in Taichung, believing a cryptocurrency investment scheme, asked his mother to withdraw NT$400,000 from a bank to invest more. A bank employee noticed something amiss and alerted police. Officers suspected an investment scam and intervened, persuading the woman to cancel the withdrawal and save her savings.
Russian drone assault on central Ukraine kills 3, injures 6
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russia launched a large-scale overnight drone assault on Ukraine’s central Kirovohrad region, killing 3 people and injuring 6. Ukraine said Russia deployed 580 drones, of which 536 were shot down.
Pingtung Wind Festival opens 10/23, with performances by A-Lin and Suming
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 2026 Pingtung Wind Festival will take place from Oct. 23 to 25 at the Mudan Visitor Center, featuring performances by singers including A-Lin and Suming, as well as a market, handicraft activities and orienteering.
Facts
2026 Pingtung Wind Festival
Will take place at the Mudan Visitor Center from the 23rd to 25th
Real total wages rose 2.66% in the first 8 months, highest for the same period in 11 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics released wage data for the first 8 months of this year, showing real total wages rose 2.66% year on year, the highest for the same period in 11 years. Overtime hours in manufacturing in August reached a 46-year high for the month, while overtime in the electronic components industry also set a record amid demand from AI-related business.
Facts
Real total wages rose 2.66% year on year
The largest increase for the same period in 11 years
Median regular monthly wages were NT$39,714
Up 3.17% year on year
Average regular monthly wages were NT$49,518
Average total wages ... rose 6.81% year on year
Manufacturing overtime totaled 17.7 hours
A monthly high for the past 46 years
Overtime in electronic components manufacturing totaled 28 hours
Taiwan stocks plunge 1,655 points; 金管會 says decline is midrange in Asia, monitoring situation closely
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan stocks plunged 1,655.96 points today. 金管會 said the decline was midrange among Asian markets and that it would closely monitor international and Taiwan market performance.
Typhoon Champi forecast to become a super typhoon next week, turn north east of Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
氣象署 said Typhoon Champi has formed and is forecast to strengthen into a super typhoon next week. Influenced by the Pacific high-pressure system, it is expected to turn north over waters east of Taiwan. Rainfall is expected to increase north of Taoyuan and in eastern Taiwan next weekend.
Facts
Could strengthen into a super typhoon next week
Forecast to become a moderate typhoon on the 17th
The northeast monsoon or the typhoon’s outer circulation may affect the area around next weekend
Northeasterly to easterly winds will prevail from the 16th to 20th
Moisture will decrease from the 17th to 20th
The next northeast monsoon will strengthen on the 21st
Highs across western Taiwan will generally reach 32 to 34 degrees Celsius
31 to 33 degrees in eastern Taiwan
Lows of about 22 to 25 degrees across Taiwan
Highs will dip slightly to between 27 and 31 degrees only in windward areas
Taiwan stocks plunged intraday, with high-priced thousand-dollar stocks at the center of the sell-off. 19 stocks hit their limit-down prices, and 10 remained limit-down at the close. 川湖 fell out of the ten-thousand-dollar stock club, while 景碩 and 環球晶 dropped out of the thousand-dollar stock category.
Facts
Plunged 1,830 points
Closed down 1,655.96 points
The 6th-largest single-day point decline
Original一共19檔千金股觸及跌停
10 stocks remained limit-down at the close
The number of high-priced thousand-dollar stocks fell to 48
KMT seeks NT$20,000 cash handout before election; Cabinet hopes to distribute NT$10,000 in AI dividends legally and constitutionally
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Kuomintang hopes the Legislative Yuan will complete a universal cash handout of NT$20,000 before the 九合一 local elections at the end of the year. The Executive Yuan reiterated its 3 principles for a universal handout, expressing hope for a legal and constitutional NT$10,000 AI dividend for all with no net borrowing, and for child and youth growth allowances to be distributed on time.
Facts
NT$20,000 in cash handouts to everyone
Universal NT$10,000 AI dividend
Original明年度歲入與歲出皆編列新台幣3兆9266億元
The budget for the NT$10,000 universal cash payout is NT$235.7 billion
NT$5,000 child and youth growth allowance per person
The 內政部 announced that its nationwide disaster preparedness training target is 200,000 people this year, and that it aims to reach 400,000 next year. Minister Liu Shih-fang said all 內政部 employees will take part in the training and that it will work with civic groups to produce a disaster preparedness handbook for older people.
Facts
This year's nationwide disaster preparedness training aims to reach 200,000 people.
The target is to reach 400,000 disaster preparedness trainees next year.
More than 2,500 disaster preparedness trainees from 5 formations took part in the National Day parade and performance.
萱萱 child abuse death case: Social worker's certificate and license revoked over falsified visits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
衛福部 announced that the social worker surnamed Lin assigned to the 萱萱 case had failed to conduct visits over an extended period, falsified visit reports and failed to keep records. A disciplinary committee decided to revoke the social worker's professional certificate and practice license.
Facts
2-year-old girl 萱萱
2 visits per month
Starting April 15, 2024
Until February this year
As early as November last year
Reported that visits were still being conducted in Tainan in January this year
展碁 positions itself for AI governance opportunities, secures AvePoint agency rights in Taiwan and Asia-Pacific
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
展碁 announced that it had secured AvePoint agency rights in Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, positioning itself to pursue AI governance opportunities and help companies address challenges involving data protection, compliance management and AI governance.
海灣國際 suspected of embezzling nearly NT$400 million; investigators search premises and question person in charge
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The person in charge of listed company 海灣國際開發, surnamed Liu, is suspected of embezzling nearly NT$400 million through hotel rent and land transactions. Investigators searched premises and questioned 4 people.
Facts
Embezzling nearly NT$400 million from the company
Suspected of causing 海灣國際開發 losses exceeding NT$90 million
Sold the 海灣建設 development project for more than NT$290 million
温世政 proposes transportation policies for Nantou; 許淑華 visits a centenarian ahead of Double Ninth Festival
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Democratic Progressive Party Nantou County commissioner candidate 温世政 proposed transportation policies, including improving connections between Taiwan Railways and high-speed rail and extending light rail. County Commissioner 許淑華, who is seeking re-election, visited a centenarian ahead of the Double Ninth Festival and honored exemplary couples.
蔣萬安 revisits proposal to relocate Songshan Airport, says Taipei City government previously urged central government to include it in plans
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Mayor 蔣萬安 reiterated that relocating Songshan Airport would benefit the city's urban planning and urged the Ministry of Transportation to include it in its plans. The Civil Aeronautics Administration estimated that relocation would take more than 20 years and said Taoyuan International Airport could accommodate Songshan Airport's passenger volume.
Facts
August, year 112 of the Republic of China calendar
Older golfers still have their spirit; 老盟 urges stronger policy support and a 五安 life
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nearly 400 senior players competed in the 2026 Silver-Age Blessings Active Aging National Blessings Cup Croquet Championship. 老人福利推動聯盟 called on the government to strengthen support policies for older people and help them achieve a 五安 life.
7-car pileup on National Freeway 1 in Tainan's Xinshi section; no injuries, failure to maintain safe distance suspected
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A 7-car collision involving passenger vehicles occurred in the Xinshi section of National Freeway 1 in Tainan in the afternoon. Traffic backed up for 5 kilometers at one point. No one was injured, and police initially suspected that drivers had failed to maintain a safe distance.
IMF warns Gulf economies will not return to prewar growth trajectory in the medium term
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The IMF forecast that Gulf economies would broadly contract, with Saudi Arabia expected to shrink by 3.3% this year and the Middle East and Central Asia region contracting by 0.3% overall. An IMF official said military conflict had left the region unable to return to its prewar growth trajectory in the medium term.
People's Criminal Investigation Bureau arrests 6 over videos promoting illegal TV boxes with NT$5.3 billion in pirated content
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Criminal Investigation Bureau uncovered an illegal group of 6 people, including an online personality surnamed Tsai, who used YouTube videos to promote illegal TV boxes for 7 years. The pirated content had a market value exceeding NT$5.3 billion. The case was referred for prosecution on suspicion of violating the Copyright Act, Trademark Act and other laws.
Facts
Pirated content with a market value exceeding NT$5.3 billion
China's Foreign Ministry announced that Premier Li Qiang will visit Russia from October 20 to 22 for the 31st regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian premiers. He will visit Uzbekistan and Tajikistan beforehand.
Ukraine accuses US of failing to warn it and restricting Starlink; Musk says Zelensky should step down
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ukraine accused the United States of failing to warn it about Russian missile attacks and restricting Starlink service. Musk responded that Zelensky should step down and said the US government, not SpaceX, was responsible.
Facts
(Central News Agency, Washington, 15th, compiled from international reports)
Trump faces pressure ahead of November midterm elections
The United States and Israel have been attacking Iran since late February
China and North Korea hold opening ceremony for new Yalu River Bridge; Li Qiang says it will promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China and North Korea held an opening ceremony for the new Yalu River Bridge. Premier Li Qiang said it would promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
22nd anniversary of founder's parinirvana; Huafan announces vision of a “University of Awakening”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
On the 22nd anniversary of the parinirvana of Master Hsiao Yun, founder of 華梵大學, the university held a commemorative event. President Li Tianren and board chair Venerable Wu Guan pledged to continue promoting “education for awakening” and work toward a “University of Awakening” that integrates the humanities and technology, compassion and wisdom.
Facts
22nd anniversary of parinirvana
Founded 華梵大學 at age 79
More than 200 people gathered at 華梵大學
Saw 36 years ago that today's society urgently needs technology and the humanities to be integrated
Liu Yi-er cries after hearing domestic abuse stories; “The Disappearance of Jin Fengna” reveals scars between mother and daughter
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The official trailer for the film “The Disappearance of Jin Fengna” has been released. Actor Liu Yi-er cried after hearing audience members share stories of domestic abuse at an advance screening. She has intense physical confrontations with Chen Chong in the film, which opens nationwide on the 29th.
School roof collapses in Pakistan, killing at least 28; more deaths feared
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A school roof collapsed during classes in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan, killing at least 27 students and 1 teacher. Rescuers have pulled 45 children from the rubble, and authorities will launch an investigation.
Foreign investors dump Taiwan stocks in record sell-off; Taiwan dollar plunges more than 3.7 jiao intraday as trading volume hits another record
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign investors recorded a net sell-off of NT$302.555 billion in Taiwan stocks, sending the Taiwan dollar down more than 3.7 jiao intraday to NT$32.452. After the central bank and exporters joined forces to stabilize the exchange rate, it closed down 1.92 jiao at NT$32.265. Trading in the Taipei foreign exchange market totaled US$7.03 billion.
Kinmen Airport stages disaster-response exercise for plane crash and flooding, with interagency field drills
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Kinmen Airport held its 115 annual aircraft accident and flood disaster-prevention exercise today, mobilizing nearly 200 people from 22 public and private organizations. The agencies conducted joint field drills with the Kinmen Defense Command, the Kinmen County Government and Kinmen Hospital to assess and strengthen the airport's emergency response capabilities.
CNN: US military weighs using 'Mother of All Bombs' to strike Iran's energy and nuclear facilities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The US military has drawn up a new plan for attacks on Iran's energy and nuclear facilities that could involve the massive Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb. Although the weapon is extremely powerful, its effectiveness against deeply buried targets is uncertain. Trump may still use it for its psychological deterrent effect.
Trump announced that Taiwan had agreed to buy 30% of the natural gas from the Alaska LNG pipeline project.
Original民眾黨批評台灣將砸近2.5兆元向美國買天然氣，且中油採購價格比目前高出1倍以上。
The Ministry of Economic Affairs' proposed cooperation includes purchasing 6 million tons of liquefied natural gas from Alaska annually after production begins.
Original行政院9月提出歷年最高的追加預算案，要求幫中油增資2,338億元以改善財務結構。
The Alaska natural gas project is expected to begin contributing to domestic gas supplies as early as 2032.
This year's dance festival is themed 'When We Dance Together.'
Original《傑宏．貝爾》將於11月21日在樹林藝文中心進行全臺首演。
The signature program 'The Body Is My Business Card' will take place on Nov. 28 and 29, bringing together 16 artists to present 16 'brief histories of the body.'
The “Island-Hopping Welfare Station—Art Market” will take place on Nov. 28 and 29, bringing together local businesses and artists.
The parent-child workshop “Sculpting a Mountain with Our Bodies, Together with Mom and Dad” will take place on Nov. 21 and 22.
Taiwan’s pride! 智必立生醫 wins France’s COSMETIC 360 International Innovation Award, the “Oscars of beauty innovation”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s 智必立生醫 won France’s COSMETIC 360 International Innovation Award for its JUBI Plasma cold plasma beauty device, showcasing the innovative strength of combining Taiwan’s semiconductor technology with biomedical engineering.
Facts
智必立國際生醫科技股份有限公司 won the Brand and Retail category award at the 2026 COSMETIC 360 Awards for its JUBI Plasma cold plasma beauty device.
This year’s COSMETIC 360 exhibition brought together more than 20 countries and about 260 participating companies from around the world. Winners were selected in only six main categories, accounting for about 2% of all participating companies.
智必立生醫’s independently developed eSIP® active cold ion technology converts plasma into low-temperature cold plasma operating below 40°C.
The JUBI Plasma product is paired with a 24K pure-gold sonic infusion probe that delivers up to 9,000 micro-vibrations per minute.
智必立生醫 has won a total of ten international design awards, including the German Red Dot Design Award, the New York Design Awards and France’s DNA Paris Design Awards.
智必立’s founder and CEO is Judy.
Companies mentioned：智必立國際生醫科技股份有限公司、JUBILEE Biomedical、智必立生醫、COSMETIC VALLEY、L'Oréal、萊雅、LVMH Research、路威酩軒集團研發部門、Estée Lauder、雅詩蘭黛、Plug and Play
Foreign investors sell aggressively, but retail investors aren’t fazed! Investors buy the dip in 0050 and leveraged 2x fund, with net subscriptions of NT$32.8 billion hitting a record
What should patients consider when having cataract surgery after laser vision correction? Chang Tsung-chi explains key assessment factors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chang Tsung-chi, superintendent of 遠見眼科, explains key considerations for cataract surgery in patients who have had laser vision correction, stressing that intraocular lens power must be calculated individually to avoid errors.
Facts
Laser vision correction changes the curvature of the cornea and the relationship between its front and back surfaces. Applying standard estimation methods for ordinary eyes can result in errors in calculating intraocular lens power.
Chang Tsung-chi, superintendent of 遠見眼科, said methods that do not rely on old records are now available, and surgery can be planned through a comprehensive examination.
An extended-range lens with fused extended-depth-of-focus design combines the advantages of distance, intermediate and near vision, making visual transitions between distances more seamless.
Original遠見眼科是德國蔡司 (ZEISS) 白內障設備認證中心。
Using femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy during surgery allows precise control of the opening’s size, shape and position, helping ensure good centration and stability of the intraocular lens.
The 2026 Taipei mayoral race is heating up, with Democratic Progressive Party candidate Shen Po-yang’s frequent appearances on pan-blue programs sparking controversy. Veteran media personality Huang Wei-han challenged front-runner Chiang Wan-an in a post, asking why he had not used the same strategy and accusing him of lacking courage.
Facts
Shen Po-yang has recently appeared in succession on programs hosted by Wang Wei-chung, Li Ssu-tuan and Jaw Shaw-kong, among others.
Some Kuomintang supporters criticized Jaw Shaw-kong as “Green Jaw.”
On the 15th, Huang Wei-han posted on Facebook under the title “Has Jaw Shaw-kong turned into Green Jaw?”
Original今年5月時沈伯洋的民調落後28個百分點。
Huang Wei-han asked whether Chiang Wan-an had considered appearing on a program hosted by Cheng Hung-yi.
Jade Chia personally delivers “2 little gifts” to Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang, joking: “After leaving the Legislative Yuan yesterday, I polished off a whole box of cooling candies”
兆豐銀行 and three other banks jointly led a NT$16.059 billion syndicated loan for 漢皇開發股份有限公司, supporting the public-led urban renewal project in the Dachen community in Yonghe. 兆豐銀行 has provided more than NT$200 billion in urban renewal financing, underscoring its strong support for city redevelopment.
Facts
漢皇開發股份有限公司 signed a NT$16.059 billion syndicated loan agreement on the 15th.
The syndicated loan was coordinated by 兆豐銀行, 第一銀行 and 合作金庫銀行, with 彰化銀行 invited to serve as a joint lead arranger.
A total of 7 financial institutions participated in the syndicated loan, which was 1.22 times oversubscribed.
As of the end of September 115年, 兆豐銀行 had approved nearly 180 financing cases for urban renewal and aging buildings, with total credit facilities exceeding NT$200 billion.
兆豐銀行 has been named Taiwan’s Best Syndicated Loan Bank by 亞太區貸款市場公會 4 times since 2020.
The funds will mainly be used to finance development of Unit 7 of the public-led urban renewal project in the Dachen community in Yonghe.
Statistics from 倫敦證券交易所集團 show that 兆豐銀行 ranked first in credit facility management in the first three quarters of 2026.
The first debate is expected to last 2 hours and end at 2 p.m.
The debate is co-hosted by TVBS and 三立電視.
Chiang Wan-an’s camp was represented in the negotiations by Kuomintang Legislator Lo Chih-chiang and campaign office director Yeh Hsiang-yuan.
Shen Po-yang’s camp was represented in the negotiations by campaign manager Wu Szu-yao, who also briefed the public on the outcome.
The two sides reached an impasse during their first round of talks on Oct. 12 over disagreements about the debate date and the total number of debates.
Chiang Wan-an had said he was open to holding a second and third debate.
Why is 台積電 waiting until 2030 to use High NA EUV? Wei Che-chia: production maturity and cost are key
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台積電 Chairman Wei Che-chia said at an earnings briefing that the company plans to introduce High NA EUV in 2030, taking technological maturity and cost into consideration. He stressed that this does not indicate a technological disadvantage and mentioned work with ASML to advance 12-inch photomasks, as well as plans for A14 process mass production in 2028.
Facts
台積電 currently plans to begin using High NA EUV equipment in 2030.
台積電 Chairman Wei Che-chia said key considerations in evaluating new equipment include technology, reasonable cost and maturity.
台積電’s A14 process is expected to enter trial production in 2027 and mass production in 2028.
Wei Che-chia said competitors’ earlier adoption of High NA equipment does not put 台積電 at a technological disadvantage.
Children who need help cannot wait until there are five! Wu Hsu-chih has supported them from unicycle programs to the city council, pushing to ease subsidy requirements for special education aides at private preschools
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
During questioning at the county council, Hsinchu County Councilor Wu Hsu-chih proposed lowering the subsidy threshold for special education aides at private preschools outside the quasi-public system from 5 children to 4, to better reflect needs on the ground. The Education Department said it would estimate the costs and submit them to the county magistrate, while emphasizing the need to strengthen coordination among agencies on early intervention resources.
Facts
Hsinchu County Councilor Wu Hsu-chih is pushing to lower the subsidy threshold for special education aides at private preschools outside the quasi-public system.
Under current subsidy standards, private preschools outside the quasi-public system must enroll 5 children with special needs to qualify for funding for 1 special education aide.
The charitable unicycle training program Wu Hsu-chih has long helped promote has continued for ten editions.
Wu Hsu-chih called on the Social Affairs Department, Health Bureau and Education Department to strengthen coordination on screening, assessment, treatment and family support.
In charts》Taoyuan mayoral hopefuls Chang San-cheng and Huang Shih-chieh vie over childcare! Which of the 13 districts has the most newborns? Official birth figures released, with the biggest changes in these areas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Childcare is a focus of the 2026 Taoyuan mayoral race, with candidates Chang San-cheng and Huang Shih-chieh each proposing childcare policies. Statistics show Taoyuan recorded 12,980 births in 2025, down 23.2%, with declines in every district.
Facts
Taoyuan recorded 12,980 births in 2025, down 3,926 from 2024, a decline of 23.2%.
Taoyuan District recorded 2,454 births in 2025, the most in the city, while Fuxing District had the fewest, at 146.
Births in Daxi District fell 29.4% year over year, the largest decline among the 13 districts.
Chang San-cheng said Taoyuan’s public and quasi-public childcare coverage rate has risen from 28% to 55%.
Huang Shih-chieh proposed creating a childcare map that brings together information on public and private childcare centers and babysitters.
Half of Britons refuse to go to war! New poll: 51% support expanding defense budget, say the money should come from the “wealthy”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A new UK poll shows that although half of the public refuse to fight in a war, 51% support expanding the defense budget, with 46% backing higher taxes on high earners. The government is restarting cross-departmental wartime preparedness and plans to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
Facts
As many as 51% of UK respondents support the government increasing defense spending.
Some 46% of respondents support raising income taxes on people earning more than 125,000 pounds a year to fund the military.
Half of the British public say they would not be willing to fight for the UK under any circumstances.
The UK has pledged to raise core defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
Some 48% of men said they would be willing to fight under certain circumstances, compared with 40% who said they would not.
UK defense spending is expected to rise to 2.7% of GDP in fiscal year 2027/28.
Preparations for the cross-departmental “wartime handbook” are expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.
Kao Hung-an launches campaign headquarters on the 18th as she seeks re-election! Invites Ko Wen-je, Cheng Li-wun and Huang Kuo-chang to campaign event; leaders from three counties and cities to boost cross-party cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hsinchu City Mayor Kao Hung-an plans to hold a campaign headquarters inauguration on Oct. 18, inviting prominent figures from the Taiwan People’s Party and Kuomintang, including Ko Wen-je, Cheng Li-wun and Huang Kuo-chang, as well as several local leaders, to show her determination to seek re-election and intent to work across party lines.
Facts
Kao Hung-an will hold a campaign headquarters and supporters’ group inauguration in Hsinchu at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18.
Taiwan People’s Party founding chairman Ko Wen-je, Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun and Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang have been invited to attend and campaign.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui and Taitung County Magistrate Jao Ching-ling will travel from their respective areas to lend support.
The event’s theme is “Hsinchu reaches new heights; re-election will make things even better.”
The event will be held at 港南艾茉爾婚宴會館, No. 588, Haipu Road, Hsinchu City.
Hidden pension liabilities for civil servants, public-school teachers and military personnel approach 3 trillion! National teachers’ union exposes labor insurance crisis: Will everyone bear the cost of pension reform after 10,000 in cash is handed out?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
全國教師工會總聯合會 issued a press release criticizing the government for pushing a cash handout costing hundreds of billions of dollars despite huge hidden liabilities in labor insurance and military, civil servant and public-school teacher pension funds. It said the move ignores long-term financial risks and makes the public bear the cost of pension reform.
Facts
Original全教總指出政府規劃普發1萬元現金預計耗費2,357億元。
By the end of 2025, hidden liabilities of central and local governments had exceeded 21 trillion.
The actuarial accrued liabilities for retirement benefits not funded by the military, civil servant and public-school teacher pension funds are about 2.9 trillion.
The Labor Insurance fund's insolvency deadline has been pushed back from 2028 to 2031.
If the Legislative Yuan passes the central government's general budget in its third reading before Jan. 5, 2027, cash handouts could begin before Lunar New Year.
More children than an emperor had! One ancient feudal lord had 120 sons—the remarkably clever reason behind it shaped a millennium of Chinese history.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines how Emperor Wu of Han dismantled the power of the feudal kings through the “Order of Favorable Succession,” and how Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, protected himself by fathering 120 sons. The strategy allowed the Liu lineage to survive, and hundreds of years later, his descendant Liu Bei established Shu Han on the strength of his legitimate status, profoundly influencing Chinese history and the balance of power during the Three Kingdoms period.
Facts
Emperor Wu of Han issued the Order of Favorable Succession, stipulating that feudal lords could divide their fiefs among all their sons.
Liu Sheng, Prince Jing of Zhongshan, fathered as many as 120 sons in his lifetime.
The Order of Favorable Succession led to the formerly powerful feudal kingdoms being endlessly broken up into tiny commanderies and counties.
Liu Sheng adopted the image of spending his time in the harem and fathering many children to lower Emperor Wu's guard.
Weather forecast／The fine weather is over! Northern Taiwan to “turn cooler and rainy from this day”; Taipei's high plunges 8 degrees—timing of the most noticeable change revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Central Weather Administration issued a forecast on Oct. 15, saying Taiwan would be cloudy and warm from the 16th through the 20th, with Taipei's high reaching 35 degrees. However, the northeast monsoon will strengthen from the 21st, bringing cooler, rainy weather to northern Taiwan and an 8-degree plunge in Taipei's high, while central and southern Taiwan remain warm.
Facts
The Central Weather Administration issued its latest weekly weather forecast at 5 p.m. on Oct. 15.
From Oct. 16 to 20, most parts of Taiwan will remain cloudy to sunny, with warm daytime temperatures.
Taipei City's high on the 20th is forecast to reach 35 degrees.
The northeast monsoon will strengthen from Oct. 21, bringing a marked drop in temperatures and rain to northern Taiwan.
The daytime highs in Taipei City on the 20th and 21st will differ by 8 degrees.
New Taipei City's high will be 34 degrees on the 20th, falling to 27 degrees on the 21st, a drop of 7 degrees.
Taichung City's high will be 33 degrees on the 20th and 32 degrees on the 21st.
From the 21st, there is a chance of long-period swells along the Keelung North Coast, the eastern coast and the Hengchun Peninsula.
The Ministry of National Defense confirmed an error in the “10-year gradual reduction” formula for military pension reform, resulting in about 18,000 retired personnel being overcharged each year by a total of about 5 million yuan. The money will be automatically refunded on Nov. 1.
This year's Typhoon No. 29, “薔琵,” formed on the afternoon of the 15th and is currently more than 4,000 kilometers from Taiwan. Its future track remains uncertain.
台積電 reported third-quarter earnings per share of 29.43 yuan, a record high. Chairman C.C. Wei confirmed for the first time that the company is evaluating an expansion in Texas, U.S.
Host Kevin Tsai confirmed on Threads that he will wear a black suit to attend the launch event for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's campaign headquarters.
Who do Chiang Chi-chen and Ho Hsin-chun favor to win? “43.7% of respondents support him” in the Taichung mayoral election, latest online poll reveals surprising results
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Yahoo launched an online poll for the 2026 Taichung mayoral election, running from Oct. 12 to 16. Nearly 5,000 online users had participated by 8 p.m. on Oct. 12. The results showed that 43.7% favored Kuomintang candidate Chiang Chi-chen, while 19.4% favored Democratic Progressive Party candidate Ho Hsin-chun. The results reflect only the views of participating users, and the final figures may still change.
Facts
In Yahoo's online poll for the 2026 Taichung mayoral election, nearly 5,000 online users had participated by 8 p.m. on Oct. 12, with 43.7% favoring Chiang Chi-chen.
In the online poll, 19.4% favored Democratic Progressive Party Taichung mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun.
In the online poll, 36.9% said they did not know or had no opinion.
Chiang Chi-chen recently opened his campaign headquarters, inviting Han Kuo-yu, Hou You-yi and Lu Shiow-yen to attend and show their support.
Ho Hsin-chun joined Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang, hoping the spillover effect of the “ocean current” would boost her campaign in Taichung.
Graphic guide》Chiang Chi-chen and Ho Hsin-chun both talk about transportation! Which Taichung Metro station gets the most riders? Official station-by-station ridership figures at a glance, for commuters
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taichung Metro Green Line ridership figures for August 2026 show that High Speed Rail Taichung Station led with nearly 19,000 daily trips, while Jiuzhangli Station ranked last with just 65. The figures have become a focal point of transportation discussions in the 2026 Taichung mayoral race and prompted city officials to speed up plans for facilities around low-ridership stations.
Facts
In August 2026, High Speed Rail Taichung Station on the Taichung Metro Green Line averaged about 18,839 entries and exits per day, ranking first.
In August 2026, Jiuzhangli Station on the Taichung Metro Green Line averaged about 65 entries and exits per day, ranking last.
The top five stations on the Taichung Metro Green Line accounted for about 52.8% of the month's total entries and exits.
Construction of the south entrance at Jiuzhangli Station is expected to be completed on Dec. 31, 2029.
MRT Wuri Station is not a shared transfer station with High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways' Xinwuri Station.
Oct. 15 international evening news roundup｜South Korean stocks trigger circuit breakers, fall for 7 straight sessions; Chinese developer says Claude flagged for “Taiwan independence” and account suspended; Houthis heavily damage Saudi Aramco headquarters
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
International news on Oct. 15 covered developments across several fields. In finance, South Korea's KOSPI plunged, triggering a circuit breaker and extending its losing streak to seven sessions; China and the EU reached an understanding on import restrictions for hybrid cars. Geopolitically, a Houthi attack damaged Saudi Aramco headquarters, Putin's visit to a disputed island heightened tensions between Japan and Russia, and the U.S. suspended sanctions on Russian diesel. In technology and sports, an account suspension over politically sensitive wording generated by AI tool Claude drew attention, while the Dodgers faced elimination in the MLB playoffs.
Facts
South Korea's benchmark KOSPI index fell more than 8% intraday on Oct. 15, triggering a circuit breaker. It closed at 5,528.05 points, marking its 7th consecutive trading-day decline.
Yemen's Houthi forces attacked Saudi Arabia on the evening of the 13th, damaging the top 3 floors of the 沙烏地阿美石油公司 headquarters building.
Original中國同意配合歐盟為進口混合動力汽車設定上限，歐盟擬把年度進口上限設為35萬輛。
A Chinese developer alleged that Claude generated content containing “Taiwan independence,” after which Anthropic disabled the account; however, the claim that the wording was deliberately planted has not been verified.
Brent crude futures closed at $106.06 per barrel on Oct. 14, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude closed at $95.09.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued General License No. 135, suspending sanctions on Russian diesel until April 7 next year.
洛杉磯道奇 lost 2-6 to 密爾瓦基釀酒人 in the National League Championship Series, falling behind 0 wins to 3 losses in the series.
During questioning, Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Lai Hui-yuan told Jia Yong-jie to dress modestly, but was later revealed to have apparently worn a Hermès belt, sparking accusations of a double standard.
Facts
During questioning at the Legislative Yuan's Finance Committee, Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Lai Hui-yuan reminded 台北101 Chairwoman Jia Yong-jie that next time she should dress as “modestly” as the committee members.
Jia Yong-jie wore a Dior jacket priced at about NT$180,000 when she went to the Legislative Yuan to answer questions.
Lai Hui-yuan later posted a video apologizing, acknowledging that after rewatching the footage, she realized her comments had indeed been inappropriate.
President Lai Ching-te shared a photo on social media of himself wearing a floral shirt to a meeting, stressing that everyone has the right to express their personal style.
Typhoon 薔琵 forms! “Big and powerful” storm takes a major turn; expert says this is when it will come closest to Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
At 14:00 on the 15th, the Central Weather Administration announced the formation of this year's Typhoon No. 29, “薔琵,” which is moving northwestward. Experts predict it will come closest to Taiwan from next Thursday to Saturday. With conditions favorable for development, it is expected to become a severe typhoon, and the public should continue to follow changes in its track.
Facts
At 14:00 on the 15th, the Central Weather Administration upgraded a tropical depression to Typhoon No. 29, 薔琵.
The center of Typhoon 薔琵 is at 11.0 degrees north latitude and 158.6 degrees east longitude.
Typhoon 薔琵 is moving west at 24 kilometers per hour.
Original薔琵颱風中心氣壓為998百帕，近中心最大風速每秒18公尺
Typhoon Champi is forecast to come closest to Taiwan from next Thursday (22) through next Saturday (24).
Typhoon Champi is expected to strengthen into a large and powerful severe typhoon.
Hsinchu City Government teams up with Yang Ming Chiao Tung University to promote a “Smart Disaster Prevention Building Safety Network”; Mayor Ann Kao: Using technology to protect public buildings in the city
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
新竹市政府 and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University signed an MOU to launch a smart disaster prevention plan, installing seismographs in old public buildings to monitor structural safety.
Facts
新竹市政府 signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOU) with 國立陽明交通大學 on the 15th, launching the “Smart Disaster Prevention Building Safety Network” plan.
The plan calls for installing “triaxial force-balance seismographs” in old public buildings under the city’s jurisdiction.
The first batch of monitoring equipment will be installed at 4 locations: 新竹市政府 (the former provincial government building), the Xuezhu Building, Xingnan Civic Activity Center and Ciyun Skywalk.
Yang Ming Chiao Tung University President Lin Chi-hung and Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao jointly signed the MOU.
The city government’s Public Works Department will work with the Yang Ming Chiao Tung University team to install the equipment and build the system.
Project director Professor Lin Tzu-kang explained the seismograph’s precision sensing technology and how its big-data integration and early warning system operate.
The structural data and analysis findings will serve as important references for the city government’s building maintenance and management, risk assessments and urban planning.
Su Chiao-hui takes on a one-day role as a musical theater performer, hoping to infuse New Taipei with artistic and cultural energy by drawing on its local character
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui visited the Golden Bough Theatre and pledged to improve the arts and culture environment and draw on local character to boost the city’s cultural energy, earning praise from the troupe’s founder.
Facts
New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui visited 金枝演社劇團 in Bali, New Taipei, and took on a one-day role as a musical theater performer.
Su Chiao-hui pledged that, if she leads the New Taipei City Government, she will improve the creative environment for arts and culture workers through measures including space matching and venue use.
Golden Bough Theatre was founded in 1993, and its founder, Wang Jung-yu, received the 22nd National Award for Arts in the theater category.
Golden Bough Theatre will stage its all-Taiwanese-language musical The Fragrant Night Thief at the Taipei Performing Arts Center from Nov. 6 to Nov. 15.
Su Chiao-hui said she hopes New Taipei will be a city where creators dare to experiment and all kinds of dreams have a chance to come true.
New tourism website and digital guide map go live! Ann Kao invites everyone to “follow the trend and explore Hsinchu”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
新竹市政府 announced on Oct. 15 that its new tourism website and digital guide map were live, integrating resources from 35 attractions with AI and AR technology, and launching an AR stamp-collecting event to promote the “Follow the Trend and Explore Hsinchu” brand.
Facts
新竹市政府 held a press conference at the Hsinchu Image Museum on Oct. 15 to announce the launch of its new tourism website and digital tourism guide map.
The new tourism website brings together multilingual services covering attraction introductions, festival events and transportation information, and adds an event calendar and AI customer service.
The digital tourism guide map links at least 35 selected attractions and historic sites across the city and features GIS positioning, 3D panoramic views and AR interactivity.
The city government has launched an AR treasure hunt and stamp-collection event running from Oct. 23 to Nov. 8 and linking 5 distinctive attractions.
Visitors who complete the stamp-collection task at all 5 designated locations in the AR treasure hunt can redeem limited-edition souvenirs and enter for a chance to win an Apple Watch SE 3.
The new website has created a “Tourism Library” to digitally archive the “A Moment in Hsinchu” quarterly magazine and tourism brochures.
Xinyi temporary market construction officially begins; Hsieh Kuo-liang hopes to balance vendors’ business operations and commercial district development, setting a new milestone in the market’s renovation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
基隆市政府 held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Xinyi temporary market on the 14th, with Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang announcing the start of the renovation project. An investment of NT$48 million in the temporary market will ensure vendors can continue operating during the transition, while a site provided by the port company will help balance residents’ needs with commercial district development.
Facts
基隆市政府 held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Xinyi temporary market on the 14th, with Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang presiding and announcing the official start of the market renovation project.
The renovation contract for the temporary market was put out to tender on Sept. 1 this year, with a budget of about NT$48 million.
The temporary market will be equipped with air conditioning, fire safety systems, elevators, and water and electricity facilities to improve stall arrangements.
基隆港務分公司 agreed to provide a site for the city government to lease as a temporary operating location while Xinyi Market is being renovated.
The temporary market is being set up nearby to reduce the burden on vendors of relocating and rebuilding their customer base.
The city government began communicating with the market self-governing association, its chairperson and vendors as early as the end of 112, expressing its determination to move ahead with the market renovation.
2026 Top Businesses | One Ranch, Two Generations of Business Choices: 乙木羊’s Huang Yi-ching and her journey home to start a business
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Huang Yi-ching returned to her hometown in 2019 and founded 乙木羊農牧, positioning it separately from the 萬春羊牧場 run by her parents. The business focuses on refrigerated fresh goat’s milk and a range of dairy products for urban families, and opened a shop at 台中榮民總醫院 in 2022.
Facts
A car accident in 2013 prompted Huang Yi-ching and her older brother, Huang Po-tung, to reassess the family’s 萬春羊牧場, after their father was injured and their mother struggled to manage the workload.
Huang Yi-ching officially returned to her hometown to work in 2019 and founded the new brand 乙木羊農牧.
乙木羊農牧’s product strategy was to replace small bottles of hot goat’s milk intended for individual consumption with larger bottles of refrigerated fresh goat’s milk.
In 2022, Huang Yi-ching accepted an invitation to open a shop from the commercial leasing team at 台中榮民總醫院 and established an 乙木羊 direct-operated store there.
乙木羊農牧’s delivery offerings have expanded to include goat’s milk yogurt with fruit, cheese, Japanese-style pudding and vegetable boxes featuring produce from small-scale farmers in Changhua.
AI reshapes corporate decision-making; Chang Gung AI EMBA develops a new generation of leaders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
長庚大學 has launched an AI EMBA program combining management expertise with AI applications to cultivate senior leaders with forward-looking vision and decision-making skills to meet the challenges of technological change.
Facts
長庚大學 launched its AI EMBA program in academic year 115 and is now recruiting students for its second cohort, for academic year 116.
Faculty members in the Chang Gung AI EMBA program include professors Tang Ming-che, Yu Cho-min, Huang Chung-hsing and Chiu Hsien-pi.
More than one-third of the new students in the Chang Gung AI EMBA program for academic year 115 are key decision-makers, including business founders, presidents and general managers.
The Chang Gung AI EMBA program integrates AI with management fields including accounting, finance, marketing, decision-making and strategy.
Huang Zitao’s child is already this big! A look at 7 key moments in Xu Yiyang’s childbirth timeline, after a livestream slip of the tongue about “spending time with the child” is quickly walked back
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chinese entertainers Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang posted a seaside photo of their family of 3 on Oct. 15, 2026, confirming they have a child. Since making their relationship public in 2024, the couple has faced repeated pregnancy and childbirth rumors as well as surrogacy controversy. Their latest post drew attention, but they did not disclose details about the child.
Facts
Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang officially made their relationship public in July 2024.
Xu Yiyang shared a seaside photo on Oct. 15, 2026, interpreted as the couple’s first public announcement that they had become parents.
Huang Zitao and Xu Yiyang made their marriage certificate public on Dec. 2, 2024.
The two artists’ studios denied surrogacy rumors in June 2025.
During a livestream in October 2024, Huang Zitao appeared to let slip: “Spend time with the child...”
Don’t be spooked by Taiwan stocks’ sharp drop! Institutions stress that “downside is limited” and say a break above 50,000 points is just around the corner
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Global stock market volatility sent Taiwan stocks sharply lower. Kuo Ming-yu, prospective manager of 玉山臺灣關鍵科技 ETF, said the decline stemmed from valuation and sentiment rather than weakening AI demand. With tech giants continuing to invest in AI and Taiwan’s economic growth momentum remaining strong, institutional investors are optimistic that Taiwan stocks will break above 50,000 points and advise investors to take advantage of pullbacks.
Facts
Taiwan stocks plunged 1,655.96 points, or 3.41%, at the close today.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell for 6 consecutive trading sessions, with cumulative losses nearing 10%.
The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics forecasts that Taiwan’s economic growth rate could reach 11.05% this year.
Taiwan’s weighted index has a price-to-earnings ratio of about 21 times, while the electronics sector’s ratio is about 23 times.
Profits at Taiwan-listed companies are expected to grow 79% year on year this year.
Serving the emperor in ancient times wasn’t just about sex! Consorts had to follow 3 strict SOPs, and the last is too disturbing to imagine
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines the strict rules governing Qing dynasty consorts when summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber, including being searched and wrapped in a quilt, being forbidden to make a sound to prevent assassination, and mandatory contraception. It reveals how the protection of the emperor’s safety came at the expense of women’s dignity.
Facts
Before being summoned to the emperor’s bedchamber, Qing dynasty consorts had to remove all their clothes for eunuchs to search them, then be wrapped in a quilt and carried by eunuchs to the imperial bed.
During the emperor’s night visit, the concubines were strictly forbidden to make a sound, to prevent their voices from masking unusual noises made by an assassin sneaking in.
At the end of the visit, eunuchs from the Palace Attendants’ Office would shout “Call it off” to forcibly end the encounter, then ask the emperor, “Keep her or not?”
If the emperor answered “Don’t keep her,” the eunuchs would use a specific technique to forcibly prevent the concubine from becoming pregnant.
Qing emperors chose their companions for the night using “green-head plaques,” and concubines could tip eunuchs to have their plaques placed in a prominent position.
In-Depth》Did 53 stars once go to the mainland to “attend political indoctrination”? As the CCP marks the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth and promotes unification, the MAC draws a red line barring “these people” from attending
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh announced at a press conference on Oct. 15 that people required to obtain permission to travel to the mainland would be barred from attending the CCP-organized event commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth. He also urged the public not to co-host events with mainland authorities, to avoid becoming tools of united front work. The MAC reiterated that, according to the calendar of the Republic of China, this year marks the 161st anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth, and therefore it does not recognize the legitimacy of this 160th-anniversary commemoration.
Facts
Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh said on Oct. 15 that permission would be denied to anyone required to apply to travel to the mainland to attend events commemorating the 160th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth.
The MAC urged all sectors not to co-host events related to Sun Yat-sen’s birth anniversary with mainland authorities in Taiwan, to avoid becoming tools of united front work.
Under Article 9 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, political appointees, mayors of special municipalities, county and city magistrates and mayors, among others, must obtain permission to travel to mainland China.
When the CCP held a conference in 2016 to mark the 150th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen’s birth, 53 retired generals traveled to the mainland to attend.
The MAC stressed that, according to the Republic of China’s position, this year marks the 161st anniversary of Mr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth, not the 160th.
4 people have yet to claim the NT$10 million uniform-invoice prize! Fewer than 20 days remain before unclaimed prizes are forfeited—see the winning locations in one handy guide
Not just Zhuge Liang and Yue Fei! China’s “true 10 greatest loyal ministers”: They commanded powerful armies but never declared themselves emperor, and some paid with their entire families’ lives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article profiles 10 of the most loyal ministers in Chinese history, from Bi Gan of the Shang dynasty to Zeng Guofan of the Qing dynasty. It recounts how they served their rulers, faced political choices and met tragic fates, including Bi Gan’s disembowelment, Yue Fei’s death and Zeng Guofan’s refusal to become emperor.
Facts
After King Cheng of Zhou came of age, the Duke of Zhou voluntarily returned power to him and did not seize the throne.
Chao Cuo of the Western Han strongly advocated reducing the power of regional lords, but Emperor Jing had him executed to quell the Rebellion of the Seven States.
During the Northern Expeditions, Zhuge Liang became ill from overwork and died at Wuzhang Plains.
Yue Fei of the Southern Song was framed by Qin Hui and killed in Lin’an on the supposedly groundless charge of “some nonexistent crime.”
Fang Xiaoru of the Ming dynasty refused to write an accession edict for Zhu Di and, according to legend, was subjected to the “execution of ten clans.”