特斯拉 unveiled its Roadster flying sports car, equipped with rocket thrusters, sparking heated discussion online in China. 人民日報 commented that it looked more like a concept show, while affirming the strengths of China's auto industry in systematic, substantive engineering; executives from Nio, 小鵬 and other companies expressed interest and discussed it rationally.
Macron takes veiled swipe at Trump, saying someone is exploiting unrest in France for political gain
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
French President Macron took veiled aim at U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during a visit to Qatar, accusing them of exploiting unrest in France for political gain to support their respective election campaigns; French authorities are preparing for protests that could erupt again this weekend.
Facts
Just 6 months remain before the presidential election to choose Macron's successor
Thousands of students and teachers take to the streets in Greece to protest education and pay issues
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Thousands of students and teachers took to the streets in Greece to protest education and pay issues. About 10,000 demonstrators gathered peacefully in Athens, calling for increased education funding and improved facilities.
Wu Chih-chung: 1727 diplomatic substitute service members have served overseas; a key force in foreign aid
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Chih-chung said that since the diplomatic substitute service program began in 2001, a total of 1727 service members have been sent overseas, becoming an important force in Taiwan's foreign aid efforts. The 26th graduation ceremony was held by the International Cooperation and Development Fund, and 56 service members will head to the Asia-Pacific, Africa and other regions to take part in international cooperation projects after completing their training.
Taiwan Series decided in 11th-inning extra frame; Chen Tzu-hsien's walk-off hit keeps the Brothers alive
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In Game 4 of the CPBL Taiwan Series, 中信兄弟 beat 味全龍 5-4 on a walk-off single by Chen Tzu-hsien in the bottom of the 11th inning, forcing the series back to a tie.
Candidates clash over industrial policies: Su Chiao-hui pledges city will find land; Lee Chuan-chiao advocates expanding industrial land
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
New Taipei mayoral candidates Lee Chuan-chiao of the Kuomintang and Su Chiao-hui of the Democratic Progressive Party presented their industrial policy proposals at a 新北市工業會 members' meeting. Lee advocated expanding industrial land and promoting a "lease-only, no-sale" policy, while Su pledged that the city government would find land and improve infrastructure, and accelerate development of 9 industrial parks.
Kremlin: Ready to resume U.S.-Ukraine-Russia trilateral talks in mid-November
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Russian Kremlin announced that it is ready to resume trilateral talks among the United States, Ukraine and Russia in mid-November. Putin said he had agreed in principle to restart negotiations after meeting U.S. envoy Witkoff, but accused Witkoff of conveying a Ukraine-Europe proposal that lacked substantive content.
Tokyo and Osaka temperatures top 30 degrees, setting latest midsummer-day records in more than a century of observations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Temperatures in Tokyo and Osaka topped 30 degrees Celsius, setting records for the latest "midsummer day" in the observation records dating back to 1875 and 1933, respectively. 日本氣象廳 officials said these were the latest high temperatures in a century and urged the public to treat extreme heat as a natural disaster.
Councilor reveals alleged mistreatment of children in care; 北市社會局: Immediate response launched
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei City Councilor Hung Wan-chen raised allegations during questioning that children in the Social Affairs Department's care had been mistreated, saying the child's mother had nowhere to turn for help and was denied access to surveillance footage. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an responded that the teacher involved had been reassigned and barred from entering the facility. 北市社會局 issued a statement that evening, clarifying that it launched medical care and an investigation immediately after receiving the report. The person involved was transferred on September 10, access to surveillance footage must follow legally mandated confidentiality procedures, and penalties will be assessed under the Child and Youth Welfare and Rights Protection Act.
Taichung mayoral debate hits impasse; Chiang Chi-chen and Ho Hsin-chun disagree on timing and language
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A dispute emerged between Kuomintang and Democratic Progressive Party Taichung mayoral candidates Chiang Chi-chen and Ho Hsin-chun before they could agree on the time, place and language for a televised debate. Chiang's team proposed including cross-examination in English to assess international capabilities, while Ho's team opposed requiring English, saying the majority of residents should be respected and a suitable time selected. The two sides have yet to reach a final agreement.
Facts
2026 Nine-in-One Elections
Taichung, 21st
Coordination meeting held on the 20th
Scheduled for November 2 to 6
Fully available on November 2
Already has scheduled engagements on November 2 and 3
During the 90-minute debate
Set aside 20 minutes for cross-examination entirely in English
St. Vincent celebrates 47th independence anniversary; ambassador to Taiwan praises Taiwan as a loyal partner and thanks it for its assistance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated its 47th independence anniversary, and its ambassador to Taiwan, Kang Kwan, thanked Taiwan as a loyal partner. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said the two countries have maintained close friendship over 45 years of diplomatic relations.
Taiwan-UK renewable energy conference and dialogue focus on cooperation in green energy, low-carbon technologies
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
經濟部能源署 and 英國在台辦事處 jointly held the 21st Taiwan-UK Renewable Energy Exchange Conference and the 8th Taiwan-UK Energy Dialogue, focusing on cooperation in green energy, low-carbon technologies, offshore wind power and CCUS to deepen the partnership in energy security and the net-zero transition.
元太 partners with 富士軟片 to target Japan’s railway sector, with color e-paper signs set for mass production in 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
元太科技 and Japan’s 富士軟片影像系統公司 are partnering to expand the market for large-format color e-paper signs, initially focusing on Japan’s railway sector. A sample of the 55-inch product is expected in December this year, with mass production scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Hormuz Strait disruption sends 巴拿馬運河 cargo transits to record high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
巴拿馬運河’s operator said cargo transits through the canal hit a record high of 521 million tons as the Strait of Hormuz was closed because of the war in the Middle East.
Facts
5% of global maritime trade
Nearly 14,000 vessels passed through 巴拿馬運河
Cargo throughput reached 521 million tons
The previous cargo record was 518 million tons in fiscal 2022
About 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas is transported through the Strait of Hormuz
Typhoon Cempaka approaches; weather agency to issue sea warning at 11:30 p.m.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
交通部中央氣象署 announced that, as Typhoon Cempaka approaches, it will issue a marine typhoon warning at 11:30 p.m. and hold a news conference at 11:40 p.m. to provide details.
Facts
This year's No. 29 typhoon, Co-may.
To be issued at 11:30 p.m.
A news briefing will be held at 11:40 p.m.
Cempaka’s center at 8 p.m.
About 790 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi
Maximum sustained winds near the center of 55 meters per second
Typhoon Cempaka approaches; Liu Shih-fang urges implementation of storm preparations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang convened a disaster-preparedness meeting for Typhoon Cempaka, saying the winds and rain would have the greatest impact from the morning of the 23rd through the 24th. She urged government agencies and local governments to implement typhoon precautions, including moving vessels to shelter, closing scenic areas, planning transportation and carrying out precautionary evacuations.
Facts
Winds and rain expected to have the greatest impact from the morning of the 23rd through the 24th
Waves reaching 6 meters
Gusts reaching force 10
Typhoon Cempaka disaster-preparedness meeting convened at 5 p.m.
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia sign defense cooperation agreement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Indonesia signed the “Badr Memorandum of Understanding” in Doha, aiming to strengthen defense cooperation, enhance defensive capabilities, and promote military production and technology research and development.
Jensen Huang unveils containerized data center at Berlin GTC, touts potential of physical AI
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
輝達 CEO Jensen Huang announced the launch of the DSX POD containerized AI data center at the GTC conference in Berlin and touted the potential of physical AI. He stressed that Europe should become an AI producer, introduced the Vera Rubin platform’s mass production and partnerships with Taiwanese companies including 鴻海 and 技嘉, and showcased applications from partners including 西門子, 達梭系統, Bolt and Agile Robots.
Facts
A partnership spanning 33 years
Nearly $10 billion invested
Working with more than 12,000 partners
Can cut power consumption by up to 30%
Delivery by global partners expected in early 2027
Deploy at least 25,000 vehicles with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities
RIPE biennial conference focuses on public media challenges, explores AI and disaster-prevention applications
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
公視 and 國立政治大學 jointly hosted the practical session of the “RIPE 2026 Biennial Conference,” inviting public media representatives from Taiwan and abroad to share how they are tackling challenges such as disinformation and political pressure, and to discuss applications including artificial intelligence and disaster early warnings.
外交部 urges democratic partners to resist authoritarian violence after China’s alleged transnational repression of Huang Yi-hao
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
新北地檢署 has concluded its investigation into a case in which people overseas allegedly funded and planned a staged car crash to injure comedian Huang Yi-hao, indicting 5 people. 外交部 strongly condemned China’s transnational repression and urged democratic partners to jointly resist authoritarian violence and defend freedom and human rights.
輝達 backs 京元電’s new US plant for mass production in April next year, partners with 矽品 to expand CPO optical engines
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
輝達 announced capacity expansion partnerships with 京元電, 矽品精密 and 艾克爾, including an $1.1 billion advance payment to 京元電 to support mass production at its new US plant in April 2027, and a plan with 矽品 to expand CPO optical engine capacity to 15 times current levels. It will also support 艾克爾 in increasing its interposer wafer capacity in South Korea by more than 300%.
Son of Hualien Chinese spouse village chief Deng Wanhua takes over candidacy, then disqualified
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Lai Wen-you, son of Hualien village chief Deng Wanhua, whose spouse is from China, took over the candidacy for Xuetian village chief. He was initially approved by 花蓮縣選委會, but 中央選舉委員會 revoked his eligibility on the grounds that he had not submitted proof of renunciation of his Chinese household registration. Lai questioned whether requiring proof of “a fact that objectively never existed in the first place” violated the principles of good faith and due process of law.
Facts
Continuously registered as a resident in Taiwan for 25 years
Taken to Taiwan to settle there when just 6 months old
Married and moved to Taiwan 28 years ago
They have 3 children.
Obtained a 中華民國 passport 17 years ago
First ran for office at the end of 2022
Removed from office on Aug. 1 last year over 中華人民共和國 nationality issue
UN warns El Niño could reach record strength, affecting global climate and economy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
聯合國世界氣象組織 warned that the current El Niño could reach record strength, with a peak expected at the end of 2026, bringing extreme weather and affecting the global economy and humanitarian conditions.
輝達 unveils DSX POD modular AI factory; 鴻海集團 to begin deliveries in early 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
輝達 announced at the GTC conference the DSX POD modular AI factory reference design, centered on the Vera Rubin platform. 鴻海集團 and its subsidiary 鴻佰科技 are among the partners, with global deliveries expected to begin in early 2027. The modular solution will shorten deployment time from 6 months to as little as 14 days, and the company is working with Taiwanese manufacturers including 台達電, 技嘉, 和碩, 雲達科技 under 廣達集團, and 緯創.
Li Qiang to meet Russian prime minister; China and Russia to advance cooperation in trade, energy and other areas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin held the 31st regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian premiers in St. Petersburg, Russia. The two sides signed a joint communique, agreeing to advance cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, energy and resources, and aerospace, and affirming the work of various committees.
Facts
31st regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian premiers
Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang-chieh upset Indonesian pair at French Open, ending 4 straight first-round exits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese men’s doubles pair Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang-chieh defeated world No. 2 Indonesian pair Fajar and Fikri 26-24, 21-13 in the first round of the BWF Super 750 French Open, ending a slump of 4 straight first-round exits. Mixed doubles pair Liu Kuang-heng and Hsu Yin-hui also beat a Thai pair in straight games to advance to the second round.
Viral shark sparks buzz; South Korean authorities say it was guided out of trapped waterway
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
South Korean authorities succeeded on their third attempt in guiding the viral shark known as “Little North Port” out of a narrow waterway where it was trapped at Busan North Port Waterfront Park.
Argentine president visits Madrid, calls Spanish prime minister a “dictator”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
During a visit to Madrid, Argentine President Javier Milei criticized Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez as a “dictator” and urged voters to oust the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (社會勞工黨) in the Nov. 29 general election.
Facts
(中央社, Madrid, 21st, compiled from foreign wire reports)
As EU probes foreign forces behind French riots, UK extremists call for protests to follow suit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The EU is considering investigating whether foreign forces including Russia and Iran are behind the French riots, while extremists in the UK are calling for protests to follow suit. Police said they would respond in accordance with the law and cautioned against oversimplifying the issue by blaming foreign forces.
Facts
Nov. 20
An account with 5,000 followers
Millions of views
Photographed in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, in 2024
中國海警局 says it allowed the Philippines to deliver supplies to a vessel at Second Thomas Shoal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中國海警局 spokesperson Jiang Lue said that, with China’s permission, the Philippines delivered supplies today to the vessel grounded at Second Thomas Shoal, adding that the operation would be monitored throughout.
Legislative Yuan hearing discusses transfer of Control Yuan powers; scholar says politicization of oversight must be avoided
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Legislative Yuan’s Constitutional Amendment Committee held a public hearing to discuss the transfer of powers following the abolition of the Control Yuan. Scholars and former Control Yuan members offered views on the politicization of oversight, the allocation of legislative investigative powers and institutional design.
Putin meets US envoy, suggests meeting Trump in China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russian President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg, suggested meeting Donald Trump in China, and discussed restoring US-Russia economic cooperation and ending the war in Ukraine.
Facts
Central News Agency, St. Petersburg, 21st, compiled from foreign wire reports
Kim Yo Jong inspects border fortification site, says North Korea will resume loudspeaker broadcasts toward South Korea along the border before the end of the month
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Kim Yo Jong, a department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Defense Ministry adviser Pak Jong Chon inspected a fortification site along the southern border and announced that loudspeaker broadcasts toward South Korea would resume along the entire border before the end of October. The move was seen as a rejection of South Korea’s demand to halt the work and a sign of North Korea’s determination to proceed with fortification.
Keelung restaurant employee suspected of secretly filming customers in restroom; released on NT$50,000 bail
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An employee at a Keelung ginger duck restaurant is suspected of secretly filming customers using the restroom, with about 20 women victimized. Prosecutors ordered the employee released on NT$50,000 bail. Victims accused the restaurant of showing no remorse, while the owner said the employee had been dismissed and blinds installed as a remedy.
China’s robotics industry sees contrasting fortunes, with some firms lining up for IPOs while others go bankrupt
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China’s robotics industry is seeing sharply contrasting fortunes. In the past 19 months, more than 20 companies have gone bankrupt or shut down, while financing in the first 8 months of this year reached RMB 124.51 billion and 50 companies lined up to go public. Commentators say technological and capital bubbles have been exposed, accelerating the clearing out of substandard projects.
Facts
More than 20 robotics companies have gone bankrupt, dissolved, entered liquidation or halted operations
Financing in the robotics sector reached RMB 124.51 billion
About NT$605.54 billion
Valued at $500 million at its peak
More than RMB 23 million in unpaid wages
Valuation once reached RMB 14 billion
Peak valuation once exceeded RMB 20 billion
Covers at least 11 different sectors
50 robotics companies have entered the listing process
Taiwan-Thai horror film showcase held in Bangkok; filmmakers hope exchanges will open doors to cross-border cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Taiwan-Thai horror film showcase and industry exchange event was held in Bangkok. Film and television professionals from both sides hope the exchanges will encourage co-productions, remakes and cross-border distribution, expanding into international markets.
Penghu election race heats up; prosecutors receive more than 70 reports of election interference
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
As local elections in Penghu heat up, the 澎湖地檢署 has received more than 70 reports of election interference involving 134 people and is actively investigating. It urged the public to report suspected offenses to help maintain clean elections.
AI rivals can also be business partners! Google Cloud to start selling OpenAI models
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
OpenAI and Google announced a partnership to make OpenAI's latest AI models available through Google Cloud in the coming weeks, expanding their reach in the enterprise market. The partnership brings the two AI rivals closer and underscores the role of major cloud providers as key sales channels for AI models.
Facts
OpenAI and Google announced Wednesday (21) that they will offer their most advanced artificial intelligence models and Codex coding agent through Google Cloud in the coming weeks.
Enterprise customers can buy OpenAI models through Google Cloud Marketplace and pay using spending commitments under their existing cloud contracts.
Bringing OpenAI models to Google Cloud will help strengthen its positioning as an open platform, allowing customers to choose from more third-party products.
Foreign investors have been bullish on 穩懋 for 4 straight days, lifting the stock back above NT$500 ahead of its Oct. 23 investor conference
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
穩懋 (3105-TW) shares rebounded to NT$512 on foreign buying, with an investor conference scheduled for 10/23. The stock was sold by investment trusts, but prospects for new applications remain promising.
Facts
穩懋 shares closed at NT$512, up 7.79%.
Investment trusts sold a net NT$2.037 billion worth of 穩懋 shares yesterday.
Foreign investors bought 穩懋 shares for 4 consecutive days.
SpaceX's Starlink V3 satellite upgrades are boosting demand for radio-frequency components.
Strong semiconductor sales fail to offset energy shock: Japan's September trade deficit surges 93%, marking 5 straight months in the red
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Japan's Ministry of Finance reported a trade deficit of 2.8184 trillion yen in the first half of fiscal 2026, up 98.8% year over year. The September deficit was 536.5 billion yen, up 93.2% year over year, marking 5 consecutive months in the red. Robust semiconductor exports failed to offset the impact of soaring energy imports.
Facts
Japan's trade deficit in the first half of fiscal 2026 (April to September) reached 2.8184 trillion yen, up 98.8% year over year, nearly doubling from the same period last year.
Japan's trade deficit for September was 536.5 billion yen, up 93.2% year over year, marking the 5th consecutive month in deficit.
The September deficit of 536.5 billion yen was far higher than the market forecast of 181 billion yen.
Japan's exports in September totaled 10.9723 trillion yen, up 16.7% year over year and marking 13 consecutive months of growth.
Japan's imports in September totaled 11.5088 trillion yen, up 18.9% year over year.
Asia-Pacific tech stocks poised for strongest momentum! Morgan bullish on Taiwan and South Korea semiconductors and advanced technology; yen forecast at 155-160
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
摩根資產管理 strategist Lin Ya-hui released the fourth-quarter outlook, expressing optimism about Taiwan and South Korea's semiconductor sectors benefiting from AI demand. She also noted that corporate reforms and a recovery in domestic demand in Japan are attracting investment, and forecast the yen at 155-160.
Facts
摩根資產管理 released its fourth-quarter investment outlook, saying the Asia-Pacific market has strong growth potential.
Taiwan's and South Korea's semiconductor and advanced technology industries are benefiting from demand for artificial intelligence (AI), showing operational resilience and growth momentum.
Japanese companies have continued in recent years to pursue corporate governance reforms and improve return on equity (ROE).
The U.S. dollar-yen exchange rate may fluctuate within the 155-to-160 range.
If the yen remains relatively weak, it could help Japanese exporters sustain earnings and provide fundamental support for Japanese stocks.
〈U.S. Premarket〉SpaceX and 美超微 results lift AI stocks; major indexes open higher
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Better-than-expected earnings from SpaceX and 美超微 boosted buying in AI stocks, lifting major U.S. indexes at Wednesday's open. SpaceX revenue surged and 美超微 raised its revenue forecast, while Netflix fell on a weak outlook.
Facts
SpaceX's third-quarter revenue rose 161% year over year to US$14.58 billion.
美超微 raised its revenue forecast for the first quarter of its fiscal year, projecting revenue of US$18.5 billion to US$19.5 billion.
Anthropic is reportedly considering spending US$750 billion on computing power over the next few years.
Netflix's third-quarter revenue rose 12% year over year to US$12.87 billion.
Brent crude is approaching US$110 a barrel.
Companies mentioned：SpaceX、美超微、Netflix、Meta、特斯拉、Anthropic、荷蘭國際集團、Truist、輝達、超微、博通、Monolithic Power Systems、TTM Technologies、法國巴黎銀行
Will U.S. Treasury yields pull back or surge? 摩根's 許長泰 analyzes 4 key drivers and sees Fed rate hike as soon as December
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
摩根資產管理 analyzed 4 key factors driving U.S. Treasury yields higher and forecast that the Fed could raise rates once as soon as December. It said global financial markets are in a high-interest-rate transition period and advised investors to adopt a diversified asset allocation strategy.
Facts
U.S. Treasury yields continue to rise in the short term, and the Fed may implement 1 rate hike in December.
The U.S. economy remains strong overall, with steady GDP, PMI and unemployment data. Consumer spending and government fiscal spending are providing strong support.
The U.S. dollar is likely to remain relatively strong in the short term, but its strength may gradually come to an end as the Federal Reserve's rate-cutting cycle becomes clearer.
If U.S. Treasury yields surge to 6% or 7% due to extreme factors, recession risks would rise significantly, forcing the Fed to cut rates more aggressively.
三三會 urges government to implement AI accountability rules and address potential risks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
三三企業交流會 Chairman Lin Po-feng called on the government at its October meeting to implement the Artificial Intelligence Basic Act and establish an AI safety framework that allows for testing, accountability and remediation. The group also invited former Google Taiwan chairman and managing director 簡立峰 to speak on new AI trends. He said traditional industries may take 10-20 years to feel the impact.
Facts
三三企業交流會 held its October meeting on the 21st, inviting former Google Taiwan managing director 簡立峰 to give a talk.
三三會 Chairman Lin Po-feng urged the government to establish an AI safety mechanism that is “testable, accountable and remediable.”
簡立峰 said traditional industries may need 10 to 20 years to feel how AI is changing their core competitiveness.
Lin Po-feng said Taiwan has certain advantages in the AI industry chain and the broader supply chain.
If AI can independently operate websites, programs and databases, it could raise cybersecurity and accountability issues.
Lin Po-feng urged AI governance to move beyond “encouraging innovation” and give equal weight to “innovation and safety.”
Taiwan-Vietnam two-way travel topped 1.13 million in the first 3 quarters; tourism meeting focuses on sustainable and smart tourism cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The 13th Taiwan-Vietnam Tourism Cooperation Conference was held in Chiayi, where both sides confirmed that two-way travel between January and September this year exceeded 1.13 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic record for the same period.
Facts
The 13th Taiwan-Vietnam Tourism Cooperation Conference was held yesterday (20) at 嘉義長榮文苑酒店.
Two-way travel between Taiwan and Vietnam exceeded 1.13 million from January to September this year.
The number of two-way travelers between Taiwan and Vietnam surpassed the 820,000 recorded in the same period of pre-pandemic 2019.
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Nguyen Trong Quang and including tourism officials from various departments and local governments, came to Taiwan with 30 members.
The Taiwan-Vietnam Tourism Cooperation Conference is now in its 13th edition, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between Taiwan and Vietnam in 2012.
Winter hasn't arrived, but heating bills are already biting! Trump lends 315,000 barrels of heating oil to curb prices
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The U.S. Department of Energy announced it would lend 315,000 barrels of heating oil to curb surging fuel prices and ease the winter heating burden on households. The move targets diesel shortages caused by the war with Iran, with delivery to the U.S. Northeast expected by mid-November.
Facts
The U.S. Department of Energy announced it would lend up to 315,000 barrels of emergency reserve heating oil.
U.S. diesel prices have risen to a record high of more than $6.50 per gallon.
The heating oil is expected to be delivered by Nov. 13.
The government will provide up to $42 million under the Defense Production Act to fund preliminary work on Williams Companies' natural gas pipeline project.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve loaned 172 million barrels of crude oil.
亞昕科技, a subsidiary of 德微, to list on the emerging stock market on Oct. 23 at a reference price of NT$120
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
亞昕科技, a subsidiary of 德微, plans to list on the emerging stock market on Oct. 23 at NT$120. Revenue in the first half rose nearly one-fifth year on year as it strengthened its presence in the automotive and Edge AI markets.
Facts
亞昕科技 is expected to list on the emerging stock market on Oct. 23 at a reference price of NT$120 per share.
亞昕科技 posted consolidated revenue of NT$840 million in the first half of this year, up 19.21% year on year.
亞昕科技 posted operating profit of NT$157 million in the first half of this year, up 22.7% year on year.
亞昕科技 is a subsidiary in which 德微 holds a 76.63% stake.
亞昕科技 has 4-inch, 5-inch and 6-inch wafer platforms.
亞昕科技's products serve 3 major sectors: automotive electronics, industrial controls and consumer electronics.
亞昕科技 was founded in 2005 and specializes in power semiconductor wafer design and manufacturing.
亞昕科技 has passed German automotive and international military-standard audits in recent years.
E-commerce platform eBay announced it will cut about 9% of its workforce, or about 1,100 jobs, to simplify operations and focus resources on high-growth businesses. Despite a 40% gain in its share price this year, the company is continuing to streamline its organization and says its transformation strategy is working.
Facts
eBay will cut about 9% of its workforce, or an estimated 1,100 people.
eBay shares are up nearly 40% so far this year.
eBay cut about 800 jobs in February this year.
eBay acquired secondhand fashion platform Depop for $1.4 billion.
GameStop's $56 billion offer to acquire eBay was rejected.
Is the AI bubble about to burst? Yardeni says it is too soon to tell
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Yardeni Research said in a report that while an AI bubble has formed in U.S. stocks, with its conditions index at 83, it is unlikely to burst in the near term because trigger factors remain low, at 34, and credit is not excessively tight. Historically, stocks have generally performed well in similar situations.
Facts
Investment research firm Yardeni Research said there is an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble in the U.S. stock market, but it is not at risk of bursting in the near term.
Yardeni Research developed an “AI Bubble Meter” using Anthropic's Claude Fable 5.1 model.
The “conditions” gauge currently reads 83, while the “trigger factors” gauge reads 34.
The U.S. 2-year Treasury yield has risen 115 basis points from its low.
Historical data show that when conditions are high and trigger factors are low, the chance of the S&P 500 entering a bear market over the following 2 years is just 9%.
If both gauges reach high levels, the probability of a bear market would surge to 42%, with a median average decline of 12.5%.
Investors should watch whether the 2-year U.S. Treasury yield rises another 200 to 350 basis points.
元太 teams up with Fujifilm to expand Japan's e-paper signage market; 55-inch product to enter mass production next March
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
E-paper maker 元太（8069-TW）announced a partnership with 日本富士軟片影像系統公司 to expand the market for large-format color e-paper signage in Japan, initially focusing on the railway industry. The 55-inch E Ink Marquee is expected to have samples available in December 2026 and enter mass production in March 2027.
Facts
元太（8069-TW）announced a partnership with 日本富士軟片影像系統公司（FUJIFILM Imaging Systems） to expand the market for large-format color e-paper signage.
The partners will initially focus on Japan's railway industry.
Samples of the 55-inch E Ink Marquee are expected in December 2026, with mass production scheduled for March 2027.
Samples of the B1-size E Ink Marquee are expected in October 2027, with mass production scheduled for January 2028.
元太 General Manager 洪集茂 said at the launch that replacing traditional printed posters in Japan's transportation industry with e-paper has strong potential.
Takashi Toyofuku is a director of Fujifilm Imaging Systems.
Japan's railway industry is grappling with labor shortages and rising costs for traditional paper posters.
Companies mentioned：元太、日本富士軟片影像系統公司、FUJIFILM Imaging Systems
Ride-hailing without a driver? Bolt and 輝達 to launch self-driving taxis, with Madrid pilot in 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Estonian ride-hailing platform Bolt announced plans to launch a self-driving taxi pilot in Madrid in 2027, using 輝達 software and Lucid vehicles as it seeks to expand in Western Europe.
Facts
Estonian ride-hailing platform Bolt will launch a self-driving taxi program in Madrid, Spain, in 2027.
Bolt plans to deploy 輝達's Alpamayo software in at least 25,000 vehicles made by electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid.
Bolt is aiming to enter major cities in France and Germany by the end of 2027.
The initial Madrid deployment is expected to put “dozens” of vehicles on the streets next year.
Bolt's head of autonomous driving, Jevgeni Kabanov, said Madrid was chosen because it already has a permit system for testing.
For cybersecurity reasons, Bolt's self-driving software runs entirely in the vehicle and does not need an internet connection.
Ahead of UK budget, cost of hedging sterling against euro hits 5-month high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Ahead of the UK budget, the cost of hedging sterling against the euro hit a 5-month high, with implied volatility rising to 4.88%. Expectations of higher-than-anticipated government borrowing and a renewed rise in inflation have led markets to anticipate a possible first rate hike by the Bank of England. Schroders warned that fiscal stimulus could lead to a longer period of monetary tightening.
Facts
The cost of hedging against fluctuations in the pound-euro exchange rate has climbed to a 5-month high.
Original歐元對英鎊一周隱含波動率一度升至4.88%，創下5月以來的最高水準。
The UK's total national debt has exceeded £3 trillion.
UK inflation hit an 11-month high in September as petrol and diesel prices surged.
The Bank of England is now on track for its first rate hike in more than 3 years.
輝達 launched the mini data center DSX Pod, which can cut hardware installation time from six months to 14 days.
欣興 (3037-TW) will help 輝達 increase substrate supply to overcome supply bottlenecks.
京元電 (2449-TW) will expand testing capacity.
輝達's physical AI business revenue grew 30% in the first half of this year to about US$11 billion.
輝達 is partnering with a division of 西門子 (SIEGY-US) to advance AI-powered advanced radiotherapy equipment.
輝達 is teaming up with Agile Robots to build an open robotics platform, integrating Jetson Thor computing hardware into the Agile One SN humanoid robot.
Shoe manufacturer 志強-KY reports after-tax profit of NT$681 million for the first 9 months, with earnings per share of NT$3.4
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Shoe manufacturer 志強-KY reported after-tax net profit of NT$681 million for the first 9 months of 2026, down 35.89% year over year. 鈺齊-KY posted cumulative profit of NT$494 million for the first 3 quarters, down 42.13% year over year. The industry continues to expand capacity in Indonesia and Vietnam to meet market demand.
Facts
志強-KY reported after-tax profit of NT$681 million for the first 9 months of 2026, down 35.89% year over year, with earnings per share of NT$3.4.
志強-KY reported third-quarter revenue of NT$4.491 billion, a gross margin of 16.8% and after-tax net profit of NT$147 million.
鈺齊-KY reported cumulative after-tax net profit of NT$494 million for the first 3 quarters, down 42.13% year over year, with earnings per share of NT$2.46.
中傑-KY remains committed to its target of shipping 80 million pairs annually by 2034.
百和's fourth-phase plant in Indonesia has been completed. Once production begins, it is expected to mainly produce woven straps, shoelaces and elastic bands, adding about 25% to capacity.
Spread between French and German 10-year government bonds breaks 159 basis points, the highest in 15 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The spread between French and German 10-year government bonds widened to 159.4 basis points, a 15-year high, reflecting market concerns about France's fiscal position and political instability.
Taiwan's exports in September grew more than 60% year over year, marking 35 consecutive months of growth and the longest expansion on record.
Taiwan's export orders totaled US$114.21 billion in September, while orders for the first 3 quarters reached as much as US$819.2 billion.
Original三三會理事長林伯豐表示，部分傳統製造業目前經營相當辛苦。
Supply chains for semiconductors and servers continue to expand investment, benefiting from strong AI-related demand.
Lin Po-feng backed a swift restart of nuclear power, citing Japan's continued development of nuclear energy despite its experience with a nuclear disaster.
力積電 earnings briefing: Q4 revenue forecast to rise by double digits quarter over quarter; mature-node foundry prices to rise another 10-20% next year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
At its earnings briefing, 力積電 forecast double-digit quarter-over-quarter revenue growth in the fourth quarter and announced plans to raise mature-node foundry prices by 10-20% next year. It is also launching a survey of overseas sites to address capacity bottlenecks.
Facts
力積電 expects fourth-quarter revenue to grow by double digits quarter over quarter.
力積電 plans to raise mature-node foundry prices by another 10% to 20% next year.
The initial PDK for the DRAM 1P process developed by 力積電 and 美光 is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Demand for 力積電's MOSFETs and IGBTs remains tight, with customers having signed LTAs for nearly 80% of its 2027 capacity.
With all cleanroom space occupied, 力積電 is surveying potential sites for a new plant in Taiwan, Singapore and Japan.
力積電 (6770-TW) reported third-quarter results, with after-tax net profit of NT$6.5 billion, up 98% quarter over quarter, and gross margin of 47.55%, a 17-quarter high. Higher capacity utilization and average selling prices significantly improved earnings and returned the company to profitability.
Facts
力積電 posted third-quarter after-tax net profit of NT$6.5 billion, up 98% quarter over quarter, with earnings per share of NT$1.38.
力積電's third-quarter gross margin reached 47.55%, the highest in nearly 17 quarters.
力積電's capacity utilization rose to 97% in the third quarter from 87% in the second quarter.
力積電 shipped about 416,000 wafers in the third quarter, down about 1.4% quarter over quarter.
DRAM accounted for 55% of 力積電's third-quarter product sales mix.
〈Taiwan dollar〉Stocks and currency rally together! Opens lower, then climbs strongly to close at NT$32.488, up 1.29 jiao
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The Taiwan dollar opened lower against the US dollar in Taipei's foreign exchange market on the 21st, then rose to close at NT$32.488, gaining 1.29 jiao and ending a four-session losing streak. Strength in US technology stocks after earnings reports and in semiconductor shares encouraged foreign investors to switch from selling to buying, lifting both stocks and the currency.
Facts
The Taiwan dollar closed at NT$32.488 against the US dollar on the 21st, gaining 1.29 jiao.
Trading volume in Taipei's foreign exchange market totaled US$2.059 billion on the 21st.
Foreign investors and mainland Chinese investors bought a net NT$960 million in Taiwan stocks on the 21st.
Investment trusts bought a net NT$12.919 billion in Taiwan stocks on the 21st.
Dealers sold a net NT$13.311 billion in Taiwan stocks on the 21st.
Meeting US envoy, Putin proposes meeting Trump in China with Xi Jinping
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and proposed a trilateral meeting between Russia, the United States and China to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and restoring economic cooperation.
Facts
Putin met with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg and said he was interested in meeting Trump in China.
The Kremlin said Putin, Trump and Xi Jinping could hold trilateral talks in China during the APEC summit next month.
Witkoff told Putin he had brought ideas for a possible peace deal and hoped to restart trilateral negotiations.
The United States eased some sanctions on Moscow, allowing Russian fuel to flow into the country, and Washington expressed gratitude for the agreement.
Putin announced the release of American citizen Hubbard, who was captured by Russian forces in Ukraine in 2022.
Your dreams, Keelung has your back! Hsieh Kuo-liang launches the 'Keelung Youth 3+1' program, with 'Keelung’s Voice' debuting to give young people a stage to pursue their dreams.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang announced the launch of the 'Keelung Youth 3+1' program on the 21st, bringing together four major fields, including music and performance, to nurture young talent. The inaugural 'Keelung’s Voice' program is underway, aiming to help young people stay in Keelung to pursue their dreams and connect with resources across Taiwan.
Facts
Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang held a press conference on the morning of the 21st to officially announce the launch of the 'Keelung Youth 3+1' talent development program.
The 'Keelung Youth 3+1' program brings together resources in four major fields: music, performance, street dance and trend sports.
The inaugural program, 'Keelung’s Voice,' will offer vocal training and recording production, and create music videos that incorporate the city’s distinctive character.
Upcoming programs include 'Local Star Actors,' 'Youth Breakdancing' and 'Favorite Battle Tops.'
Deputy Spokesperson Fang Pin-hsuan said the program will focus on discovering talent, professional training, building a body of work, providing stage exposure, connecting participants with industry opportunities and expanding international ties.
TPOC public opinion simulation》Chang San-cheng leads by double digits; AI survey reveals Huang Shih-chieh’s 'major weakness' in Taoyuan race.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
TPOC台灣議題研究中心 released an AI simulation report on the 2026 Taoyuan mayoral race, showing Chang San-cheng with 46.8% support, ahead of Huang Shih-chieh’s 34.3% by 12.5 percentage points. The study found that Huang faces a name-recognition gap, particularly among undecided voters, where the proportion who did not know the candidates was higher.
Facts
TPOC台灣議題研究中心 released an AI public opinion simulation report on the Taoyuan mayoral race on October 21, 2026.
The AI simulation showed Chang San-cheng with 46.8% support and Huang Shih-chieh with 34.3%, a gap of 12.5 percentage points.
Chang San-cheng led in all 13 districts of Taoyuan, with the largest margin, 21.7 percentage points, in Longtan District.
The survey found that 10.1% of undecided voters said they did not know the candidates, indicating a name-recognition gap for Huang Shih-chieh.
The study used the OpenAI GPT-5.4 mini model to generate 13,789 AI-based virtual respondents for a census simulation.
Taxi rip-offs and restaurant overcharging! South Korea expects tourist arrivals to top 22 million, while travel complaints hit a record high.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
South Korea is expected to welcome more than 22 million tourists in 2026, but travel complaints hit a record 2,057 cases. Taxi rip-offs, restaurant overcharging and discrimination against foreigners are serious problems, reflecting how service quality and infrastructure are struggling to cope with the surge in visitors.
Facts
A Japanese tourist was charged 480,000 won for a taxi ride from Myeongdong to Gimpo Airport, although the normal fare is only about 30,000 won.
South Korea received 15 million foreign arrivals from January to August 2026, up 21.6% from the previous year.
South Korea received as many as 2,057 travel complaints from January to September 2026, more than double the number for the same period in 2019.
A U.S. tourist was unexpectedly charged 15,000 won for 'tableware and side dish service' on a restaurant bill in Seoul.
A restaurant owner refused entry to a tourist from the Philippines, citing closing time, but the tourist then saw other Korean customers enter without a problem.
A 2025 survey of international travelers found that the activity foreign tourists most looked forward to in South Korea was food experiences (61.7%).
South Korea’s National Museum of Korea attracted about 2.3 million international visitors in 2025, accounting for just 3.5% of total visitors.
The average length of stay for foreign travelers in South Korea fell from 7.8 days in 2023 to 6.5 days in 2025.
Companies mentioned：韓國觀光公社、Korea Tourism Data Lab、韓國文化觀光研究院、漢陽大學
Foreign media reports say that despite U.S. export controls, China’s three major tech giants, 字節跳動, 阿里巴巴 and 騰訊, have ordered more than 3 million RTX PRO 5500 chips from 輝達, worth over $35 billion in total. 輝達 acknowledged that it may be unable to fulfill the entire order because production capacity is being prioritized for the next-generation Rubin platform.
Facts
字節跳動, 阿里巴巴 and 騰訊 have ordered more than 3 million of the new RTX PRO 5500 graphics cards from 輝達.
The orders are worth more than $35 billion in total.
輝達 said customers may ultimately receive only 5% to 10% of the quantity they ordered.
輝達 may produce no more than 3 million RTX PRO 5500 graphics cards worldwide in 2027.
輝達 has told customers it expects to provide early samples of the RTX PRO 5500 in December.
Grab’s bid for foodpanda fails! Taiwan food delivery platform merger collapses for the second time, with fair trade authorities citing 'this issue' as the key reason.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Fair Trade Commission rejected Grab’s bid to acquire foodpanda’s Taiwan operations, citing concerns that Grab’s equity ties with Uber Eats would weaken competition. This marks the second failed attempt to sell foodpanda, and Grab said it was disappointed.
Facts
公平交易委員會 decided to prohibit the merger between Grab and foodpanda.
Grab planned to acquire foodpanda’s Taiwan delivery business for $600 million in cash.
Uber holds about 13% of Grab’s shares and 3.7% of its voting rights.
In 2024, the Fair Trade Commission blocked the proposed acquisition of foodpanda’s Taiwan business by Uber Eats.
The Fair Trade Commission’s review deadline was originally set for October 27, but it announced its decision early, on October 21.
Typhoon latest》8 counties and cities could get a typhoon day off! Typhoon Nari’s track shifts again, 'bringing it closer to Taiwan'; land and sea warnings to be issued tomorrow.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
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Facts
Weather expert Chia Hsin-hsing said parts of Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Yilan and Hualien are most likely to meet the criteria for suspending work and classes on Friday (the 23rd).
Typhoon Nari’s storm radius is forecast to first reach Yilan and Hualien on Friday morning (the 23rd).
Typhoon Nari’s track continues to shift west, and the possibility of it making landfall in Taiwan cannot be completely ruled out.
The assessment is that Typhoon Nari will be at the upper end of moderate typhoon strength when it comes closest to Taiwan on Friday.
China paid 450,000 to hire an attacker! Comedian Huang Yi-hao injured in a hit-and-run after mocking Xi Jinping; Foreign Ministry issues angry statement.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Comedian Huang Yi-hao was injured in a hit-and-run allegedly commissioned by China in retaliation for his satire of Xi Jinping, and prosecutors indicted 5 people. The Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the act of transnational repression, stressing that democratic Taiwan will not tolerate foreign forces using violence and intimidation.
Facts
Comedian Huang Yi-hao was injured last month when a vehicle struck him near his home in Yonghe District, New Taipei City.
Police and prosecutors found that a person in China paid 450,000 yuan to obtain Huang Yi-hao’s personal information and instructed someone to seriously injure him.
After receiving an advance payment of 250,000 yuan, the suspect, surnamed Cheng, initially planned to run Huang Yi-hao over with a car and break his arms and legs.
Huang Yi-hao became a target because of his performance mocking Xi Jinping at the Comedy Club.
The Foreign Ministry condemned China’s attempt to use violence and threats to violate the personal safety and freedom of speech of Taiwan’s people.
Another case involving someone the victim knew! 11-year-old girl choked and nearly dragged into an alley... Chiayi man later claimed it was 'a joke'.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A man in Chiayi is suspected of grabbing an 11-year-old girl by the neck and trying to drag her into an alley, then defending himself by saying he was joking. Police reiterated that violence and stalking are illegal, and urged the public to report incidents and preserve evidence.
Facts
Police said that violence and stalking are both illegal.
People who experience stalking are advised to preserve evidence and call 110 to report it.
Who has the final say on Starlink decisions? Rubio: Musk and SpaceX do; the White House has no say.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on October 9, 2026, that SpaceX and Musk decide whether Ukraine can use the Starlink system, and the White House has no authority to intervene. The move has raised concerns about private companies’ influence on foreign policy and contradicts an earlier Reuters report about the White House’s role in the decision.
Facts
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that access to the Starlink satellite internet system for Ukraine is determined by SpaceX and its CEO Elon Musk, not the White House.
Rubio said Starlink use is governed by a private commercial contract, that the White House was unaware of the decision beforehand, and that it considers the matter unimportant.
Reuters cited officials as saying the final decision on Starlink came from the White House, a claim denied by the U.S. government.
Ukraine accused changes that slowed SpaceX’s Starlink system of hampering Ukrainian forces’ operations, effectively helping Russia.
Rubio’s remarks could deepen concerns in Washington that Musk can influence U.S. foreign policy single-handedly.
Does Putin want to draw China and the U.S. into a “new Yalta” to divide spheres of influence? Trump only wants to discuss nuclear weapons, Beijing stays silent, and Ukraine is left out
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a trilateral meeting of the Chinese, U.S. and Russian leaders during the APEC summit in Shenzhen, aiming to divide spheres of influence. Trump agreed to attend but is focused on denuclearization, Beijing has remained silent, and Ukraine has strongly objected, underscoring continued geopolitical tensions.
Facts
U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to China next month to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen.
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a trilateral meeting of the Chinese, U.S. and Russian leaders during a phone call with Trump on Oct. 9.
Trump stressed that the focus of the trilateral talks would be denuclearization, not ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has so far said only that she has no information to provide about the trilateral talks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the proposed trilateral meeting in a post on social media platform X, saying it would fuel Putin’s ego.
With Launch Control engaged, the 保時捷 Cayenne Electric accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 230 km/h.
Cayenne Electric has a maximum overboost output of 442 PS and comes standard with an electronic all-wheel-drive system.
Cayenne Electric is equipped with a battery with a total capacity of 113 kWh and a maximum WLTP range of 642 km.
Cayenne Electric has a maximum DC charging rate of 390 kW; under ideal conditions, charging from 10% to 80% takes less than 16 minutes.
With the rear seatbacks folded down, Cayenne Electric offers up to 1,588 liters of trunk space, plus 90 liters of storage in the front trunk.
Cayenne Electric’s in-car display area is about 50% larger than that of the gasoline version and integrates apps, streaming entertainment, games and AI voice control.
How can Chiang Wan-an recover from trailing by 17 percentage points in the polls? Scholar points to 3 chances to turn the race around: watch who shows up at the rally on the 26th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The race for Taipei mayor is heating up ahead of the 2026 nine-in-one elections, with the latest poll showing Puma Shen leading Chiang Wan-an by 17 percentage points. Scholar Niu Ze-xun advised Chiang to seize 3 opportunities to turn the race around: his handling of typhoons, the scale of his campaign headquarters’ rally, and his arguments in televised debates.
Facts
The latest poll puts Puma Shen’s support at 50.3% and Chiang Wan-an’s at 33.3%, a gap of 17 percentage points.
Are older European models no longer sufficient? Lockheed Martin plans to build a “Ukraine-specific F-16,” replacing the radar with AESA and strengthening its ability to target drones
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
洛克希德馬丁 is planning to build a Ukraine-specific F-16 equipped with AESA radar to strengthen counter-drone capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky met with a 洛克希德馬丁 delegation and expressed a strong desire for cooperation; the two sides discussed domestic maintenance and the procurement of Patriot missiles.
Facts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with a 洛克希德馬丁 delegation in Kyiv and made clear that he very much wants the F-16 program to move forward.
F-16s currently carry out about 80% of the Ukrainian Air Force’s sorties, and one wing has shot down more than 1000 Russian Shahed suicide drones and cruise missiles.
Most F-16s currently in Ukrainian service are older aircraft transferred by European NATO allies. They rely on traditional mechanically scanned radar and lack the ability to precisely detect small, low-altitude targets.
Kyiv previously ordered 16 Gripen E fighter jets from Sweden, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029, and also received a donation from the Swedish Air Force of some Gripen C/D aircraft.
Why is Chiang Wan-an still losing support despite holding on to the deep-blue vote? Tai Li-an says light-blue support is slipping, and the problem goes beyond his core base
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Pollster Tai Li-an analyzed Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s electoral prospects, saying his deep-blue base is stable but support among centrist and light-blue voters is slipping, while public ratings of his suitability as mayor have fallen.
Facts
Pollster Tai Li-an analyzed Chiang Wan-an’s electoral prospects on the program 《下班瀚你聊》.
There has been little change in Chiang Wan-an’s most deep-blue support group.
Chiang Wan-an is losing support among centrist and light-blue voters.
Some people are changing their minds about whether Chiang Wan-an is suited to serve as mayor.
Tai Li-an said it is very difficult to change one’s public image in a short time during the final stage of an election campaign.
信民 poll accused of leaning green; Huang Qing-long responds to questions about party ties and funding, while Tai Li-an denies client pressure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
After 信民協會 released polls on the Taipei and New Taipei races, it faced accusations of leaning green. Chair Huang Qing-long and pollster Tai Li-an clarified the matter on a program, denying any connection between the association and the Democratic Progressive Party or Cao Hsing-cheng. They stressed that clients did not pressure the polling process and that interviewers did not identify the client in phone surveys, in order to maintain neutrality.
Facts
信民協會 Chair Huang Qing-long denied that the association is connected to the Democratic Progressive Party, saying the claims were based on reading too much into its name.
Huang Qing-long said 信民協會 commissioned and funded the poll but did not disclose details of the funding.
Pollster Tai Li-an denied being pressured by the client or asked to produce a particular result.
The telephone interviews identified the polling firm, rather than first naming 信民協會, to avoid politically influencing respondents.
Huang Qing-long acknowledged that he is close friends with Cao Hsing-cheng but denied that Cao is connected to 信民協會.
Withholding poll results is acceptable, but distorting the facts is not: Tai Li-an draws a line on collaboration—“I’m not part of political PR”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Pollster Tai Li-an drew a line on collaboration during a program, stressing that while he respects a client’s decision not to publish a poll, he will not accept “shelving” the results and then distorting the facts. He also refuses to brief candidates. He said accepting a media commission does not mean taking part in campaign PR, and questioned the propriety of some camps criticizing published polls while keeping their internal surveys under wraps.
Facts
Pollster Tai Li-an said on the program 《下班瀚你聊》 that he can respect a client’s decision not to publish poll results, but cannot accept “shelving” them and then distorting the facts.
Tai Li-an stressed that conducting a poll commissioned by a media outlet does not mean joining a candidate’s campaign, adding, “I’m not part of political PR.”
信民協會 Chair Huang Qing-long asked why so few polls in Taipei and New Taipei are made public, saying the public should scrutinize released surveys and pay attention to why others are not published.
Tai Li-an treats keeping poll results private and describing the state of the race publicly as separate matters, and said his work for media outlets does not amount to taking part in political PR.
Using a health check report as an analogy, Tai Li-an said that even if a client does not publish the findings, it already knows its own condition once it receives the report.
Tai Li-an questioned why some camps discuss internal polls without presenting relevant data, while criticizing surveys that have been published in detail.
Tai Li-an stressed that if election forecasts take factors such as party leanings into account, the public should be clearly informed. Voters’ views should be faithfully represented, and any weighting or estimates should be clearly explained.
Laying the groundwork for the future: Lu Shiow-yen returns home after a whirlwind 28-hour visit to Okinawa
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen led a delegation on a 28-hour visit to Okinawa, where she officiated at an airborne wedding ceremony for 66 couples and met with the Okinawa Prefectural Government. The trip aimed to establish channels of communication with Okinawa’s new administration, which took office in September this year, and lay the groundwork for future exchanges and cooperation.
Facts
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen led a delegation to Okinawa, Japan, on the 20th and returned home on the afternoon of the 21st.
Lu Shiow-yen officiated at a first-of-its-kind nationwide airborne wedding ceremony in Okinawa for 66 couples.
Okinawa’s current government team only took office in September this year.
The Taichung City Government was among the first Taiwanese local governments to engage with Okinawa’s new government team.
Lu Shiow-yen completed a 28-hour itinerary during this visit.
Hsinchu's Guanpu No. 8 Pedestrian Bridge officially opens! Ann Kao: Completing the elevated pedestrian network and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hsinchu's Guanpu No. 8 Pedestrian Bridge opened on the 21st, connecting 好市多 and 迪卡儂 and making it more convenient to get around on foot. 富宇建設 donated the bridge and assisted with construction. The city government will continue to complete the elevated pedestrian network, and the Ci-yun pedestrian bridge is expected to be finished in November.
Facts
Hsinchu's first pedestrian bridge in the Guanpu area, Guanpu No. 8, officially opened on the 21st.
Guanpu No. 8 Pedestrian Bridge connects major shopping centers such as 好市多 and 迪卡儂 with nearby communities.
富宇建設 donated a total of three pedestrian bridges, and the first was completed today.
Pedestrian bridges No. 2 to 5 crossing Ci-yun Road, collectively known as the Ci-yun pedestrian bridge, are expected to be completed and open in November.
The Ci-yun pedestrian bridge project is more than 97% complete.
Since its design review was approved in 113年, Guanpu No. 8 Pedestrian Bridge has undergone multiple reviews and detailed adjustments.
2026 Hsinchu Military Dependents' Village Culture Festival opens at Jiangjun Village on Nov. 7; Ann Kao invites the public to experience the village's character
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Hsinchu City Government announced that the 2026 Hsinchu Military Dependents' Village Culture Festival will be held at Jiangjun Village on November 7, under the theme “Light in the Village, Warmth in the Neighborhood.” The event will feature musical performances, a specialty market and displays of defense equipment, aiming to promote the cultural assets and historical memories of military dependents' villages.
Facts
The 2026 Hsinchu Military Dependents' Village Culture Festival will be held at Jiangjun Village on November 7.
The Hsinchu City Government has invested NT$45 million over the past 2 years to renovate military dependents' village buildings.
Hsinchu City once had 47 military dependents' villages under its supervision.
The event will display the locally developed vehicle-mounted Sky Sword I air defense missile system.
1966 census data showed that people who had migrated from other provinces accounted for more than one-quarter of Hsinchu City's population.
The city government has allocated more than NT$70 million to rebuild the collection storage space at the Military Dependents' Village Museum.
Renowned campus folk singer Lo Chi-chen was invited to give a performance at the press conference.
2026 Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival opens in grand style at the end of the month; Tourism and Travel Bureau selects distinctive B&Bs and raffle prizes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau announced that the 2026 Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival will open on October 31. It is also coordinating with nearby mountain-town B&Bs, the hot spring season and a domestic travel subsidy raffle to promote in-depth travel in autumn.
Facts
The 2026 Taichung International Flower Carpet Festival will open on October 31.
The distinctive Xinshe B&Bs recommended by the Tourism and Travel Bureau include “沐漁書房” and “月湖老家.”
The “2026 Taichung Hot Spring Season” will run through October 31.
Participants in interactive hot spring season activities will have a chance to win round-trip airfare for 2 from Taichung to Nagoya, Japan.
Prizes in the “Stay in Taichung Every Week, Vacation All Year” raffle include 52 quality accommodation vouchers and a Gogoro electric scooter.
The raffle runs from now through November 30.
The first October raffle has successfully drawn 12 lucky winners.
The “離家出走” B&B in Shigang is located next to the Dongfeng Bikeway at the 6.5-kilometer mark.
Taichung's AI traffic management draws international attention; Yeh Chao-fu presents smart upgrade experience at ITS World Congress
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is advancing digital transformation. Transportation Bureau Director Yeh Chao-fu shared Taichung's experience using AI for smart management at its transfer center at the ITS World Congress in South Korea, showcasing an international outlook.
Facts
The Taichung City Government team traveled to South Korea from October 19 to 23 to attend the 32nd Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress.
Taichung Transportation Bureau Director Yeh Chao-fu delivered a speech at a key forum on monitoring and managing multimodal transportation hubs.
Taichung Transfer Center brings together multiple modes of transport, including Taiwan Railways, city buses and intercity coaches, with daily transfers and entries and exits reaching 100,000 passenger trips.
Taichung Transfer Center has introduced AI line-crossing counting technology to replace the traditional approach of relying solely on ticket gate records.
Taichung Transfer Center's AI safety system uses a three-tier response based on risk, covering general anomalies, safety incidents and emergencies.
Taichung Transfer Center's smart system strictly protects personal privacy: it never uses facial recognition, and all AI alerts must be confirmed a second time by staff on duty.
Songshan Airport relocation can't be just a pipe dream! Chen Yu-cheng reveals 3 major gaps in supporting measures; Chiang Wan-an admits no coordination with the central government yet
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an has proposed a vision for relocating Songshan Airport and developing an AI park, but councilor Chen Yu-cheng questioned the lack of coordination with the central government and supporting measures. Chen urged the city government to form an interagency task force and set out a concrete timeline to prevent the policy from remaining empty talk.
Facts
Asked during questioning at the Taipei City Council whether he had formed an interagency coordination task force with central agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Ministry of National Defense, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an admitted that he had not.
City councilor Chen Yu-cheng questioned the power supply for the Taipei AI Park, asking whether the city had confirmed electricity demand, substations and energy allocation with Taipower.
In response to a question about power supply plans for the AI park, Chiang Wan-an said there were no concrete plans yet.
Chen Yu-cheng said relocating Songshan Airport involves national defense, civil aviation and local residents' interests, and that without a formal coordination platform, the policy could remain on paper.
During questioning at the city council, Chen Yu-cheng confronted Chiang Wan-an with 9 key questions to assess the city government's level of preparedness.
Lifa No. 1 Bridge on County Road 89 completed; local residents celebrate its opening
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Nantou County Government has completed reconstruction of Lifa No. 1 Bridge on County Road 89, resolving the road closure caused by Typhoon Khanun and improving the safety of the road connecting Ren'ai Township to other areas.
Facts
Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua presided over the opening ceremony for the completed Lifa No. 1 Bridge in Ren'ai Township on the morning of the 21st.
Lifa No. 1 Bridge was built to replace an unstable section of County Road 89 after a slope collapse caused by Typhoon Khanun in 112年.
The Lifa No. 1 Bridge project cost approximately NT$114.37 million. Construction began on August 21, 113年, and was completed on September 24, 115年.
Lifa No. 1 Bridge is 95 meters long and 6.5 meters wide, and was designed as a single-span, fixed-end prestressed box-girder bridge.
The abutments at both ends of the bridge are reinforced for stability with well foundations 8.5 meters in diameter and 20 meters deep, as well as prestressed tieback anchors.
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Establishes the MISUMI Imprint Foundation to support the next generation of manufacturing talent
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ミスミグループ本社 established the MISUMI Imprint Foundation to support engineering education and industry-academia collaboration in the United States, with a $2 million seed investment.
FI WEB, a web production service focused on SEO and AIO, launches its official website
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Tokyo-based IT company 株式会社ファーストイノベーション has launched the official website for FI WEB, a specialized web production service that incorporates SEO and AIO from the design stage. The service covers 7 areas, with basic AIO support offered free of charge.