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New Chinese law for “ethnic unity” could make anybody legally liable

China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress went into effect today, meaning Chinese citizens, people living in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan, and even non-Chinese in every part of the world are subject to the law. The law’s vague legal concepts essentially allow the CCP to punish anyone, anywhere, who, quote "undermines the ethnic unity and progress" of China. Several political scholars in Taiwan shared their opinions on the law’s true aim.

Liang Wen-chieh
Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson
The CCP’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress expands their scope of long-arm jurisdiction, which allows them to repress people abroad. The law uses vague legal concepts that inherently have nothing to do with rule of law. Instead, the law’s ultimate goal is about political intimidation, essentially causing a chilling effect that forces ordinary citizens into self-censorship.

Fan Shih-ping
NTNU political science professor
It’s about social stability. The law’s viewed as a tool that their regime uses to maintain its authority.

Wu Se-chih
Taipei University of Marine Technology professor
China uses this kind of law in hopes that it can suppress people abroad. China has dispatched many secret police in overseas offices in order to help carry out this Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, which is a cause for concern in the international community.

Article 63 of the Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress states that individuals or groups outside of China that "undermine ethnic unity and progress or create ethnic division" could potentially be legally liable for their words or actions. The law’s legal concepts are vague, as the CCP could punish anyone it deems to be "undermining ethnic unity." Essentially, a person could be considered guilty if he or she had, in the past, written or shared an article that refers to China’s suppression of Taiwan or topics like Taiwanese sovereignty or independence. Furthermore, Western countries that support Xinjiang or criticize the CCP could also be legally punished.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Time：2026-07-01

最新消息 Latest News

DPP wonders why canopy sculptures are so much pricier than umbrellas

After New Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taipei is now the third city in Taiwan to trial giant street umbrellas. A number of red electric umbrellas have already been installed near Taipei Arena and outside Ximen MRT Station. Each unit reportedly cost NT$300,000 to NT$400,000. Meanwhile, the city government also plans to install canopy sculptures that provide shade in Xinyi District. However, at nearly 7 and a half million NT apiece, the price tag has sparked much discussion online. Mayor Chiang Wan-an responded by saying that the sculptures would complement the high-end feel of Xinyi District .

There’s not much time left to cross the street. Thankfully, these red giant umbrellas provide shade while pedestrians wait for the next green light under the scorching sun. These are the first automatic giant umbrellas installed in Taipei, outside Exits 1 and 6 of the MRT’s Ximen Station.

Member of public
Approving
I think it’s great, because it provides shade. I no longer have to wait under direct sunlight.

Tourist from the US
Approving
This is nice, but, like, we need it everywhere.

Member of public
Offers feedback
It’s not bad. It provides shade. There should be more, because when there’s more people, everyone will try to get under it, and there won’t be enough space.

Member of public
Offers feedback
It’s not a bad idea, but I think it’ll be better if it also offers UV protection.

Most people are happy with the new smart giant umbrellas installed at pedestrian crossings with heavy foot traffic. One umbrella can accommodate around 15 people, and contracts automatically when it gets too windy and at night.

Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
Oh my gosh, the sun is scorching, I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. I need to get under the shade. You can see a giant umbrella just outside Taipei’s Ximending. It provides shade for pedestrians waiting to cross the street. However, it’s not quite the same as the canopy sculptures in Xinyi District.

Very different, indeed. The canopy sculptures that double as public art installations cost around NT$7.44 million each. The project is overseen by the city’s Department of Urban Development. Meanwhile, the giant umbrellas installed near Ximending and Taipei Arena were commissioned to a road management vendor by the Public Works Department’s New Construction Office, and costs NT$300,000 to NT$400,000 each. Why the difference? Mayor Chiang Wan-an said that the city government opted for sculptures in Xinyi District to blend in better with the cityscape.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
We’re adopting different methods and using different vendors. For Xinyi Commercial Area, we’ve taken into consideration the more fashionable feel of the area, and wish to maintain the overall urban aesthetic.

Puma Shen
Taipei mayoral candidate (DPP)
The city government should explain why these devices are so much more expensive in Taipei than in other cities. I believe this is what many Taipei residents are wondering about.

Although it’s great that there’s now more much-needed shady areas to get out of the sun, the DPP wants the city government to be transparent about the costs of procurement and construction of these shading devices.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#summer #umbrella #shade #sunprotection #publicart

2026-07-01

School recalls craft assignment over simplified Chinese controversy

A parent from Taichung recently posted a complaint on social media about their child’s summer homework being in simplified Chinese. A craft worksheet, titled "Shirt Bouquet" to celebrate Father’s Day, used simplified characters for the title and text. In response, the school recalled the assignment. The Taichung Education Bureau has also come out to say that it issued a notice back in November 2024 stating that schools should avoid using any teaching material that uses simplified Chinese.

This elementary school summer craft assignment to make a “shirt bouquet” for Father’s Day uses only simplified Chinese characters, from the title to the instructions. The school recalled it soon after.

Parent
They took the worksheets back. All of them were collected. For educational materials, using traditional is better.

School representative
Some of the words in the instructions might be difficult for the students to understand. We discussed it with teachers and decided it’s not the most appropriate for the students’ learning, so we collected them right away.

The problematic second-grade assignment from a school in Taichung’s Shalu District was exposed by a parent on social media, with parents questioning whether the students could even read it. It also raised concerns of infiltration.

Huang Shou-ta
Taichung City Councilor (DPP)
Mayor Lu Shiow-yen must not view this as an isolated incident. There must be a systematic review and response.

Chang Jia-an
Taichung City Councilor (DPP)
This kind of cultural infiltration has already extended its reach into our schools. Is the Taichung City Government just allowing blatant infiltration to happen?

Lin Te-yu
Taichung City Councilor (DPP)
The Taichung Education Bureau must not allow schools to neglect screening materials just for convenience, allowing materials in simplified characters to flood campuses.

Politicians in the green camp have accused the Education Bureau of dereliction of duty. The bureau said it would continue to supervise schools.

Chen Ya-hsin
Education Bureau chief secretary
The Education Bureau will continue to supervise all schools in implementing regulations and strengthen review procedures for the use of classroom materials prior to purchase to avoid similar incidents from recurring.

Faced with parental concerns, the Education Bureau said in 2024 it had already sent a notice to all grade schools in the city instructing them to avoid the use of teaching materials that use simplified Chinese characters.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#teachingmaterials #simplifiedChinese #unitedfront #Taichung #controversy #schools #education #culturalinfiltration

2026-07-01

Ferry passengers in Taitung rave over renovated terminal

In the past, waiting for a ferry at Taitung usually meant being scorched by the sun. But now passengers heading to Orchid Island or Green Island can rejoice, because the Fugang Port Passenger Terminal is finally open. The newly renovated terminal boasts an air-conditioned interior and a sleek modern design that reminds some travelers of what boat terminals look like abroad.

An installation art of blue and gray waves is bordering the newly renovated Fugang Port Passenger Terminal, which has an eco-friendly design that incorporates seagull and coral reef imagery. The terminal’s modern design is also complemented by the sapphire-colored sea behind it and the blue sky above it. For two decades, Taitung locals have been looking forward to this building’s completion. Yesterday, Taitung County Government held a ceremony for the terminal’s first day.

The passenger terminal is connected to the pier, meaning travelers heading to Green Island or Orchid Island by ferry can check in as well as buy and pick up tickets at the terminal.

Member of public
Ferry passenger
They made this place look like what you see in other countries. It has a really sleek design, like you feel as if you’ve traveled abroad when you come in here.

The completely revamped Fugang Port Passenger Terminal means Taitung is now home to a modern port. The building’s design seamlessly incorporates the iconic ocean scenery and seaside feel of the southeastern county. The interior is akin to King Triton’s underwater palace, but the building’s most important aspect is its capacity, as up to 600 travelers can wait inside the air-conditioned building instead of being baked in the sun like they would be in the past.

Yao Ching-ling
Taitung County Commissioner
It’s designed to be able to accommodate the maximum number of passengers during the busiest of times. Four ferries can be docked outside, so right now the terminal’s big enough to handle the travel volume for Taitung, Orchid Island and Green Island.

This new terminal, which offers both comfort and convenience, has been 20 years in the making, but this project isn’t the only work being done for ferry travel, as Orchid Island’s Lanyu Kaiyuan Port and Green Island’s Nanliao Harbor are currently being renovated. With these new offerings and older ferries being replaced by new ones, Taitung is letting travelers know the county and its nearby islands are ready to accommodate summer tourists.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taitung #ferry #cruise #GreenIsland #OrchidIsland

2026-07-01

Penghu’s annual 2-month bafun uni harvest season begins

Seafood lovers, take note! Starting on Wednesday, Penghu’s two-month sea urchin harvest season begins. Harvesting short-spined sea urchin, also known as bafun uni, outside of the months of July and August is illegal.

On the first day of the harvest season, shoppers flocked to the wet markets for this covetable delicacy. Sold individually, each urchin would set you back at least NT$150. The bigger it is, the more expensive. Some larger specimens could cost up to NT$600 apiece. Due to climate change, the harvest is considerably smaller than past years.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#seafood #uni #delicacy #harvest

2026-07-01

ICDF celebrates 3rd decade of sharing Taiwan’s experiences worldwide

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, an organization that shares Taiwan’s technology, talent, and experiences with diplomatic partners around the world. The fund is an example of soft power that shows, in just half a century, how Taiwan has transformed from an aid recipient to a development partner that helps other countries flourish.

These representatives from all over the world touch a button, creating a digital globe that serves as the opening of the ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund.

Raymond Greene
AIT Director
What distinguishes Taiwan ICDF is not its actions but how it approaches local capacity. By bringing hands-on technical excellence, ICDF brings operational flexibility and transparency, rooted in democratic governance, a practice that stands in sharp contrast to predatory lending models that leave partner countries worse off.

Katayama Kazuyuki
Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association
Taiwan’s experience offers a similar and inspiring story. Over the past several decades, Taiwan has transformed itself from an aid recipient into a respected development partner.

In addition to the US and Japan, the guest list of representatives also includes the EU as well as diplomatic allies, including the Marshall Islands, Guatemala, and Eswatini. The representatives all praised Taiwan for how it has helped diplomatic allies abroad. Formed on July 1, 1996, the Taiwan ICDF has enabled Taiwan to help other countries in areas such as agriculture technology, public health and medical treatment, and educational training; Taiwan has formed long-term diplomatic connections by sharing its technology and talent with nations around the world.

Lin Chia-lung
Foreign minister
Right now, we’re taking an integrated diplomacy approach. Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund is a fantastic and important organization. What I can share is that the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project allows us to take Taiwan’s current strengths, from semiconductors, AI digital governance, and smart solutions to energy, medical treatment, education, and tourism, so that our diplomatic allies can achieve what Taiwan already has experienced first-hand.

From receiving help to now being a nation that exports their experiences, the Taiwan ICDF’s 30 years of hard work have created examples of diplomatic soft power that the world has taken notice of.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#ICDF #diplomacy #foreignaid #taiwan #international

2026-07-01

Weiwuying donates recycled computers to Malawian students

The Rotary Club of Kaohsiung collaborated with the Weiwuying Arts Center on an educational donation drive for Malawi. After collecting 200 used computers, they commissioned skilled technicians from National Sun Yat-sen University and Shoushan Junior High School to refurbish them. The computers were then sent to four high schools in the southern African country, giving their students access to more educational opportunities.

Students from Shoushan Junior High School make use of their technical expertise to refurbish old computers, preparing the machines for the next stage of their lives in Africa.

Student
It’s cool that we can help them, even though we’re in Taiwan.

Student
I taught them to install a hard drive. It feels great, like I got to do another good deed.

The students taught their African visitors about computers, including how to clean them to ensure they remain in top condition once they’ve been sent overseas. After eight months of planning, the Rotary Club of Kaohsiung and the Weiwuying arts center gathered 200 old computers to donate to four high schools in Malawi, giving their students computer labs to call their own.

Shih Fu-chuan
Rotary Club of Kaohsiung president
The local education department in Malawi restructured the schools’ blackout schedules for our initiative to ensure power outages do not conflict with the computer classes. By sending these computers to Malawi, we’re enabling the students to forge connections with the international community starting in high school.

Hsieh Jui-hsiang
Weiwuying executive deputy director
By refurbishing these old computers, we can empower more students to use them. It can also give a new way of using these computers.

Through this international tech drive, organizers hope to bridge the digital divide for Malawian students, proving that a refurbished computer can be a powerful tool for global connection and improving lives through education.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#donation #TaiwanMalawi #donationdrive #refurbishedcomputer #RotaryClub #Weiwuying #Kaohsiung

2026-07-01

‘Hello Monsters’ children’s art fest to open July 11 in New Taipei

The 2026 New Taipei City Children’s Art Festival will be held from July 11 to 19. This year’s theme is "Hello! Monsters," featuring performers and artists from both Taiwan and abroad, who are coming together to create a wondrous spectacle of monsters and more.

The New Taipei City Children’s Art Festival will be held over nine days from July 11 to 19 at the New Taipei City Square, the first floor of city hall, and Fuzhong Square in Banqiao.

Everyone is surprised and delighted as a huge dinosaur charges into the room. This year’s theme, “Hello! Monsters,” seeks to create an immersive experience for the young participants, who won’t just watch the shows, but be a part of them by completing missions to help save the dinosaurs.

Jhu Ti-jhih
New Taipei Deputy Mayor
There will be five big monster “jungles” with different events. You can see there will be lots of well-known children’s theater troupes delivering spectacular performances.

The New Taipei City Children’s Art Festival has entertained 8.52 million visitors over its 17 years so far. For the 18th edition, it’s bringing another series of wonderful performances by local and international artists. Also for the fourth year in a row, the popular “card challenge” will be back, this time with brand-new cards.

Jhu Ti-jhih
New Taipei Deputy Mayor
We look forward to visitors young and old taking the MRT, the high-speed rail, the Taiwan Railway, or buses here to Banqiao.

This summer vacation, parents will have the chance to take their children on a magical journey that’s both entertaining and educational.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#NewTaipei #ChildrensArtsFestival #festival #children #familyfun #dinosaurs #HelloMonster

2026-07-01

Restaurant tinkers with recipe to perfect minced pork on toast

Can you imagine eating traditional minced pork on toast instead of rice? In Kaohsiung’s Ciaotou District, a pork rice restaurant famous for receiving a Bib Gourmand recommendation is working with a trendy bakery to offer milk toast topped with pork and cream cheese. They made hundreds of adjustments before finally landing on the perfect ratio of ingredients. So how is it? Let’s find out.

A generous layer of spread is lathered on a slice of milk toast, chock full of big chunks of braised pork. Paired with the milky sweetness of the bread, the restaurant is hoping it’ll win over customers.

Customer
It tastes like minced pork, but it doesn’t feel like you’re eating chunks of pork. Overall, I think it’s pretty unique. It seems like another kind of cuisine, like it’s from a high-end French bakery.

Customer
It’s velvety smooth. They’re delicious together.

This special item is on the menu at a Bib Gourmand-recommended minced pork rice restaurant in Kaohsiung’s Ciaotou District. They use the milk bread from a trendy bakery and the gelatinous pork from their restaurant, but went through hundreds of iterations before they found the right combination.

Huang Chun-chieh
Minced pork rice restaurant owner
At first we tried a bunch of different things. Since the toast itself is very soft and it can’t seem out of place when you put the pork on top, we literally had to try hundreds of iterations.

Looking to offer a “fast food” option, the restaurant offers individually packaged slices of toast. Just heat one up in a toaster oven, and you can enjoy Michelin-level food in the comfort of your own home.

Tai Chia-cheng
Bakery owner
Taiwanese people tend to like sweet bread. If it’s savory, it can’t be too salty or too oily. Figuring out how to keep the grease down was key.

By merging Kaohsiung’s local favorite with trendy milk toast, this fusion of Taiwanese and Japanese cuisine has generated buzz while challenging local palettes.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#mincedpork #braisedpork #porkoverrice #BibGourmand #Michelin #milktoast #cuisine #food #Kaohsiung #fusionfood

2026-07-01

Traditional Yunlin drink shop quenches summer thirst with handmade aiyu

The beverage business is lucrative during Taiwan’s blistering summers. One vendor that sells aiyu jelly in Yunlin’s Dounan Township said business soars by 50% compared with the winter season. Despite the heavy workload, the owner works hard every day to prepare fresh aiyu jelly by hand. He also goes to schools to teach students how to make it themselves, giving an introduction to this iconic Taiwanese treat.

Glistening crystal chunks of aiyu jelly are spooned into a plastic cup and topped with passion fruit to deliver a delicious respite from the summer heat.

Business is always booming at drink and ice shops as people crave an ice-cold treat during the scorching summer months. One aiyu vendor in Yunlin’s Dounan Township still makes the jelly by hand every day to give his customers the freshest product possible.

Aiyu vendor
It cools you down and serves as a diuretic, helping expel moisture. Sales are up about 50% compared with winter.

The vendor offered a demonstration to show how authentic aiyu is made.

First, scrape the seeds off.

After scraping off an entire container of seeds, he puts them into a cloth bag and kneads it for about 10 minutes in the water until it becomes gelatinous.

Aiyu vendor
The aiyu seeds bond with the calcium and other minerals in the water. The calcium and minerals essentially form a pectin structure.

Kneading it manually can extract the most natural aiyu jelly. Besides making the jelly by hand every day, the owner also teaches kids about food and agriculture.

Aiyu vendor
I teach them how to make aiyu and give a simple presentation on how it grows, like stuff about its life cycle.

Complimented with simple flavorings, aiyu is the perfect summer refreshment. Even with the hundreds of options at ice shops these days, it’s hard to beat the perfection of this classic, all-natural favorite.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#aiyu #dessert #drink #summer #Yunlin #handmade #foodeducation

2026-07-01

President Lai presides over joint military graduation

While most call him president, some call him commander-in-chief. President Lai presided over today’s joint military graduation, an event that features Taiwan’s eight military academies. During his speech, Lai reminded the graduates to remain resolute about defending democracy and freedom. The event also had some memorable moments, including a hat incident and a non-Taiwanese graduate.

As the nation’s commander-in-chief, President Lai Ching-te is personally pinning on the rank insignia of armed forces graduates. For the third time, Lai is presiding over the joint military graduation ceremony of the eight military academies. During his speech, Lai both wishes the graduates well and reminds them of their moral values.

Lai Ching-te
President
China is seeking to infiltrate our military from every angle, from trying to split us apart to conducting espionage activity. So, I ask all of our graduates to have a clear awareness of friend and foe. Resist communism, resist annexation, and stand resolute about the values of democracy and freedom. Remain steadfast that in terms of the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China, one is not subordinate to the other.

Lai emphasized that the government will be the military’s strongest supporter. After the ceremony, Lai took separate photos with the different service academies, including one with the Military Academy, which is known for being cursed when it comes to picture time.

All seems normal when the graduates shout a slogan, but a second look reveals something’s amiss behind Secretary-General Pan Men-an. A female graduate’s cap has been knocked off her head by a male graduate behind her. But this new officer has got quick hands, and the cap’s back where it’s supposed to be. The moment reminds some of Liu Chih-pin suffering a similar incident back when he was the president of National Defense University.

Back in 2023, they were chanting the same slogan when a female air force graduate accidentally knocked Liu’s hat off his head; Liu also has quick hands, as he was able to get his hat back on. History repeating itself in a funny way wasn’t the only noticeable aspect of this graduation, as a Chung Cheng Institute of Technology graduate from Guatemala also got the attention of the cameras.

International student
National Defense University graduate
I can improve Guatemala’s naval situation, improve their skills, and improve our Taiwan–Guatemala relationship.

The ceremony will serve as a life milestone for the graduates, who will continue to defend Taiwan in the years to come.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#defense #Guatemala #graduation #military #Taiwan

2026-06-30

Officials attend event celebrating opening of Light Blue MRT line

Taipei Metro has officially opened a new line in New Taipei: the Sanying line. Also known as the Light Blue line, this light metro line runs from the Bannan line’s Dingpu Station all the way to Yingge. The line’s opening ceremony today had a large audience, including Premier Cho Jung-tai and New Taipei mayoral candidates Su Chiao-hui and Lee Shu-chuan.

Ten years in the making, today marks the day New Taipei residents can finally ride their city’s Sanying light metro line.

Premier Cho Jung-tai attended the event celebrating the decade-long transportation project, which cost NT$50 billion.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
This event today was just added to my schedule yesterday, but we cancelled our original schedule for this morning. I said that I have to come, and with the same excitement I had for the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, I congratulate the residents of New Taipei for this transportation milestone.

Also in attendance were New Taipei’s two mayoral candidates: the DPP’s Su Chiao-hui and the KMT’s Lee Shu-chuan. They shook hands when they first saw each other, but that didn’t seem to be enough; they shook hands again for the cameras.

Whenever there’s an event in New Taipei, Lee has made sure to keep close to New Taipei Mayor, and fellow KMT politician, Hou Yu-ih.

Previously a deputy mayor of Taipei, Lee’s seating arrangements have kept him close to New Taipei’s mayor. At first, Deputy Mayor Jhu Ti-jhih was seated between Hou and Lee, but later on Lee ended up sitting directly beside Hou. Despite Lee seeming cordial during photos taken today with his competitor Su, recently Lee criticized Su for using the opening of major transportation milestones to pad her political résumé. But, when asked, Lee didn’t want to shift the focus to the central government.

Lee Shu-chuan
New Taipei mayoral candidate (KMT)
I’d like to express my gratitude to Mayor Hou for the eight years in completing this project. To me, municipal administration is all about, one leader handing over the reins to the next one.

Su Chiao-hui
New Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The entire project, from its budget to manpower, it’s been a collective effort of both the central government and city government. It’s the result of so many people’s hard work, and I know this first-hand, because as a local legislator I’d always immediately pass on good news to my fellow constituents.

As these two mayoral candidates vie for the future reins of New Taipei, both seem to know that their every word and action is newsworthy.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#TaipeiMetro #DPP #KMT #NewTaipei #publictransport

2026-06-30

Credit card and wallet app payment available on Taipei MRT starting July 1

Starting on Wednesday, Taipei MRT’s fare gates will also take credit card payment, both with a physical card or on a wallet app, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

From physical tokens in the early days, to EasyCards and single-journey paper receipts with a QR code, Taipei Metro now directly accepts cards issued by both local and international banks. If you have an iPhone, Apple Pay’s Express Mode also works. In June, Taipei Metro registered its 15 billionth trip. Now, it’s marking a new milestone with the inauguration of multi-payment services. Several Taiwanese banks are rolling out promotions and cash back for new credit card holders in response to the new development.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#creditcard #cashless #contactlesspayment #publictransport #taipeitravel

2026-06-30

New Pingtung sign warns drivers to watch for tortoises

A road sign warning people to watch for tortoises has been set up for the first time in Taiwan, in Pingtung’s Chaozhou Township. Numerous tortoises have been killed by passing vehicles in the area, so the county government installed signs to encourage drivers to exercise more caution and protect these slow-moving reptiles.

A tortoise slowly moves along the road, walking across concrete, through puddles, and even getting right next to a car tire. Here in Pingtung’s Chaozhou Township, tortoises are often seen roaming the streets.

Member of public
There are lots! We set them all free. There are tortoises walking around, and some have been crushed to death.

Member of public
We have lots of tortoises around here. Sometimes I pick them up off the road and move them to the side.

These slow-moving reptiles are vulnerable to getting hit by cars, so the local government designed a road sign to warn drivers to watch out for them. It pictures a black-and-white tortoise inside a red triangle, with the words “watch for tortoises” beneath.

Member of public
It’s really cute. I’ve never seen this sign before. It’s really creative. I’ll watch out for them.

Huang Yu-cheng
Pingtung County official
After discussing with multiple departments, they all agreed that wild animals frequently appear along this section of road and that a warning sign was needed.

Wang Chien-yuan
Chaozhou Township official
We put up a sign to watch for tortoises, but it’s meant to warn people about small animals in general, like frogs, toads, tortoises, or even snakes.

This is Taiwan’s first “watch for tortoises” sign. The roads in this area are straight and wide, so vehicles tend to drive fast. Hopefully, this sign will remind them to slow down and watch for animals. More warning signs like this are appearing throughout the country. In the neighboring county of Kenting, there are signs to watch for deer. With appropriate signage in place, drivers can help look out for wild animals.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

# tortoises #roadkill #Pingtung #roadsign #watchfortortoises #tortoisecrossing #deercrossing #conservation #environment #car #vehicle

2026-06-30

THSR opens new passageway and fare gates for travelers

Taiwan High Speed Rail opened a new passageway on 12 p.m. Tuesday for passengers, in a move to ease passenger congestion. With more and more travelers opting for the high speed rail for long-distance train travels, and Taipei being a main stop but having the narrowest walkways, the opening comes as a great relief. Better yet, it’s right by Train Car 10, one of three train cars for unreserved passengers. Let’s find out more.

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
The THSR’s East Exit at Taipei Main Station used to only have these three fare gates. In order to ease passenger congestion, three new fare gates will be in service staring at 12 p.m. on June 30. This will allow passengers on unreserved train cars to exit faster.

Traveler
Took THSR
It’s really convenient. I had just gotten off and now I’m up here.

Traveler
Took THSR
There weren’t these the last time I was here. I only found out today when it opened. It wasn’t like this when I took the HSR last month.

THSR also published a short video on the opening day, showing the directions and featuring Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai, THSR Chair Shih Che and Taiwan Railway Corporation Chair James Jeng. According to THSR, the new passageway is expected to accommodate at least a quarter of passengers on each trip, making for about 10,000 passengers a day.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwantravel #traintravel #publictransport #HSR #bullettrain


2026-06-30

Taxi driver rams into gas station wall in dizzy moment

Employees at a gas station in Taichung were given quite the fright this morning when a taxi sped into the bathroom wall. The accident caused no human injuries, yet the taxi did run into four parked scooters. With drug-related driving accidents being in the news lately, both the driver and police clarified that the driver’s low blood sugar levels were the sole cause of the crash.

Eye witness
Gas station employee
I was pumping gas for another vehicle when he suddenly slammed on the gas and raced forwards. The driver said his blood sugar was low.

Eye witness
Gas station employee
There was a customer who had parked over here and then went into the bathroom. His scooter got smashed. Our scooters, which we parked over here, were also wrecked.

Hsu I-wei
Local police chief
Upon investigation, it has been determined that the male driver was feeling unwell and, therefore, accidentally pressed the accelerator, resulting in 4 scooters being damaged. The driver was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The accident happened a little after 7 a.m. Tuesday at a gas station on Dazhi Road in Taichung’s East District. Mr. Kuo, the 65-year old taxi driver, said his blood sugar level was low, and he accidentally pressed the gas pedal after fainting. Fortunately, the only harm caused was property damage, as no injuries were reported.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taxi #publicsafety #dangerous #roadsafety #accident

2026-06-30

Yilan local stumbles upon thousands of dead fish in canal

At 4 a.m. Tuesday, a Yilan local happened upon thousands of dead fish floating on the surface of Tarrochan Canal, right by Guangrong Road in Luodong Township. The local Environmental Protection Bureau immediately dispatched officers to assess the water quality. They found that although the pH levels were normal, the dissolved oxygen levels were not. At only 0.5 to 0.8mg per liter, it falls considerably below the 2.0mg per liter threshold for critical hypoxia. Officials are determining whether a sudden rise in temperature or illegal dumping of chemical waste is to blame.

Looking down from the embankment, one can see a large mass of white floating objects on the surface. Zoom in, and you’ll find numerous dead fish. The carcasses stretch several tens of meters, covering the water surface. Some have made their way further downstream.

Lin Chieh-chao
Dong’an Borough warden
It’s probably because the water’s too shallow and the sunlight is too strong. It’s hypoxia.

Lee His-chin
Luodong Township representative
For this stretch of water, over the years we’ve observed that every summer, it dries up all the way to the river bed, leaving it without water. Fish need water. Without sufficient oxygen levels, the fish will certainly die.

At 4 a.m. Tuesday, a local of Yilan’s Luodong Township was strolling along Tarrochan Canal when they got hit by a stench. Taking a look at the surface, they discovered a huge number of dead fish. They immediately reported the sighting to authorities. Soon afterwards, the local Environmental Protection Bureau dispatched officers to assess the water quality. They found that although the pH levels were normal, the dissolved oxygen levels were not. At only 0.5 to 0.8mg per liter, it falls considerably below the 2.0mg per liter threshold for critical hypoxia.

Chen Chih-hao
Yilan Irrigation Agency
From what we saw, we suspect that someone had sneakily dumped chemical waste, because the number of dead fish was huge, and even the hardiest bottom cleaners died.

Voice of Hu Pi-hui
Yilan Environmental Protection Bureau
At the moment, we’ve made our way upstream for inspections, and did not find any instances of abnormal runoff.

Officials are determining whether a sudden rise in temperature or illegal dumping of chemical waste was the culprit in the mass death of fish in the canal. At the moment, the carcasses have been removed and a physical barrier has been pulled up to prevent any individual dead fish from floating into the ocean.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#pollution #waterpollution #environment #chemicalwaste #extremeweather

2026-06-30

Kaohsiung blacksmith and street performer makes light-up weapons

The lightsabers Jedi wield in Star Wars are legendary weapons. One blacksmith in Kaohsiung has mastered how to craft lightsabers complete with sound and light effects. Chen Yi-chih is a locksmith by profession, but also works as a street performer and blacksmith, and studied Kendo for 40 years. His superior craftsmanship has drawn many Star Wars fans over the years.

Wearing Japanese samurai armor decked out in colorful lights and wielding a lightsaber, this martial artist is a spectacle in the dark.

This is a Kaohsiung street performer named Chen Yi-chih. Not only is he a well-known Kendo performer, but he’s also a skilled blacksmith. The weapons he wields were made with his own two hands.

Chen Yi-chih
Artist
The electronic components including lithium batteries, the circuit board, and speaker need to be soldered in place inside. When lit up, it looks like a real samurai sword, and it even makes that whooshing sound.

Chen grinds the transparent blade, complete with a light strip inside, and uses aluminum tubing to make the sheath. The sword emits neon light, creating dramatic lighting and even sound effects.

Chen is a locksmith by profession, but also works as a street performer and swordsmith. He’s studied Kendo for 40 years.

Chen Yi-chih
Artist
I studied Kendo myself and reached fifth-dan level. But I found swords that light up to be really interesting, so I started learning how to make them myself a few years ago. Lots of cosplayers come and order the type of sword they want. After the design is complete, we will draw it and make a lifelike, one-to-one replica.

After eight years of refining his craft, Chen’s swords now draw people from all over Taiwan, from Star Wars fans to cosplayers looking to upgrade their looks.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#lightsaber #StarWars #samuri #Kendo #martialarts #streetperformer #Kaohsiung #blacksmith #swordsmith

2026-06-30

Accomplished writer returns to Yilan to take over father’s gas bottling business

Sometimes, people will choose a side hustle to generate more income or showcase a different skill. But for Wang Ya-lun, hers is a way to commune with her late father. Now over 60 years old, Wang used to live in Belgium working as a writer, and has even worked with the Cannes Film Festival. Four years ago, her glamorous life came full circle when she returned to Yilan to take over her father’s natural gas bottling business, all to preserve his memory.

Drivers bring their trucks up to the station, emptying gas cylinders one by one to be refilled. It’s hard to imagine the boss weaving her way among them, Wang Ya-lun, was once a top student at Taipei First Girls’ High School and NTU’s foreign languages department. She even earned two master’s degrees in France on scholarship. But now, she’s selling gas.

As she leads the reporter through the station, Wang tells how she used to be a seasoned writer and European correspondent. Four years ago when her father died, she moved back home to take over his business.

Wang Ya-lun
Gas bottling station owner
Before, no matter how I wrote the invoice, it wouldn’t go through. I didn’t even know I had to get carbon paper! I came back so often at the time because my parents’ health was getting worse. After my father passed... That period of time was too short. I felt like, at least this station has been the same for 40 years. Of course it’s changed a little, but it’s still here, so I couldn’t... I couldn’t let it go.

Wang has helped with the Cannes Film Festival and even translated the memoir of its former president. But is it possible for this seasoned writer to blend in with the gas workers?

Mr. Yeh
Gas supplier
I told her not to take over the business. She should be holding a pen, not gas cylinders!

Wang said if she never took over the business, it would have been hard for her to understand the hardships her father faced.

Wang Ya-lun
Gas bottling station owner
I never doubted that my father loved me deeply, but he was very strict with me. It’s because I took over the station that I can better understand what he went through. The process is what’s most important. I’ve learned a lot.

Fans of her writing have even come to visit her at the station. After traveling all the way around the world, Wang has landed back where she started to better understand the love her father left behind.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#familybusiness #naturalgas #inspirational #Yilan #careershift #gasbottling #writer #CannesFilmFestival

2026-06-30

Kaohsiung roadside stands sell sausages for NT$40

As inflation continues to push prices up, just ordering one thing at a night market can cost as much as a meal used to. But one stand in Kaohsiung that has been running for over a decade still offers its specialty for just NT$40: a meat sausage wrapped in a rice sausage. Not far away by the Nanzi Tianhou Temple, another vendor sells the same snack for just NT$35, topped with plenty of garlic and cucumber.

Meat sausages sizzle on a grill, with rice sausages cut down the middle cooking next to them. This stand has been serving the local community for over a decade.

Customer
His sausages don’t have fatty pork like others, and they don’t taste gamey.

- It used to be NT$35.
- The price went up by NT$5?
- Yeah.

This stand on Sanduo Road in Kaohsiung sells a meat sausage wrapped in a rice sausage for just NT$40, which their customers appreciate as a really good deal. But the owner worries that as the cost of ingredients continues to rise, maintaining the price will be hard.

- It depends on whether costs keep rising.
- There might be no choice but to raise the price.
- Yeah.

Getting a filling snack like this for NT$40 seems like a great deal, but by the Nanzi Tianhou Temple, another stand has an even better offer.

A chef cuts rice sausage down the middle and fills it with sauce, garlic, and cucumbers. Here, the same snack is sold for only NT$35.

- I’ve had it before, it’s really good.
- What about the price?
- It’s so cheap.
- Nowadays everything is expensive.

Customer
There’s not a lot of fat inside. It’s a packed sausage. At this price, with cucumber included, it’s pretty good.

This stand gets lots of customers for their generous price. The owner doesn’t earn much, but she makes sure her customers are satisfied.

- How long have you been doing this?
- A very long time!
- I raised the price by NT$5 already.
- But it’s still really cheap.
- So, I don’t earn a lot.

Even as the cost of ingredients goes up, these two stands are doing their best to keep their prices down and keep customers coming back.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Kaohsiung #streetfood #sausage #ricesausage #cheap #deal #affordable

2026-06-30