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Former CCTV presenter critical of Xi seeks temporary asylum in Taiwan

Another Chinese exile has come to Taiwan to seek refuge. This time its Cheng Wanjun, who previously worked as a talk show presenter on China’s state television channel CCTV. He previously served six years in prison in China, after he was reported for saying that Chinese leader Xi Jinping would be China’s downfall. Cheng initially moved to Thailand. But after Chin’s demands to Thailand to repatriate dissidents, he flew to Taiwan to seek temporary asylum. Let’s hear more.

Cheng Wanjun
Former CCTV host seeking asylum
Hello everyone. I am Cheng Wanjun. I am now at Taipei’s Taoyuan Airport, publicly appealing for help. I myself spent six years in prison. To avoid being politically persecuted by the CCP a second time, I have had to move to Taiwan to seek short-term humanitarian protection, so that for the rest of my life I can keep writing and speak freely and do my part to end, as soon as possible, the man-made disaster of dictatorship in China.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP legislative caucus
China is a country severely lacking human rights. From a humanitarian standpoint, and from the standpoint of human rights, he deserves better treatment.

Chang Hung-lu
Legislator (DPP)
We don’t have any laws that can be applied to his situation. We only have the Cross-Strait Act. So, I think referring him to a third country would be the best solution. If he goes to a friendly third country, he’ll be able to travel all over the world in the future, while his personal safety is guaranteed.

Cheng is 58-year-old, and was released from prison in 2025. However, after publishing works he had written behind bars, he was forced into exile overseas. After arriving in Thailand, he feared being deported and recently sought help from the United Nations, but his request was rejected. He then made the decisive move to fly to Taiwan, hoping to obtain temporary political asylum and assistance with resettlement in a third country. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council has said it could not verify the evidence supporting his claims, and noted that he was still able to freely enter and leave China. Under existing procedures, the government can therefore only send Cheng back to Thailand.

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

#refuge #humanitarian #ccp #taiwan #thailand

Time：2026-11-04

最新消息 Latest News

Man caught with turtles in his pants, marmot taped to body

A shocking smuggling attempt was uncovered at in Kinmen. A man arriving from China by ferry was caught with eight protected turtles and a live marmot secretly strapped to his body. The turtles were wrapped tightly in pantyhoses and attached to the man’s groin area, while the marmot was drugged asleep and taped to his body in a package.

A man with a big duffle bag and a satchel is escorted by Coast Guard officials for a searched. He’s smuggling something, but that something is not in his bags. It’s on his body.

A black package was found in his groin. After ripping off layer upon layer of packaging, officers found eight turtles tightly wrapped in stockings. They were all endangered black-breasted leaf turtles, a Class II protected species in China.

Smugglers stood to make a tidy profit from the turtles, which can be purchased for just NT$200 in China and sold in the black market in Taiwan for as much as NT$30,000. If the sellers manage to pass them off as rare Japanese ground tortoises, which look similar, they can each fetch more than NT$75,000.

And it didn’t stop there. The man also had a white package taped to his body. Officials removed it and opened it up to reveal a 30cm marmot. The mammal had been drugged asleep and later tied to the smuggler’s body. Fortunately, it was discovered just in time.

Kuo Hui-chen
Coast Guard Administration Spokesperson
There has recently been a string of cases of travelers smuggling live animals to Kinmen. The suspect in the latest case was a man surnamed Chiu, who arrived from Quanzhou in China. The case has been referred to the Kinmen District Prosecutors office for investigation for violations of the Act on Wildlife Conservation and the Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Animal Diseases.

The smuggler is 55-year-old Mr. Chiu, with household registration in Kaohsiung. He tried to smuggle animals from China into Taiwan via Kinmen, harming the animals and potentially bringing in foreign diseases. The Coast Guard Administration urges the public to not buy animals of unknown origin. That’s especially the case of marmots, which can carry the pneumonic plague, which has a mortality rate of almost 100%.

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

#bizarre #busted #smuggling #pantyhose #marmot

2026-11-04

Is Mayor Chiang copying Shen’s newsletter idea?

Running for Taipei Mayor, DPP’s Puma Shen will publish the third issue of his newsletter next week. The new issue will be edited by well-known astrologer, Jesse Tang, and include horoscope predictions. However, running against him, Mayor Chiang Wan-an, also released a new publication called, “Wan-an Alarm.” Does the alarm mean he wants citizens to brace themselves? Many seem to be accusing him of plagiarizing Shen, to which KMT Lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang fired back saying, “Is breathing also plagiarism?”

Arriving at the Legislative Yuan, the DPP’s candidate for Taipei Mayor, Puma Shen is wearing a tie. He is invited to a fashion and beauty event on Wednesday, which explains his outfit switch up.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
This is a program that is focused on dressing well, but I honestly don’t know how to be stylish like that, so I just wore a tie so it looks a bit more formal.

Shen has become a huge source for online traffic causing programs to rush to interview him. As his campaign grows steadily, he plans to publish the third issue of his campaign newsletter next week. At the same time, his opponent, Mayor Chiang also released a brochure, “Wan-an Alarm,” which details a policy comparison with Shen. He came under fire for plagiarizing this.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Normally, when you hear an alarm, you should hide. So I think the name is quite interesting.

Lo Chih-Chiang
Legislator (KMT)
I am currently plagiarizing Puma Shen. Why? Because I am breathing. I am wearing glasses so I am also copying him. I am wearing a suit jacket so this is also plagiarism. I am wearing shoes which are also plagiarizing him. Is having longer hair also plagiarizing him? Puma Shen is really the center of the universe; I offer you my worship and respect.

Rosalia Wu
Legislator (DPP)
I heard they printed a million copies, wow! What a huge accomplishment. I’m also a Taipei citizen, I will go home today and check my mailbox to see if I received a “Wan-an Alarm” newsletter. Once I see the contents, I can share my thoughts.

Since she hadn’t seen Mayor Chiang’s new publication, a reporter on-site provided a new copy of the “Wan-an Alarm,” for Rosalia Wu to see.

Rosalia Wu
Legislator (DPP)
There are so many photos of Mayor Chiang. You can count it too, how many are there? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, there are 9 photos of Mayor Chiang.

Comparing the campaign newsletters, one is more like a newspaper with 6 pages, the other is more of a single-sheet flyer. Whether citizens opt for the blue or green product, remains a small indicator of the election result.

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

#dpp #kmt #newsletter #萬安警報 #chiangwanan #pumashen

2026-11-04

Life or death building crash in Beitou Market hospitalizes 4

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s wife, Shih Fang-hsuan campaigned with KMT councilors at Beitou’s old market on Tuesday morning. When, all of a sudden, a scaffolding of five floors come crashing down and sent four injured to the hospital. Mayor Chiang arrived on site shortly after the accident, and ordered a stoppage on the project as well as fining the company NT$2.5million.

Around 10:30 in the morning, many were caught by surprise in a local vegetable market when the scaffolding, of a building undergoing demolition, suddenly collapsed; leaving people below to run for their lives. Unfortunately some were unable to escape and were severely injured.

Nearby Vendor
Believed people were ignorant
In the morning, some said it was shaking, but nobody paid attention to it, so this happened, and it crashed down.

Parts of Beitou Market in Taipei are undergoing construction and demolition of the old market. The scaffolding collapsed taking with it 6 scooters and 4 people who were sent to the hospital. The life and death situation caused many to panic and seek shelter under the canopies of nearby stores. The loud crash of the scaffolding falling terrified everyone, and could be heard from two streets away.

Injured individuals were rushed to the hospital in ambulances. One of the injured was a construction worker that had fallen from the third floor of the scaffolding. Due to severe injuries, he remains in the ICU.

Lin Hua-ching
Doctor
When he arrived, his condition was serious, he had fallen from the third floor to the ground. There was a sudden change in consciousness, but when he was sent to our hospital, he was conscious and he could speak. We conducted a thorough examination, and found that he had some bleeding in the brain; we call this an epidural hematoma. Additionally, we found a fracture in his left rib and a stable fracture in his pelvis. However, there was no hemothorax, pneumothorax, or bleeding in the pelvis or abdomen.

A preliminary assessment by civil engineers reveals the scaffolding was not adjusted to the height of the building after demolition, even after unloading in layers it remains 5 stories high, and with the added strong winds, it’s clear what caused the disaster.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
With regards to the construction company and contractual obligations, we will immediately impose a heavy penalty and order a work stoppage.

At the time of the incident, the Mayor’s wife, Shih Fang-hsuan, was campaigning in the streets in the nearby market. After the incident, Mayor Chiang also immediately arrived at the scene. The city government has fined the company NT$2.5 million, and ordered a stoppage on the project.

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

#beitoumarket #localmarket #chiangwanan #buildingcrash #accident

2026-11-03

Is wearing Puma brand clothes to the polls illegal? CEC responds

One of Taipei’s mayoral candidates happens to share a name with a popular international sports brand. No, it’s not Chiang Wan-an, but Puma Shen. The coincidence has left people wondering about the legality of wearing clothes from that brand on Election Day. After all, sporting campaign symbols to the voting booth is indeed illegal. Election officials say simply wearing clothes of any given brand is not problematic. Here’s what Puma Shen himself had to say on the matter.

Puma Shen
Taipei mayoral candidate
It’s already an established brand, so in theory, wearing clothes from that brand shouldn’t pose a problem in the eyes of the law. But still, there is a little bit of a gray area depending on how you interpret it. So I would still recommend everyone to just wear regular clothes to the polls. That would avoid any controversy. And consider this, setting aside the legality of it all. Imagine that you happen to walk into a group of people who support the other candidate. They might see things differently. If they look at your clothes and the might say “Hey, you’re campaigning!” or “You’re breaking election laws.” And then an argument might break out. That wouldn’t be ideal at the polls on Election Day.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP legislative caucus
If I usually wear Puma and I change into Adidas clothes or some other brand just for the election, wouldn’t that be bizarre? In any case, the ballot doesn’t say Puma Shen, it says Shen Po-yang.

The Central Election Commission says that only concrete attempts at campaigning are against the law. Examples include canvassing for votes at polling stations or near polling stations, and wearing campaign items such as vests or badges. Such behavior is punishable with fines of up to NT$1 million. So be sure to check your outfit before heading out to vote.

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

#cec #puma #pumashen #sports #streetwear

2026-11-03

Queues of O’shen fans are harassed by borough warden

Elections are drawing closer which is turning the heat up in Taipei. The fanbase for DPP candidate Puma Shen continues to grow, and many stores are posting announcements online about selling merchandise. On Monday evening, one such photo studio in a community in Daan was giving out O’Shen banners. As the queue grew longer and longer, people waited quietly. That’s until the local borough warden caught wind of the situation and began taking videos and loudly harrassing them, claiming they were “breaking the law.”

- Can I cordon you in your homes? Hmm?

Puma Shen’s many fans arrived at an O’Shen merchandise store lining up to collect banners and trinkets. However, the local borough warden was not a fan. He began scolding them, taking videos, and even calling the police.

Shih Chung-sheng
Qunying Borough Warden
Our apartment complex has a peaceful environment, all of you lining up here are a nuisance, hurry up and leave, go home!

This is Qunying Borough in Daan District. A store owner had posted an announcement online saying he could give out Puma Shen’s merchandise banners and other items to support Shen. He didn’t expect the turnout to be this huge, with a long queue stretching far and wide. Although everyone was waiting quietly, the borough warden was causing a scene driving them away.

- If this was your district, your home, would you allow strangers to surround your home?
- I live here.
- Then you should be more defensive of our safety.
Tell me which unit, I’ll bring people to your house.
- Bring people to my house?
- Yeah.

Locals taking photos silently turned away and didn’t want to escalate the situation, but the borough warden kept saying it was private property and outsiders couldn’t enter, he even called the cops.

- When the police arrived, they said this was not an illegal act

Shih Chung-sheng
Qunying Borough Warden
The police perhaps was not aware of this, radical expression in open areas will cause large commotions. If you look at Article 305 of the Criminal Law, entering private areas is already something illegal.

Mr. Chen
Photo Studio Owner
This has always been a quiet community, and we don’t want to disturb residents, if you want to have conversations then please lower your voice, and maintain the quiet and also don’t shout. Everyone was slow to cooperate and then of course, more and more people came, I had to come out twice or thrice to warn them.

During the owner’s interview, the borough warden stood on the side recording. Netizens discovered he is a supporter of the KMT’s Legislator Lo Chih-Chiang.

Shih Chung-sheng
Qunying Borough Warden
In our community, there are three big nos: Politics, ethnic discussions and religion.

Mr. Chen
Photo Studio Owner
We are a democratic nation, this is a democratic society. Within public housing there are differing opinions, political ideas and stances, I am also a resident here. President Lai Ching-te once said, “it doesn’t matter if we have different political views, we must stand as one nation.”

As elections draw closer, both parties and their supporters are under major scrutiny.

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

#mayoralelections #taipeimayor #dpp #kmt #pumashen #oshen

2026-11-03

Boat sets off on Taiwan tour with rainbow and O’Shen Wave flags

Puma Shen’s mayoral run in Taipei has taken on so much steam, that campaign flags for the candidate are cropping up even outside the capital. In one peculiar case, a sailboat set off from Hualien on Tuesday morning with several flags on its mast, including the rainbow LGBT flag and the orange-and-white O’Shen Wave flag. The sailboat will carry several travelers on a tour of Taiwan by sea, organized by a private group. The organizer says the two flags are meant to support the values that Shen stands for, as well as openly gay legendary TV host Kevin Tsai. Let’s hear more.

Mr. Yang
Hualien Sailing school
We hope that Puma Shen’s campaign will be joyful, and focused on policy rather than personal attacks. We fully agree with such an approach. I think that Puma Shen and Kevin Tsai have elevated Taiwan to a new level. I respect them tremendously and support them. So that’s why we put up a rainbow flag and a campaign flag for Puma Shen. As we go around Taiwan, we hope to show with our actions how much we love and support Taiwan.

The sailboat set off from to embark on a voyage around Taiwan organized by the Hualien Sailing School. There’s also a few other flags on the vessel: the pro-Taiwan independence flag known as the Flag of Taiwan the Formosa, and a flag representing Taiwan as a rainbow whale. The school’s principal stressed that the voyage has no political affiliation, saying they simply admire Shen’s and Tsai’s work. The sailboat is expected to take the southern route around Taiwan and arrive in Taipei on Nov. 27. The route may be adjusted according to sea conditions, with safety remaining the top priority.

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

#sailing #lgbt #pumashen #tour #sailboat

2026-11-03

Hsinchu parking lot is so big, many riders can’t find their bikes

Taipei is short of parking spaces but in Hsinchu residents are complaining about too much of a good thing. The newly renovated motorcycle parking lot at Hsinchu Rear Station boasts a whopping 2,300 parking spaces. Commuters are complaining that with such an enormous area of densely parked bikes, looking for your own bike is like finding a needle in a haystack. Some people at first glance even think their bikes must have been stolen. Let’s find out more.

This parking lot is packed full of motorcycles. They are so densely packed as far as the eye can see that it is easy to forget where you parked your own bike. This is the motorcycle parking lot at Hsinchu Rear Station covering over 3,300 square meters and offering a whopping 2,300 parking spaces. Some people are complaining that this area is too large and when you’re ready to leave, it takes a lot of time to find your bike.

Member of the public
Complaining about parking area
You won’t be able to find where you parked it.

Member of the public
Complaining about parking area
As this space here is quite large, sometimes if you come back late, you might forget where you parked it and end up having to spend a bit of time looking for it.

The Hsinchu Rear Station parking lot is a major transfer hub for many commuters and travelers, and it’s especially difficult to find a parking space on weekends and holidays. The city government upgraded the lot in August, repairing the road surface and adding approximately 630 motorcycle parking spaces. However, with so many motorcycles and no numbered signs on the spaces, many people when returning to the parking lot find they’ve lost their bikes. Some have even at first believed they’ve been stolen.

- How could it be better laid out?

Member of the public
Making suggestion
Maybe they can be assigned numbers, or the lot could be divided into zones like A, B, and C, like an underground parking lot.

Lin Chun-yuan
Hsinchu Transportation Department
Regarding the parking area delineation, the city government is currently studying improvement plans, and construction will begin as soon as the plans are finalized.

People hope that these parking spaces can be marked or zoned, otherwise it’s really frustrating to be unable to find your motorcycle when you’re in a hurry to get home.

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

#Hsinchutraffic #motorcycleparks #parkinglots #parkingspaces #Taiwantraffic

2026-11-03

Jason Mraz fans fuming as concert seats turn into chaotic free-for-all

Fans of Jason Mraz were in for a disappointing concert experience in Taipei on Monday. The singer-songwriter came back to Taiwan for the first time in seven years, but poor organizing made for a terrible evening. Concertgoers reported that staff was still setting up chairs 10 minutes before the doors opened. Others say entire sections of seating completely disappeared and there was no staff around to guide people to their seats.

Fans were excited to see American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz back in Taipei. Sadly, it was a letdown.

The lights are down and Jason Mraz is already performing. But at the back, people are still looking for their seats. The concert was scheduled to start at 7:30 on Monday evening. Just 10 minutes before opening, staff was still setting up the seats. Concertgoers started flooding in with nobody to guide them, causing major bottlenecks.

Voice of concertgoer
Filming chaos
It’s now 7:35, and there are tons of people still looking for their seats. The signs and numbering are wrong, and the seating areas are messed up. There’s a whole seating area missing at the back. So many people have nowhere to sit. It’s crazy.

The seating arrangement differed greatly from what was advertised. And an area that was supposed to be elevated turned out to just be foldable chairs on the ground. The chaos left fans complaining that whole sections became a free-for-all, rendering the numbered ticket seat system completely useless.

Voice of Rueici
Went to concert
The ticket we bought cost NT$5,280, so how come our seats were so off to one side? In the end we had to look for our seats and find a spot for ourselves, and instead of sitting we had to stand. Everyone was standing at the back, blocking the entrance. The whole experience was terrible.

The poor organizing made fans flood social media with so many complaints that the event organizer posted an apology on its official website.

Voice of Lo Hsin-hua
Xinze
The original arrangements were for seats to be from Row 1 to Row 100. But in the end, there were some major changes near the back. There was a timing discrepancy between our staffing agency and the team responsible for assigning and putting up the seat labels.

Voice of Yeh Chia-hao
Consumer Protection Committee
Since the service was below the standards reasonably expected within the industry, the organizer should offer reasonable compensation to affected customers to protect its reputation and fulfill its social responsibility.

Several concertgoers have reported the incident with the Consumer Protection Committee, in hopes of getting compensation for their terrible experience.

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

#jasonmraz #concert #event #jmraz #taipei

2026-11-03

NET 86% cotton polo shirt turns out to be 0% cotton and 97.6% polyester

With a growing number of people looking for natural fibers in their clothing, more and more shoppers are checking the labels when buying garments. But what if the labels are not true? Taiwanese clothing brand NET recently came to the center of a controversy, after a customer discovered that the fiber content of a polo shirt wasn’t quite as advertised. The label said 86% cotton, but a lab test later found that there was, in fact, no cotton at all in the garment. Let’s hear more.

Chen Yen-lin
FTV reporter
A shopper felt that the 86% cotton polo shirt they bought felt odd to the touch and tried to get a refund. The store told him to rest assured that the fiber content of the garment was correct. But the shopper took it for a lab test that found it was more than 90% polyester.

Mr. Chao
Bought polo shirt
The shop told me they would take it to get tested. Then when it came back, they told me it was all correct. I was very surprised, so I got the polo shirt back and I took it to get tested myself. The results then found it had no cotton at all.

Member of public
Cares about fiber content
If what I wanted to buy was a cotton garment, and what they gave me didn’t contain any cotton, I wouldn’t want to buy it.

Member of public
Weighing in on incident
Some people really care about the fiber content. Others think that as long as it’s cheap, it’s alright.

Voice of Lin Chuan-chien
Taipei Consumer Protection Official
Businesses must provide consumers with sufficient and accurate information about the goods or services they offer. They must not engage in misleading, concealing, or deceptive practices. Any violation may render the business liable for breach of contractual obligations.

NET has since issued an apology, admitting to oversights in its internal procedures for product labeling, quality checks, and customer service. Effective immediately, the retailer is offering unconditional returns for the disputed garment, hoping to ease consumer backlash and restore its brand reputation.

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

#net #poloshirt #naturalfibers #fibercontent #cotton

2026-11-03

Kaohsiung touts achievements in AI urban management

The Kaohsiung City Government recently held a presentation touting its Smart Lighthouse Project, which harnesses the ability of AI to manage traffic, inspect roads, monitor flooding, and maintain the environment. Through this initiative and more, Kaohsiung is laying the groundwork to create a cutting-edge city of the future that balances governance autonomy, institutional innovation, and industrial power. Even compared with other initiatives, it serves as a global model for smart urban governance.

Existing CCTV footage and municipal data are analyzed by vision-language models to detect anomalies, turning the raw observations into trackable data. From there, reporting, dispatching, and any subsequent tasks are managed seamlessly. Kaohsiung’s Smart Lighthouse Project enables the city to be proactive, responding in real-time rather than addressing issues after the fact.

Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung Mayor
We currently have the world’s earliest and largest sovereign AI at the city level. It serves as the brain for municipal governance.

The city’s presentation focused on four main applications: traffic, public works, water management, and environmental protection. With the new system, municipal data no longer languish in silos.

Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung Mayor
This platform aims to break down these data silos, allowing the city’s central brain to integrate disparate datasets to make well-informed decisions.

Real-time traffic conditions from the Transportation Bureau. City buses acting as inspectors for the Public Works Bureau. Image recognition to detect flooding for the Water Resources Bureau. AI monitoring of emissions and street litter for the Environmental Protection Bureau. Through the city’s smart governance platform, municipal departments can keep track of incident locations, live video, and response progress to delegate, dispatch personnel, and fix problems while also tracking outcomes.

Chien Chih-cheng
Chunghwa Telecom chair
Among all the worldwide efforts to build out smart cities, this one is truly a pioneer.

Using existing municipal data, AI technology, and municipal workflows allows the city to detect anomalies earlier. Agencies can then get the information they need to quickly address any issues, gradually realizing the promise of improving municipal governance through technology. According to the mayor, a true “smart city” makes quiet improvements behind the scenes, making life better, even when you don’t notice it.

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

#smartcity #Kaohsiung #SmartLighthouseProject #AI #ChenChimai #sovereignAI

2026-11-03

Restaurant with exotic animals opens in Taichung

It seems like dog and cat cafes are everywhere these days. But in Taichung, there’s a new spot that’s going for something a bit more exotic. Instead of dogs and cats, customers can dine alongside meerkats, frogs, insects, and lizards. But the owner confessed that it was difficult to get the idea off the ground.

Knowing exactly where the treats are, two adorable meerkats bolt over to climb on our delighted reporter’s lap.

The curious creatures poke around, even coming right up to the camera lens. But that’s not the only animal kingdom represented here.

This is an exotic pet restaurant in Taichung’s West District. Here, customers have a chance to dine alongside meerkats, chameleons, frogs, insects, lizards big and small, and more.

Customer
Animal lover
It’s super cool! When I first came, I saw birds and snakes outside and wondered if they were real.

Customer
Animal lover
If you can’t keep them at home, but want to learn more about them, you can come here and see for yourself.

Dog and cat cafes are common, but this is the first restaurant in Taiwan to feature exotic animals. As there was no precedent to follow, the founder said it was difficult getting started.

Exotic animal restaurant
Founder
Pets have natural odors, while food service has strict sanitation requirements. Striking a balance between the two took a massive effort. And on top of that, animal protection laws have evolved in recent years. It requires constant adjustments on our end.

It’s crucial to keep a suitable living space for the animals, as well as a sanitary dining environment. Caring for over 40 species gathered under one roof poses an even greater challenge.

Exotic animal restaurant
Founder
Some are from deserts, some from forests, and others from riverbanks. We want to provide an environment that mimics their natural habitats. It can also serve as a reference for other pet owners.

The founder said the animals take “shifts,” with regular breaks. By opening Taiwan’s first exotic pet restaurant, they hope it can introduce more people to these charming and unique 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

#petcafe #exoticanimals #Taichung #lizards #meerkats #exoticpetrestaurant

2026-11-03

DPP lawmakers propose bill to deter illegal high tech exports

A smuggling scandal rocked Taiwan earlier this year, after it came to light that Supermicro servers equipped with advanced Nvidia chips were sold illegally to China. The incident came as Taiwan looked to strengthen cooperation with the US on export controls. DPP lawmakers are now proposing amendments to the Trade Act. The goal is to deter further incidents with tougher penalties and an explicit export ban on designated semiconductors, critical materials and components to China. A public hearing on the proposal was held on Monday, with the attendance of several experts. Let’s hear more.

Chung Chia-pin
Legislator (DPP)
Controls on strategic high-tech goods need to be adjusted to respond to the evolving situation.

Wang Kuo-chen
Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research
Changes in semiconductor security and resilience are increasingly fast. We need regulations that can respond more quickly to developments, while emphasizing cooperation between Taiwan and the US. This cooperation could eventually expand to Southeast Asia, as well as Japan and South Korea.

Lin Hsiu-min
International investment consultant
Our export control regulations are actually far behind international standards, particularly those of the US. In the US, violating export controls is punishable with up to 20 years in prison, whereas in Taiwan, the maximum is just five years.

Lin Chin-fu
NTHU Institute of Law for Science and Technology
If fines cannot be adjusted based on the value of the goods involved, the deterrent effect may be limited. The current legislation also fails to incorporate the concept of technology itself, with regulations still largely focused on controlling physical goods.

Exporting or importing strategic high-tech goods to or from restricted destinations can carry prison sentences of up to 5 years and fines of up to NT$3 million. The proposed amendments would increase the maximum sentence to 10 years, with fines ranging from NT$5 million to NT$10 million. Lawmakers and experts hope the revisions will help safeguard Taiwan’s technological advantage while also addressing US efforts to curb China’s access to advanced technology.

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

#taiwan #china #exports #us #hightech

2026-11-02

Former President Tsai tells Shen to rest and takes over his speech

On Sunday evening, Puma Shen, who is running for Taipei Mayor, gave a speech in Daan and Wenshan inviting former president Tsai Ing-wen to join him. As the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, Tsai praised Shen during her remarks saying that she sees many reassuring qualities in Shen and encourages everyone to vote for him on Nov. 28. She later posted a meme of the two that she recreated, where she is smacking him on the back, scolding him to rest more!

Surrounded by supporters, Puma Shen, slowly makes his way to Daan Forest Park, the entrance is just 300m but it still takes him 21 minutes to cross it. The view from above is even more stunning, the park is filled, but the hundreds packed inside aren’t just there to see him.

The moment former president, Tsai Ing-wen stepped on stage, the crowd went wild and the air filled with deafening cheers.

- Thank you everyone
- Okay, I will begin speaking now

As the crowds went ballistic, Tsai attempted to calm them down; so that she could finally express that after seeing Shen’s debate she felt that he had many reassuring qualities.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Puma Shen also has many reassuring qualities; he always confronts attacks head-on and uses warmth to counter darkness. Voting isn’t out of hatred for someone, it’s also not about teaching someone a lesson, it’s about the future we want, and choosing whatever is closest to the way of life you want.

During the 2020 presidential elections, Tsai led all of Taipei City except for Wenshan District. With Shen’s popularity, Taipei’s blue skies could turn into a green land.

- In the 2020 presidential elections, if you voted for Tsai Ing-wen, please raise your hand
- Yes
- For those who voted for Tsai Ing-wen, on Nov 28, please give your vote to Puma Shen, okay?
- Okay

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP Caucus
Former president Tsai earned more than 50% of the vote both times in Taipei, this shows that Taipei is not the home of any political party.

Tsai’s post also had some humor, she copied a meme where she pats Shen’s back telling him to rest. Xavier Chang, Secretary-General of the Executive Yuan left a comment saying “I’m waiting for Shen to reply to this in the middle of the night.” Shen’s campaign manager, Rosalia Wu commented as well saying, “If he still doesn’t listen, then I can’t do anything.”

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
She kept saying that only she would speak, she told me to not speak, because she thinks that I really need to rest.

A lot of people believe Shen should be resting, even the former president was prompted to comment, let’s wait and see if Shen will actually abide by these instructions.

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

#elections #沈伯洋 #dpp #kmt #taipei

2026-11-02

Doctor punched bloody by man unhappy with mother’s recovery

An orthopedic doctor was beaten black and blue by a man who was unhappy with his mother’s post-surgery recovery. The incident happened last week at a hospital in Kaohsiung. Police were called to the scene and took the assailant away, who was been referred for investigation for violations of the Medical Care Act. His punches left the doctor with several face injuries and a concussion. Let’s hear from the doctor.

Voice of orthopedic doctor
Was punched by man
He suddenly snapped, hurled insults at me and started throwing punches. He hit me at least five or six times. I was backed into a corner, but he still wouldn’t let up and kept punching me in the face. Even with so many people trying to restrain him, he just wouldn’t stop attacking me. And to make matters worse, my own parents happened to be at the clinic that day for my outpatient consultation. They saw what was happening from outside and were in tears.

Chien Chun-cheng
Police officer
Police arrested the suspect, surnamed Pan, at the scene. The case has been referred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of violating the Medical Care Act and assault.”

Member of public
Disturbed by incident
We, as a society, should have zero tolerance for things like this.

Member of public
Outraged
It’s outrageous. He could have just talked it out. There was no need for violence.

Security cameras captured the moment that staff escorted the man out of the consultation room. But even after police arrived, he continued trying to resist. Inside the consultation room, the beating left the doctor bloodied, with face masks and tissues stained red. He suffered abrasions and contusions to his forehead, nose, and upper and lower lips, bruising beneath his right eye, as well as a concussion. Commenters say the man’s behavior was absolutely unacceptable; after all, the doctor was just doing his job. Now, he’ll be facing legal consequences for his violent outburst.

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

#doctor #orthopedic #medicine #care #hospital

2026-11-02

TLC and Nippon Zoki sign NT$6.5B contract for osteoarthritis drug

Taiwan and Japan ties just got stronger! Taiwanese biotech company, TLC produced a brand new injection called TLC599, to treat osteoarthritis pain. On Thursday, a partnership ceremony was held with Japanese pharma company, Nippon Zoki. The exclusive licensing agreement between the two companies is worth approximately NT$6.5 billion. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and several representatives from the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association.

Taiwan and Japan’s medical partnership grows stronger. TLC and Nippon Zoki announced a new agreement on the drug TLC599, bringing a new treatment option to treat osteoarthritis pain in Japanese patients.

Several Japan-Taiwan representatives attended the event as well as Taiwan’s Minister of Health Shih Chung-liang. They witnessed the signing of the exclusive licensing agreement which is worth around NT$6.5 billion. This collaboration with a 90-year-old Japanese company will promote the treatment in Japan.

George Yeh
CEO of TLC
Nippon Zoki actually focuses on pain and joints. There’s also a very good sales channel for the product, which will let TLC599 enter the Japanese market faster.

Takafumi Konishi
President & CEO of Nippon Zoki
In Japan’s aging society there are many patients who deeply suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. We hope that from today onwards, we can use all our efforts to contribute to this field. We want to thank everyone who made this contract signing possible.

The health condition of osteoarthritis doesn’t just affect the elderly; it also affects many middle-aged and young adults. Statistics show that there are over 25 million patients in Japan who are over 40-years-old, from which 8 million experience painful symptoms, which could limit daily walking to basic activities ultimately affecting their quality of life.

George Yeh
CEO of TLC
Japan’s medical market, is around the 10th biggest in the world, so this is a very good benchmark to see if this product could have a breakthrough in European or American markets as well.

The TLC599, beyond relieving pain for patients suffering from osteoarthritis, also promotes transnational cooperation, strengthening ties between Taiwan and Japan.

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

#medical #tlc599 #osteoarthritis #TLC #japan #nipponzaki #taiwanmedicine

2026-11-02

Swimmer and wushu practitioner bear flag for Taiwan at Dakar 2026

The 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar held its opening ceremony on Saturday, marking the start of the first ever IOC event held in Africa. Team Taiwan was represented at the ceremony by two flag bearers: wushu practitioner Chu Yu-en and swimming ace Lee Han. As their first time on such a big stage, both athletes said they were nervous and excited ahead of stepping out onto the arena. Let’s hear more.

Lee Han
Swimmer
I had never competed at an event like this, or taken part in the opening ceremony. So I didn’t know what to do. I was very excited, and I was always thinking about where I had to go next.

Chu Yu-en
Wushu practitioner
It was a first for me. I kept thinking, what if I mess up, or if I fall over... things like that.

Young athletes from all over the world have flown into Senegal for the event. Taiwan’s delegation comprises 37 athletes, who will compete in 17 sports. The sports include Baseball5 for the first time, and already Taiwan is heading up the scoreboard. In the first round, Taiwan played Cuba; a traditionally strong team nicknamed the “Red Lightning.” Taiwan took victory in straight sets 5-3 and 5-4, marking Taiwan’s first-ever win over Cuba.

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

#olympics #senegal #dakar #dakar2026 #youtholympics

2026-11-02

Locals bring tent to relax right next to train tracks in Alishan

Outside of conventional hotels, camping is popular among travelers that want to unwind and spend their time off. Irrespective of how exaggerated it may be, some travelers brought along a tent to Alishan and decided to set it up alongside the train tracks, seemingly oblivious to possible danger. Parallel to this, Kaohsiung also saw some locals who brought along an entire mattress to enjoy the seaside, turning the outdoors into their bedroom.

When the driver turned the corner, he suddenly noticed there were some travelers with a tent camping beside the tracks. Drawing closer to them, he saw they were situated just 1 meter or so from the tracks. If they were not careful when the train passed by, there could be a serious accident.

Member of Public
Appalled at the tent
It’s not just dangerous, it’s over the top.

Member of public
Worries for the child
This is really overdoing it, bringing a child along; it’s setting a problematic example.

Around noon on Sunday, a train was heading from Chiayi to Alishan on Alishan’s Forest Railway. When approaching Erwanping Station, the driver and several passengers noticed a rather extreme situation which not only violated the law but was very concerning. The station immediately sent personnel to urge the campers to leave and took photos for the police to sort the matter out.

Chou Heng-kai
Deputy Director of Alishan Forestry and Railway Office
People and vehicles cannot trespass onto the train tracks, the punishment is NT$10,000 to NT$50,000.

Kaohsiung’s Sizihwan also saw travelers setting up tables and chairs to look at the sea, but one in a particularly humorous spirit brought an entire mattress to enjoy the view.

He even brought a blanket to enjoy the night view, which many found hilarious.

Member of public
Doesn’t see an issue
So many people are even making tea and listening to music, and many will even bring lights. Bringing a mattress is a little too much.

Member of public
Believes it impedes others
He may be comfortable but people that are walking past might not be.

One brought a tent to camp next to the train tracks and the other brought an entire mattress to the seaside, it seems that Taiwanese have bizarre ideas on how to spend their days off, each one more ridiculous than the previous. It is crucial to remind the public to look out for their safety, and avoid turning a moment of fun into a tragedy.

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

#alishan #chiayi #kaohsiung #sizihwan #taiwanrailway #ridiculous

2026-11-02

Illegal taxi driver high on zombie vapes while picking up passengers

Imagine getting into a car, only to realize the driver is so high on drugs he can barely hold his phone steady! That’s exactly what happened to a passenger in Kaohsiung, who had called an unlicensed ride and quickly noticed the driver’s hands shaking uncontrollably. The passenger quickly called the police, who discovered that the drier was under the influence of zombie vape drugs.

The passenger was telling the driver his destination, when he realized the driver’s hands were so shaky that he could barely hold his phone.

In a sudden rage, the passenger told the driver to get out of the car, and called the police.

The incident happened in Kaohsiung’s Zuoying District. The driver was 23-year-old Mr. Ting, who was caught drugged behind the wheel by his passengers in an unlicensed car. When police arrived, the driver handed them an etomidate cartridge, colloquially known as zombie vape juice. A blood test later turned out positive for the drug.

Lee Hsiu-ling
Police officer
The case was referred to the Ciaotou District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of endangering public safety and violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. The driver faces a NT$150,000 fine for drug-impaired driving. The vehicle was immediately impounded and confiscated, while the driver’s license was revoked and the vehicle’s license plates were confiscated.

The passenger barely avoided a trip with a drugged driver and posted about the incident online.

Member of public
Would see red flag
If his hands were shaking like that, I’d be concerned about it affecting the driving. I would keep a close eye.

Member of public
Would call police
I’d probably say, sorry and ask him to drop me off there and then. I’d call the police.

Zombie vape incidents have captured headlines in recent months. This time, the protagonist was an illegal cabbie who even tried to pick up passengers. Fortunately, the passenger quickly realized something was wrong and called the police to intervene and avoid a potentially disastrous outcome.

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

#zombie #vape #taxi #cabbie #driver

2026-11-02

Doctor extracts 4 moldy earplug chunks from man’s ear canal

If you wear ear-plugs to bed, remember to take them out fully in the morning. One 60-year-old man in Taoyuan apparently forgot to do so, and ended up with four earplug chunks stuck inside his ears. The man initially thought he had hearing loss, as he has gradually lost hearing over the course of six months. It was only when he went to the doctor, that he found out it was all because his ears were blocked. You can imagine his joy when he realized he could still hear perfectly fine. Let’s hear more.

Lee Tien-hsien
ENT doctor
Every time he took his earplugs out, he didn’t check to see if they were still in one piece. So some fragments ended up lodged inside his ear canal. Having the pieces in there naturally impaired his hearing. The further in they are pushed, the harder they are to remove. They could even seal off the ear canal fully, which may cause a fungal infection.

The doctor pulled out several orangey-yellow earplug chunks out of the patient’s ear with a forceps. The patient says he had been suffering from severe hearing loss for nearly six months, and only went to the doctor due to his wife’s insistence. It turns out that the earplugs he wore to bed to block out his wife’s snoring were the root of the problem. It was quite a gruesome procedure, as the earplugs appeared to be moldy after staying in the ear for suck a long time. To avoid problems, doctors suggest checking earplugs for damage every time, and avoid pushing them too deep inside the canal.

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

#earplug #hearingloss #snoring #gross #doctor

2026-11-02