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Comedian hears report on transnational repression

The Legislative Yuan on Thursday held a session about China’s transnational repression. Several government agencies delivered a special report on the issue. Among the people listening in on the presentations was comedian Huang Yi-hao, who has been the target in several repression plots. One legislator from the KMT, Weng Hsiao-ling had an issue with the report, saying it was focusing too narrowly on China, and suggesting there were other forces as well. Let’s hear more.

- Has the government published an official list of hostile foreign forces?
- Everyone knows who Taiwan’s only foreign hostile force is.
- You mean the CCP?
- Correct.

Weng Hsiao-ling
Legislator (KMT)
But are there no other foreign hostile forces besides the CCP? The Mainland Affairs Council and the National Security Council have taken an extremely narrow view of what amounts to a foreign hostile force.

Huang Yi-hao
Comedian
I was looking forward to hearing Legislator Weng Hsiao-ling name some other foreign hostile forces after her question. But she didn’t. She just left everyone hanging, to figure it out for themselves. I honestly don’t know who else she thinks poses a threat to Taiwan. Maybe she can compile her own list. I didn’t understand some of her remarks, so I turned around to ask the people around me, but from the look on their faces, it was clear that they also didn’t know what she was on about.

Comedian Huang Yi-hao was targeted in a series of attacks after mocking Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a routine. A club he was performing in had paint and feces thrown at it by bad actors. He was also later injured in a pre-arranged car collision where the goal was to leave him with broken arms and legs. The plot was traced to individuals in China who provided funding and instructions. As China’s transnational repression grows increasingly aggressive, the DPP and Executive Yuan have proposed several legislative amendments to strengthen Taiwan’s response. However, all of the proposals have been stalled due to opposition from KMT and TPP lawmakers.

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

#transnational #repression #comedian #ccp #joke #forces

Time：2026-11-05

最新消息 Latest News

Furikake fury breaks out as parents slam puny lunch seasoning portions

A battle over rice seasoning has put fresh criticism on Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s free school lunch program. The controversy centers on a tiny packet of furikake seasoning at an elementary school, where teachers were reportedly asked to hand out just 2g per student. The arrangement has sparked questions over whether the meals are enough for children and whether the policy is placing extra responsibilities on teachers. Chiang has promised to ease their workload, while his mayoral challenger Puma Shen is questioning the lack of supporting measures behind the program.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s program to offer free school lunches in Taipei has been shrouded in controversy since it launched two months ago. The latest scandal was in Yong’an Elementary School in Zhongshan District.

A resealable plastic bag packed with furikake seasoning carries a note with instructions for teachers: “2g per person please help portion.” A parent shared the picture on social media saying “No wonder nobody wants to be a teacher now, you worry about the kids being hungry and you have extra duties.”

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei mayor
I have asked the Education Department to tell schools that the food should be portioned in a way that lightens the burden on teachers.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
His free school lunch program lacks supporting measures. It can’t be that the city launches a school lunch policy that requires getting help from the parents. The government’s duty is to listen to what the people are saying. Instead, every time that someone raises questions their response is to say, “No, we’re doing a great job.”

One tallied up the school lunch scandals, counting 2g of furikake, three bigger-than-normal blueberries and four longans. Another one compared Taipei with Tainan, where each student gets a full packet with a whopping 13g of furikake seasoning.

The school has come out to explain the situation. Since furikake is a seasoning, it is not counted as part of the meal and is therefore provided separately to also account for students with allergies. As for the instructions regarding the portions, the school says it previously received complaints that some students were getting more seasoning than others. Now, if they want more, they can just ask the teacher.

Tung Yu-wen
Yong’an Elementary School nutritionist
Our school has been providing furikake seasoning this way for years. The serving of 2g is just the recommended amount. There are no rules to enforce how the seasoning is portioned, and there are no limits on how much they can use. Students who want more can get more from the seasoning area.

Chang Hui-ping
Nutritionist
Furikake seasoning is mixed in with rice to add some flavor. It’s not a dish in itself. It doesn’t really affect the nutritional value of the meals, but it does contain salt, so children are advised to eat it in moderation.

Taipei’s Education Department has asked the school to revise its procedures to not add extra burden onto teachers. Meanwhile nutritionists continue to work for the health of students.

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

#schoollunch #furikake #yummy #seasoning #rice

2026-11-05

Man busted trying to post packages for free through TR lost-and-found

A man in Yilan thought he was being real slick with a method he came up with to avoid paying delivery fees to send packages around Taiwan. On Tuesday, the 27-year-old, surnamed Chang, sent a total of 6 packages to Hongshulin by abandoning them on the luggage racks inside trains. Each box said the recipient was Xi Jinping. His plan was to later go to the lost-and-found to pick up the packages for free. But the plan came crumbling down after a train driver found the packages and called the police. Let’s hear more.

Kelly Wang
FTV reporter
On the train, nobody finds it strange if there are suitcases or packages on the luggage racks. But this package destined for Xi Jinping quickly set alarms off, especially as the local elections draw near.

Su Chien-wei
Taiwan Railway
The Taiwan Railway has filed a fraud complaint. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspect was trying to save on transportation costs. He did not intend to intimidate the public, and he did not have political motives. The case has been referred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

The train conductor handed the suspicious packages to the police, who used a metal detector to check for explosives. But the cardboard boxes contained nothing more than clothes and discarded receipts. The sender, Mr. Chang, says he wrote Xi Jinping on the boxes so that nobody would dare touch them. But it turns out, that was precisely what set off warning bells. Amid the current state of cross-strait ties, and the uptick in China’s repression tactics overseas, national security agencies have gotten involved. They will further investigate whether Mr. Chang has any other motives or connections.

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

#train #hack #sender #travel #taiwan

2026-11-05

Campaign video shows candidate almost hit by truck repeatedly

A candidate for Pingtung County councilor recently released a dramatic video to promote his campaign headquarters, showing him sitting in the middle of the road as a truck speeds straight toward him over and over. The suspenseful video grabbed people’s attention and many praised its creativity. But at the same time, filming in the middle of the road is grounds for a traffic fine.

Sir, that’s dangerous, there’s a truck coming behind you!

The video cuts right before the truck strikes, repeated over and over like he’s stuck in a nightmare. This is a promotional video for a politician’s campaign, but its suspense had viewers holding their breath.

Member of public
Young woman
I kept watching to see if he was in danger.

Member of public
Man
It’s very effective. It grabs attention.

Chiang Chia-huang
Pingtung County councilor candidate
I’m about to get hit in the video, but I actually get away. Then the truck comes again. I kept filming like this for about three hours straight.

Driver
Found filming stressful
I went back and forth 24 times. It was really stressful because if I hit him while he’s sitting there, I would be in trouble too.

This creative video definitely got a lot of views, but the candidate could get fined, because shooting a film in the middle of the roads is against the law.

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

#candidate #campaign #video #campaignvideo #headquarters #Pingtung #councilor #elections

2026-11-05

Unruly drunk man harasses pipa player mid-performance

An unruly drunk man ruined a street performance that a pipa player was putting on in Taipei’s bustling Xinyi District. The player was getting to the end of her show when a man reeking of alcohol approached her and demanded she play a song of his choosing. She accepted his request, but shortly after was interrupted by the man who whistled at her and got too close to her. The last straw was when he reached out and touched her music stand. Let’s hear from the pipa player Ruen Ying.

Ruen Ying
Picked-on Pipa player
I was dead scared at the time. There was quite a large crowd in a circle, but he stepped really close to me, and stretched out his arms to get a touch. He ended up touching my music stand. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to get away since I was carrying my pipa. I stopped the show and told him that I wouldn’t continue until he went and stood behind the line. That way, everyone watching was focused on him. I think it was a good way to handle it.

Ruen Ying has been playing the pipa for 18 years now. At the insistence of her friends, she signed up to the exams to become a licensed street performer. For the past five years, she has been filling the capital with her music, racking up more than 30,000 followers on social media. She says the uncomfortable encounter with the drunken man was the first negative experience she’s had, adding that she’ll be more alert in the future.

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

#pipa #琵琶 #streetperformer #taipei #music

2026-11-05

Fire breaks out in Industrial Park leaving a man severely burned

The sky flooded with bright orange flames on Wednesday evening in Changhua. A huge explosion at a four-story chemical plant in Changbin Industrial Park left a 60-year-old employee trapped on the rooftop. He had climbed to the highest point of the building waiting to be rescued. Firefighters arrived and used a ladder truck to bring the man to safety. Unfortunately, 30% of his body was covered in second-degree burns; he is currently under critical observation at the hospital.

A massive fire broke out on a four-story chemical plant in Changbin Industrial Park. The sky filled with columns of smoke and orange flames.

Loud explosions could be heard from inside the factory. One male worker was even trapped on the rooftop of the burning building with the fire just below him. Firefighters continued to spray water to stop the fire from reaching the man. They used a ladder to brave the flames and two firefighters risked their lives to reach out and grab the worker’s hand, bringing him onto the ladder and to safety.

Chiang Chin-sung
Deputy of First Battalion in Changhua Fire Department
Where he was stuck on the 4th floor, the truck deployed a ladder to rescue and bring him to safety.

The fire broke out around 6pm and spread rapidly due to the large quantities of flammable liquids inside the building. The 60-year-old employee was rescued around 8pm and suffered severe burns on his back. An ambulance rushed him to the hospital for emergency treatment.

Chiu Chun-chieh
Chief of Emergency Care, Changhua Christian Hospital
Around 30% of his body was covered in second-degree burns and was admitted to the burn unit, he is in critical condition.

The man survived more than 2 hours in the fire which is a miracle. The following 72 hours will be very tense for this worker as he battles it out under critical observation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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

#fire #chemicalplant #changhua #chemicalexplosion #industrialplant

2026-11-05

Taiwanese tourist shares on Mt. Everest Helicopter Crash

On Tuesday morning, two helicopters collided near the Mount Everest base camp, leaving one dead and others injured. Other trekkers waited onsite to board the helicopters witnessed the nightmare. A Taiwanese tour group was also present of which two women suffered minor injuries to their hands; others remain unscathed and returned safely to Taiwan on Thursday.

Carrying a backpack, dragging their luggage, the 10 members of a Taiwanese tour group finally landed in the airport. But their faces seem to carry more exhaustion than joy.

Woman on the expedition
Witnessed the crash
After many days of that expedition, all of us just wanted to take the helicopter and go home. I watched them fly closer to us, I thought, “If they fly so close, won’t they collide?” and then just as I thought it, it happened.

Recalling the nightmarish scene, the trekkers still feel anxious. None of them could have imagined that after reaching the Mount Everest base camp at the end of October, the trip would end in disaster.

Their eyes had watched the helicopter fly in, from the right side, at the same time another helicopter flew in from the left preparing to land. Both helicopters couldn’t dodge each other and violently collided and instantly sent shattered fragments flying everywhere.

Woman on the expedition
Witnessed the crash
The first helicopter should have been for the first group to board, then the second helicopter came and everyone ran backwards, because I was standing further back, I was pushed.

Dr. Lo
Member of the tour group
Actually speaking of the crash, so many fragments sprayed out. I thought it was quite scary and quite nerve-wracking. Thankfully, the direction of the explosion was going in another way and not coming towards us.

Two women from a Taiwanese tour group suffered minor injuries, everyone else was unharmed. Since helicopters are the only way to travel from base camps at Mt. Everest, the tour groups needed to wait for another to arrive.

Ringo Lee
Chairman of High Quality of Travel Association
It is to do with high mountains and steep ridges, helicopters are very important modes of transportation at high altitudes. Given the thin air, low density, and many valleys, it is a very difficult operation for helicopters.

A 2-week summit takes nearly half a year to prepare for, but accidents can always happen. It was a close call, but the trekkers were finally able to return 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

#mounteverest #nepal #taiwantourist #helicoptercrash #ftv

2026-11-05

Stars of new Netflix show share parenthood experiences

A new Taiwanese Netflix show called Driving Mom Crazy features actors Liu Kuan-ting and Ivy Chen navigating the ups and downs of parenthood. Both draw on their real-life experiences as parents, bringing humor and depth to their characters. The show has become a talking point on and off screen.

In the new Netflix show Driving Mom Crazy, actor Liu Kuan-ting plays a gangster’s bodyguard. He trained for the fight scenes, but some unexpected mishaps were incorporated into the final cuts, adding a touch of humor.

Liu Kuan-ting
Actor
At one point, a stroller was supposed to roll away, so I asked the director if I could grab it and roll it back. The challenge with these choreographed moves was figuring out how to perform them in a way that fit the comedy of the series.

The series blends action and fantasy, with its body-swapping premise helping the characters get to know each other in a new light. It also explores the journey from young woman to mother.

Liu Kuan-ting
Actor
I’ve experienced being a first-time father, so I could draw on some of the funny moments and everyday experiences of caring for a baby to bring more depth to my character.

Ivy Chen
Actor
When I was pumping or breastfeeding, I had a strange feeling. On the one hand, I really wanted to feed the baby, while on the other hand I didn’t. I couldn’t feel happy about it, but I worried that the baby might be hungry. Breastfeeding and pumping were the only time I experienced such complicated emotions.

As their characters learn to care for one another and co-parent, Liu and Chen drew on their own experiences as parents to bring greater depth to the roles.

Liu Kuan-ting
Actor
I think it’s like transforming from a caterpillar into a butterfly. There are some tough times to get through.

Driving Mom Crazy mixes humor with fantasy to explore love, family, and personal growth, showing different sides of each character.

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

#DrivingMomCrazy #Netflix #drama #comedy #IvyChen #LiuKuanting #father #mother #parenthood

2026-11-05

Deer darts onto Taichung road, colliding with scooter

A rare traffic accident occurred in Taichung when a sambar deer suddenly darted onto the road and collided with a scooter. The scooter and rider were thrown to the ground, suffering multiple injuries. The driver was quickly taken to the hospital and thankfully recovered quickly.

A rare traffic accident occurred in Taichung when a sambar deer suddenly darted onto the road and collided with a scooter. The scooter and rider were thrown to the ground, suffering multiple injuries. The driver was quickly taken to the hospital and thankfully recovered quickly.

A car’s dashcam captured an accident on the right side of the road, as scooters hit their brakes while turning the corner. A deer dashed into the road, crashing into a scooter and bringing the vehicle and its rider down with it.

The scooter was left lying in the middle of the road, forcing riders behind to swerve out of the way. The injured deer scrambled to its feet, finally fleeing the scene in a panic.

This happened on Section 5 of Xiangshan Road in Taichung’s DaduDistrict. The crash left the scooter driver hurt, but thankfully not seriously injured.

Member of public
Driver
When you hit a deer, what if it’s a protected species? Who’s held responsible? If it were me, I’d cover the damage to my vehicle myself. But what about the deer?

An ambulance arrived and took the injured driver to the hospital, where they recovered smoothly.

Liu Yu-hao
Police officer
Drivers traveling through mountainous or rural areas where wild animals are likely to appear should remain alert to road conditions and their surroundings, and slow down to allow for more reaction time.

Scooter debris remained scattered by the scene of the accident, not far from a road sign warning to watch for deer. When drivers collide with wild animals, they have little choice but to cover the damages themselves.

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

#deer #sambadeer #Taichung #accident #scooter #driver #caraccident #injury #animal

2026-11-05

New Boeing 787 aircraft featured in airline’s 2027 calendar

With just two months left in 2026, many companies are rolling out their calendars for next year. One international airline is marking the arrival of new aircraft, featuring its new Boeing 787 rather than destination photos. From the tarmac to the cabin, the calendar introduces the new aircraft to potential passengers.

Lin Li
FTV reporter
Calling all aviation enthusiasts! With the countdown to 2027 underway, airlines are preparing to welcome new aircraft into their fleets next year. One has even incorporated the new jets into its calendar design.

The calendar shows airline staff, pilots, and crew members executing their duties, introducing a side of their work that travelers are less familiar with. The star of the show is the newest addition to the airline’s fleet, the Boeing 787. If the 787 were a person, it would be…

- Low-key.
- Calm.
- Introverted.
- It’s like a stylish woman in a suit.

The 2027 calendar is all about the Boeing 787, showing off the aircraft from different perspectives. January shows it on the tarmac, followed by a look at maintenance work in February. March and April introduce ground and cargo operations, while travelers prepare to board in May. June and July offer a glimpse inside the cabin, while August through December show more details. The photographers and models are eager for the calendar’s release.

Airline employee
Calendar model
It includes pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, and the repair team. We hope to welcome the new year with these vibrant pictures. I think this time, we included more images of the plane, which is different from the destination photos we normally show.

The new 787 brings surprises in the premium business-class cabin. A plum blossom light fixture casts a soft glow, while panel designs feature Yushan and butterflies, bringing the airline’s East Asian aesthetic to life.

Airline employee
Calendar model
My favorite is the plum blossom light fixture in the premium business-class cabin. I think this thoughtful detail gives passengers a warm and familiar atmosphere throughout their journey.

The 2027 calendar captures everyday moments of airline staff, pilots, and crew, while offering a glimpse inside the new luxurious Boeing 787 aircraft.

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

#ChinaAirlines #Boeing787 #aircraft #calendar #2027calendar #newyear #2027 #businessclass

2026-11-05

Former CCTV presenter critical of Xi seeks temporary asylum in Taiwan

Another Chinese exile has come to Taiwan to seek refuge. This time it’s Cheng Wanjun, who was a talk show host 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 China’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.

The 58-year-old Cheng was released from prison last year. However, after publishing works he had written behind bars, he was forced into exile. While in Thailand, he feared deportation 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 protocol, 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

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 will include horoscope predictions. Meanwhile, his rival, Mayor Chiang Wan-an, has also released a new publication called, "Wan-an Alarm." Does the alarm mean he wants citizens to brace themselves? Some are accusing him of plagiarizing Shen, to which KMT Lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang fired back saying, "Is breathing 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

NT$40 million disappear from 419 Bank SinoPac accounts

A Yunlin resident made a shocking post on social media on Tuesday, saying that NT$100,000 had mysteriously disappeared from his bank account. The account was with Bank SinoPac, and the money was gone after an unauthorized transfer. It turns out, it was not an isolated incident. The Financial Supervisory Commission has since confirmed that 419 customers of the bank had been affected, with more than NT$40 million stolen in total. Let’s hear from the bank’s chairman.

Philip Tsao
Bank SinoPac Chairman
We find this incident extremely regrettable, and we are sorry it happened. On behalf of the bank, I would like to apologize if our customers and other people felt upset or uneasy. We are proactively investigating the matter and exploring improvements.

The money had been transferred to one account at Taipei Fubon Bank. The receiving account has been temporarily frozen and the transferred amount was returned in full by the end of Tuesday afternoon. Bank SinoPac says that hackers had exploited security settings in one of its vendors’ systems to carry out the unauthorized transfers. The bank immediately notified the relevant regulatory authorities and police. It also brought in an independent cybersecurity team to quickly identify the vulnerability, isolate potential threats, and verify that its online banking services and other systems remained secure and operational.

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

#bank #transfer #hack #cybersecurity #money

2026-11-04

KMRT unveils adorable Mikan x Hello Kitty train

Everyone’s favorite stationmaster in Kaohsiung, Mikan the cat, is getting the full celebrity treatment! He is paired with the immensely popular Hello Kitty, and the duo are making their livery debut on the KMRT. It’s also the first time in its 18 years that the Kaohsiung Metro has wrapped an entire train, outside and in. The launch will also be accompanied by exclusive merchandise. Excited fans rushed in to see the debut and snatch up all the adorable merch they could get their hands on.

A crowd of fans snap pictures of this unique train as it pulls into the station.

Its colorful exterior features Mikan, a now-famous cat who is affectionately known as a “stationmaster” on the Kaohsiung MRT, joined by the globally popular Hello Kitty. A Stationmaster Mikan mascot even hopped on board for a ride.

The bulbous mascot has to shuffle slowly to get off the train, melting countless hearts of fans who rushed over to get a look.

KMRT rider
Mikan fan
I came to ride the first Mikan-Hello Kitty train! There are so many images around, and the mascot was there, too.

KMRT rider
Mikan fan
We rode from Siaogang Station. The designs are super cute! My daughter really loves Mikan.

Fans also rushed to buy Mikan-Hello Kitty cobranded merchandise, often buying multiple items at once.

This is the first time in its 18 years that the Kaohsiung MRT wrapped an entire train—outside and inside—in a high-quality design.

Chen Chi-mai
Kaohsiung Mayor
My main reason for coming here today is to see Mikan and Hello Kitty. The Mikan train, as well as the Hello Kitty cobranded train.

As expected with these two beloved figures joining forces, fans came out in force to celebrate the launch of the cobranded train, unable to stop gushing over the adorable design.

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

#StationmasterMikan #Kaohsiung #KMRT #HelloKitty #trainlivery #KaohsiungMetro

2026-11-04

CBA-4589 is an obviously fake number plate. Do you know why?

Can you look at a car’s license plate and tell whether it’s a fake? Well, a shoddy counterfeit is really easy to spot. A car in Yilan was recently seen on the streets with a glaringly fake license plate, CBA-4589. One dead giveaway was the number 4, which has not been featured on license numbers since 2012, due to the number’s similar pronunciation to the word for death in Mandarin and Taiwanese. Let’s hear more.

Huang Yi-na
Yilan Motor Vehicles Office
The layout for the CBA-4589 has three digits at the front and four numbers at the back. This 3 + 4 layout is the new number plate format, which started in 2012. In the new format, number plates do not feature the number 4, so it is immediately clear that it was a fake.

Wu Ya-ling
Police officer
We identified the route and notified available officers to strengthen search and interception efforts to apprehend the suspect soon.

The number 4 does still feature on some license plates, but only in the old format containing just 6 digits. What’s more, there are also certain letter combinations that have been banned. That includes CBA, which also happens to be the initials for the Chinese Baseball Association. Riding a vehicle with a fake license plate carries fines of up to NT$72,000 and the confiscation of the vehicle.

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

#numberplate #funfact #numbers #puns #cba

2026-11-04

Candidate crosses a line by putting flyers inside a house

Is this taking campaigning too far? In Puli Township, one local resident angrily posted on social media about a candidate who crossed the line. The day before, seeing that no one was home, the politician entered the residence to place promotional materials on a table. She was caught in surveillance footage, leaving the homeowner stunned and feeling disrespected.

Surveillance footage captured 4 individuals entering the front yard of a local residence; they split up and placed campaign flyers all over. Three of them wore bright pink volunteer vests and the candidate wore a black vest herself. Seeing that no one came out of the residence, disregarding whether anyone was home or not, the candidate opened the door and carefully placed a flyer on the table before leaving.

The incident happened in Nantou’s Puli Township. A resident left their home in the afternoon to rush to pick up their child from school. Thinking they would return soon, they didn’t lock the door. They didn’t think that when they returned a candidate’s card and merch, would have appeared on their table. Angrily, they posted about it on social media.

Member of public
Disapproves of these acts
This is inappropriate, what if they went in and something went missing. This would be more controversial. It’s better to just stick the flyers on the door.

In the homeowner’s social media post, they found that twice now the borough warden and candidates had entered their home to leave flyers. Their passionate campaigning seemed to cross many boundaries. The candidate then stepped in to explain and apologize.

Lo Hui-mei
Puli Township Representative Candidate
At the time, I asked, “Is there anyone home?” Their son said, “I’m showering.” I said, “Okay, I’m campaigning and I will put a flyer on the table.” Then I turned around and left and didn’t want to inconvenience anyone. I will do better in the future. If I have caused offense, I will improve and just put the fliers outside. I can take feedback, I know I was wrong.

The candidate confirmed that at the time there was someone home showering, adding that she left quickly after dropping off the materials. Campaigns can be stressful but candidates need to be mindful and not take things too far in the spirit of getting votes.

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

#pulitownship #nantou #election #taiwan

2026-11-04

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

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

Cancer survivors, families cycle 1,100km around Taiwan

The annual round-the-island cycling event held by the Taiwan Anti-Cancer Association has kicked off its 14th edition. This year, 45 cancer survivors and their family members are challenging themselves to bike 1,100 kilometers over 10 days. One of the cyclists is Wang Lin-chi, who was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer that had metastasized to her brain. Refusing to let her illness break her spirit, she successfully summited Yushan back in June right after her treatment, and now she’s taking on this cycling challenge.

At the sound of the horn, riders step on their pedals and head out on a grand journey around Taiwan. But these aren’t any ordinary cyclists. These 45 participants are all cancer survivors and their family members, embarking on a 10-day, 1,100-kilometer journey around the island.

Now in its 14th year, the “riding for life” cycling event presents a formidable physical challenge for anyone, let alone a cancer patient who’s endured the far more grueling journey of treatment.

Huang Wen-chien
MacKay Memorial Hospital vice superintendent
We at the Taiwan Anti-Cancer Association have been organizing this event for 14 years. Our mission is, first and foremost, to help these patients step out of their isolated worlds. Second, we hope they can inspire more patients like them. And of course, during the journey, we hope to spread the love wherever we go.

Wang Lin-chi
Cancer survivor
When climbing Yushan, for instance, you realize just how extraordinarily beautiful everything is along the way. You realize that life doesn’t stop with treatment or in the hospital room. Getting outside feels wonderful. It completely transforms your outlook.

From battling disease to summiting Taiwan’s highest peak, and now cycling around the island, riders like Wang are proving there are no limits, bringing courage to her fellow cancer survivors.

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

#cancer #cancersurvivor #inspiring #cycling #roundtheisland

2026-11-04

Sakura season Wuling Farm rooms sell out in four minutes

Reservations for the annual Wuling Farm Cherry Blossom Season have sold out instantly, yet again! The farm’s 1,972 available rooms were snatched up in just four minutes. But if you missed out, don’t be discouraged; the farm suggested other ways people can enjoy the blossoms, including camping and day tours, or by taking a single-day shuttle bus.

The phones at Wuling Farm are ringing nonstop. Guests are calling with questions about bookings for the upcoming cherry blossom season, after the rooms sold out after only four minutes.

Voice of Yang Ming
Wuling Farm tourism section
Control measures for the 2027 Wuling Farm Cherry Blossom Season will run for 17 days, from Feb. 13 to March 1. When February reservations opened at 8:30am, all 1,972 available rooms completely sold out within four minutes.

When the cherry blossoms are blooming, it turns the entire farm into a sea of pink and fuschia, like you’ve instantly stepped across the sea into a Japanese fairytale. The immensely popular rooms sell out in a matter of minutes every year. But those who missed out shouldn’t despair—there are other ways to enjoy the scenery.

Voice of Yang Ming
Wuling Farm tourism section
If any guests fail to pay the deposit to finalize their booking, the rooms will be released intermittently on our online booking system. Alternatively, campsite reservations will open at 8am on Dec. 1.

Guests who don’t plan to stay overnight can also opt for a single-day tour offered by the farm, with bookings to open at 9am on Nov. 10. There will also be shuttle buses for daytrippers. With so many options to choose from, travelers will have every opportunity to enjoy this year’s sakura season!

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

#WulingFarm #cherryblossoms #sakura #flowers #travel #flowerviewing

2026-11-04

Two restaurants in Taoyuan popular for NT$10 items

With prices soaring everywhere, it’s becoming harder and harder to find cheap, good food. In Taoyuan’s Guishan District, one shop sells handmade soup dumplings for just NT$10 each. A breakfast shop in the same area sells shaobing and youtiao for also just NT$10 each, while hot dogs cost only NT$5 apiece. The prices are so low that the shop sells out and closes by 8:30am.

Chefs roll out dough and wrap dumplings by hand, preparing them fresh to order.

These steaming soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are filled with juicy pork. They’re fresh, delicious, and affordable, with each one costing only NT$10. They’ve made the restaurant into a popular breakfast spot.

Customer
Loves a deal
I think it’s really soupy and a good deal. Each one is big, plus it’s delicious, for just NT$10.

- It’s very economical. I often see people lining up.

- I’ve had them since I was young. They’re quite big.

- I’ll get some whenever it’s open.

This restaurant in Taoyuan’s Guishan District has been making dumplings by hand for 12 years. The rent for a space this large starts around NT$40,000, and it employs 11 people. Considering the costs of rent, labor, and ingredients, people wonder how it stays in business.

Restaurant owner
Sells xiaolongbao
I have nine or 10 employees, all part time. They’re mostly students or homemakers who work on the weekends for one to three hours a day. At first each dumpling was NT$7, then NT$8, NT$9, and now NT$10. It’s low profit, but high volume.

The shop keeps prices low by focusing on sales. It closes around noon every day.

Another breakfast shop in Guishan sells shaobing, youtiao, and soup dumplings for just NT$10 each, as well as hot dogs for NT$5. They sell out after about two and a half hours each day, closing around 8:30am. It’s become a popular spot for its generous prices.

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

#food #cheap #dumplings #soupdumpling #xiaolongbao #breakfast #Taoyuan #Guishan #affordable #delicious

2026-11-04