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Attack on political commentator linked to Chinese government

The recent assault on a Japanese pro-Taiwan political commentator is raising concerns about Beijing’s coordinated intimidation tactics targeting critics overseas. Earlier this month, Akio Yaita, the executive director of the Indo-Pacific Think Tank, was attacked in broad daylight in Taiwan. The perpetrator was Liu Kong-faat, a Hong Kong national, who’s been linked to the Hong Kong triad Wo Shing Wo. But as the investigation progresses, suspicion has extended to Hong Kong’s national security office. The office’s current director was previously the vice minister of China’s Ministry of State Security, and is a close ally of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Let’s hear more.

Chen Kuan-ting
DPP Lawmaker
We strongly condemn this act of violence. We need to pursue every lead, and collect evidence to determine whether there was an organized group orchestrating the assault.

Lai Shyh-bao
KMT Lawmaker
This is an incident against public security. Whether it should be elevated to a national security issue requires more supporting evidence.

Wang Ting-yu
DPP Lawmaker
It should be clear to Taiwanese society that KMT legislators who become accomplices to these kinds of crimes and refuse to wake up are supporters of the CCP and its violent actions, not supporters of Taiwan.

Akio Yaita
Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank
That fist was not aimed at me personally. If they had really wanted to teach me a lesson, they wouldn’t have stopped after one punch. The assault was meant to intimidate and silence people. They wanted Taiwan and the world to see 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

#politics #china #taiwan #ccp #triads #mafia

Time：2026-07-15

最新消息 Latest News

China’s ethnic unity law escalates transnational repression

China’s new ethnic unity law took effect on July 1, sparking concerns that Beijing could use the legislation to extend its reach overseas. The law could be used to target people accused by China of promoting “ethnic division” anywhere, adding to concerns over China’s growing use of legal tools to escalate transnational repression.

- Putting it simply, this law is a cross-border repression law.

China’s “ethnic unity” law took effect on July 1. The preamble alone is over 800 words long.

Sang Pu
Taiwan Hong Kong Association director-general
This is the first law with a preamble enacted by the Chinese Communist Party since the 18th National Congress in 2012. A preamble reflects the intentions of the ruler or authoritarian leader. Few laws have preambles. The Constitution is one example, so I view this law as having a quasi-constitutional status.

Article 21 stipulates that Taiwanese are Chinese nationals, and those deemed to be engaging in “ethnic separatism” could face legal liability. The law recognizes no borders, effectively extending China’s long-arm jurisdiction around the world.

Chen Yu-chieh
Academia Sinica associate researcher
I think its purpose is to make people around the world self-censor and intimidate them. China doesn’t need to arrest lots of people. It just sends the message that it has the authority to arrest you.

Beyond measures wrapped in the guise of the law, China has long used violence and psychological intimidation toward those it views as being dissidents.

A Hong Kong citizen living in Taiwan, Tong Wai-hung, joined the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests and called for a boycott of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council elections last year. In November that year, his Taipei boxing gym was vandalized by suspects from Hong Kong.

Liang Wen-chieh (January 2026)
Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister
The purpose was clearly to warn and intimidate him as well as other Hong Kongers in Taiwan.

In 2019, Hong Kong singer Denise Ho was attending a pro-Hong Kong rally in Taiwan when she was attacked with paint. The late Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Lam Wing-kee was also assaulted after moving to Taiwan in 2020. Just six days after the ethnic unity law took effect, Japanese journalist and friend of Taiwan Akio Yaita was beaten by a suspect from Hong Kong.

Akio Yaita (July 6)
Journalist
Using violence to respond because you disagree with my views or statements should absolutely not be allowed.

Karen Kuo (July 7)
Presidential Office spokesperson
This is the first case of cross-border repression and violent intimidation occurring in Taiwan after China implemented the ethnic unity law. Of course, we strongly condemn this act.

China is using the law as pretext for transnational repression, highlighting its domineering and unreasonable behavior with its brazen actions.

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

#ethnicunitylaw #ethnicunity #China #CCP #HongKong #repression #violence #intimidation

2026-07-15

Puma Shen says he’ll leave nothing unsaid during 8-day US visit

The DPP’s candidate for the Taipei mayoral race, Puma Shen, has announced he’ll be setting off on an 8-day US tour next Monday. The politician will be making stops in Los Angeles, Washington DC and New York. The visit comes amid rising concerns that Beijing is ramping up repression of critics overseas. But Shen appears not to be afraid of any violent attacks during the trip, stressing that he will not censor himself. Let’s hear what he said.

Puma Shen
DPP Taipei Mayoral Candidate
As China’s No. 1 wanted target, and as a so-called “die-hard Taiwan separatist,” I will never be intimidated by violence. I will not leave anything unsaid. The more they want us to keep quiet, the more we’ll speak up. The more they want to prevent us from engaging with the world, the more exchanges we’ll take part in. With all the recent heat waves around the world, tackling the urban heat island effect has become an important issue. I want to learn how other countries and cities deal with extreme heat, and how they plan urban greenery. I’ll be going to New York, where they are also grapple with rat infestations, so that’s something we’ll discuss.

Rosalia Wu
DPP Lawmaker
This trip serves three purposes: campaigning for the election, expanding city-to-city diplomacy, and strengthening party and parliamentary diplomacy.

Besides campaingning and expanding city-to-city ties, Shen says he also plans to learn about issues affecting Taipei, such as rat control and urban greenery. He’ll be attending the launch of two campaign groups in the US, one for the East Coast and one for the West. He’s also planning on meeting with Taiwanese diaspora and sit with US seneators and representatives. Joining him on the trip will be fellow DPP Lawmakers Rosalia Wu, Chen Pei-yu, Wang Ting-yu, and Legislative Caucus Leader Tsai Chi-chang.

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

#taipei #newyork #rat #urbanheatisland #heatwave #trees

2026-07-15

Express trains stop at Tainan’s Longtian Station for first time

A century-old train station is welcoming Tze-Chiang Limited Express trains for the first time. Only local and Juguang Express trains have stopped in Tainan’s Longtian Station since it opened in 1902. As Taiwan Railways plans to phase out the Juguang service, the Tze-Chiang Limited Express will now stop at the station twice a day.

A Tze-Chiang Limited Express train pulls into Longtian Station in Tainan. It’s the first time in the station’s history that this type of train has stopped here.

Only local and Juguang Express trains have stopped at the station since it opened in 1902. As Taiwan Railways is phasing out the Juguang service, the small station is set to welcome Tze-Chiang Limited Express trains for the first time.

Member of public
Likes the convenience
It’s very convenient. To take a reserved-seat train from my house, I used to have to go to Xinying Station, 20 to 30 minutes away by scooter.

Member of public
Likes the convenience
Catching the train from Longtian Station will be more convenient than before.

The new service will make it much more convenient to travel to urban areas. Compared with local trains, the Tze-Chiang cuts travel time by at least half. But while stopping at smaller stations is convenient, it could also extend the overall travel time for reserved-seat trains.

Member of public
Concerned about slower service
It’s an express train, so if it’s always stopping at small stations like this, then it won’t be as fast as originally intended.

The new express trains may be more convenient for passengers, but taxi drivers say it might not help them much.

Taxi driver
Not keen on change
It’s more convenient for travelers. But for us taxi drivers, we still get a limited number of passengers.

The Tze-Chiang express will now stop at Longtian Station twice a day, making traveling more convenient for people living near the small station.

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

#TaiwanRailways #train #TzeChiang #expresstrain #commute #station #LongtianStation

2026-07-15

Unseasonal mass butterfly migration closes freeway lane

If you live in Yunlin, you’re probably used to the freeway lane closures that happen every year due to the migration of thousands upon thousands of purple crow butterflies. This spectacular natural phenomenon and the ensuing traffic restrictions usually take place in March or April, around the Tomb-Sweeping Festival. But this year, for the first time in decades, the butterflies have gone on their northward migration in July. A huge swarm formed in the area on Wednesday, with as many as 608 butterflies crossing National Freeway No. 3 in one minute.

A dense swarm descended on the freeway. It was far bigger than the spring migration, which only recorded a peak count of 100 butterflies per minute. Amid the unexpected surge, the Freeway Bureau rushed to close the outer northbound lane in Linnei, between the 252.5K and the 251K markers, to prevent vehicles from striking the butterflies. Conservationists say a big butterfly surge was also recorded in September 2009, following Typhoon Morakot. But they say it’s the first time in 20 years that such a massive migration takes place in July.

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

#butterfly #insect #iloveinsects #nature #amazing #humansbeingbros

2026-07-15

Food delivery could get pricier with new law protecting workers’ rights

Ordering food in Taiwan is about to get more expensive. Ahead of a new food delivery law taking effect on July 21, Uber Eats has announced major fee increases, with Uber One’s monthly subscription jumping more than 60% from NT$120 to NT$199, while merchant service fees are also rising. Foodpanda says the costs of each order could increase by 30% to 50%. While some restaurant owners accept commissions of nearly 40% as the price of advertising and reaching new customers, many diners and small businesses worry the extra costs will ultimately be passed on to them, making takeout an even pricier convenience.

It’s not even noon yet, but there’s already tall piles of bentos on every table. Everyone at this shop in Shilin District is rushing to get everything ready, after receiving an order for 500 lunch boxes from seven or eight tour buses. Delivery platforms have brought them customers from outside the neighborhood.

Wang Cheng-wei
Bento shop owner
We’ve been on delivery platforms for four or five years. We split the revenue based on a commission rate we agreed on. They’ve helped us reach new customers, people who aren’t nearby.

But the commission rate can be steep.

Wang Cheng-wei
Bento shop owner
The commission can be close to 40%. Delivery isn’t our main source of income, our regulars are. But we consider it a form of advertising to increase our visibility.

With a new food delivery law that’s taking effect on July 21, Uber Eats has announced it will hike service fees to partner vendors by 2.5 to 3 percentage points. And customers paying for Uber One memberships will have to shell out 66% more in fees, as monthly plans will rise from NT$120 to NT$199, and annual plans from NT$1,200 to NT$1,990. Foodpanda says it will also make adjustments, as it estimates the cost of each order will increase by 30% to 50%.

Customer
Uses food delivery apps
My credit card is charged automatically, so I don’t really pay attention. But I might check whether other platforms are cheaper, and consider switching.

Cheng Li-chia
Union chair
I think the platforms aren’t being transparent about their profit figures. We think they’re using the law as an excuse to raise prices. This matter should be discussed rationally and based on the facts.

The new law aims to protect the rights of delivery workers, vendors and consumers. But if it ends up being used as a scapegoat to raise prices, for some restaurants and consumers it could be the final straw.

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

#fooddelivery #deliverer #ubereats #foodpanda #food #yum #convenience

2026-07-15

Licensed ‘cabin scooter’ drivers allowed on road, banned from highways

Have you ever heard of cabin scooters? The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has officially allowed these three-wheeled, fully enclosed motorbikes with a steering wheel on the roads. Although they look like a scooter, since they have gas and brake pedals, they will be regulated like cars. This means drivers must have a car driver’s license, and they must be parked in car parking spaces, although they can’t go on highways or expressways. Still, one of these would set you back more than NT$300,000.

Packed into a streamlined, rounded frame, this vehicle has both a windshield and doors, even though it’s standing on just three wheels. It’s an example of a new, fully electric “cabin scooter.”

People lined up at the Taichung International Auto Show to give one of these a test drive. It’s built to be compact and lightweight, without sacrificing on functionality. Inside there are two seats, a steering wheel, air conditioning, and even a touchscreen dashboard. A single vehicle costs more than NT$300,000.

Member of public
NT$300,000? No way. It’s too expensive. At that point, I may as well just buy a car.

Member of public
It’s pretty cool! At least it’s fully enclosed, so it’s a little safer.

Delivery driver
It’s inconvenient. If you’re looking for efficiency, it might not be fast enough, since we have to weave through traffic.

The motorbike is 2.4m long and less than 1m wide, with speeds of up to 80km per hour. Unlike a scooter, you won’t need a helmet, but this three-wheeled vehicle will be regulated like a car. Drivers need a car driver’s license, and can only park in spots designated for larger vehicles. There’s no need to do two-stage left turns, but they can’t go on dedicated scooter lanes or highways. Driving one with only a motorbike license will be punishable by a fine of up to NT$12,000, while driving without any license at all could be up to NT$36,000.

Yang Hsin-ju
Car expert
It won’t fit inside a regular motorbike parking space, so it will be used and regulated entirely different from motorbikes. Unless you travel long distances and have a parking space, the typical convenience afforded by a regular motorbike simply would not be possible with this type of vehicle.

Back in 2013, a Japanese carmaker came out with a three-seater “micro” concept car. Limited by regulations and cost, it was only trialed for a short while in limited areas. Now that Taiwan has given the green light, you might see some of these unusual vehicles on the roads—looking like a motorbike, but governed by automobile regulations.

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

#driving #motorbike #cabinmotorbike #threewheeler #TaichungAutoShow #electricvehicles #MOTC

2026-07-15

Vendor quickly turns off gas when sign crashes into stall

At the beginning of July, a scooter caused a fire at a roadside stall in Tainan after knocking over a gas tank, raising awareness about gas safety. Therefore, when a sign flew into another vendor’s stall in Kaohsiung, she knew to immediately turn off the gas. Her post about the incident got over 3,000 likes, with lots of commenters praising her fast reaction and awareness of safety.

This stall selling red bean cakes is running normally, but just a moment later, a strong gust of wind blows the neighbor’s sign right into it.

The owner screams and takes a step back, then immediately steps forward to turn off the gas tank. When she posted about the incident online, lots of people praised her fast reaction and attention to safety.

Member of public
Awed by fast response
Most people would be scared out of worry that the gas would catch fire. The owner’s reaction was pretty fast.

Voice of neighboring store owner
Awed by fast response
I didn’t know she had turned off the gas. She just told me about it. She reacted fast!

Voice of owner
Red bean cake stall
The auntie came over and apologized to me, then took the sign back.

In its two years operating in Kaohsiung’s Dashe District, this is the first time the neighbor’s sign has blown into the stall. The owner said her first thought was to turn off the gas because of a story she saw on the news.

Voice of owner
Red bean cake stall
A few days ago, I saw a news story about a scooter falling over and the gas catching fire, so I knew to turn off the gas right away.

She’s talking about a poorly parked scooter that fell over in Tainan, knocking a gas tank and starting a fire at a roadside stall that injured two people. The incident served as a cautionary tale for this cake vendor, whose quick reaction helped prevent a serious accident.

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

#redbean #redbeancake #Kaohsiung #Tainan #fire #gas #gastank #sign #wind

2026-07-15

Carwashes become one-stop shop for deep cleaning household items

Are carwashes only for vehicles? Not necessarily! Many people have started thinking out of the box by bringing household items like window screens, floor mats, fans, and even tents and pet carriers in need of a clean to carwashes. No need to scrounge for space at home or buy specialty cleaning equipment. These places have everything you need to get everything squeaky clean.

Chang Chiao-yi
FTV reporter
Of course, it’s common to see cars and scooters at a self-service carwash. But have you ever thought of bringing window screens, fans, or an AC filter?

Fans accumulate thick layers of dust over time, but they’re a pain to dismantle and clean. But here, one blast from the air gun, and it’s like new within 10 seconds.

Voice of Mr. Chang
Carwash manager
I often see people washing floor mats here. They come out clean and it’s convenient. What’s less common is that during spring cleaning, people will bring boxes, chairs, and other furniture to power wash.

Bikes caked in mud from trail rides, dirty floor mats, hard-to-clean pet carriers and baby strollers, even muddy camping tents can be brought to a self-service carwash to clean. At this point, nothing is that surprising.

Member of public
Amazed at versatility
I’ve never tried it before. Most people love their cars and come here to wash them. I’ve never seen a sofa or something like that. That would be pretty impressive. Just hauling it over is a feat.

With high-pressure and low-pressure water guns, suds, and air dryers, carwashes come equipped with all the cleaning equipment you need, saving people from buying tons of speciality tools and finding the space for it all at home. Coming here saves on both time and effort.

Voice of Mr. Chang
Carwash manager
Generally speaking, as long as people don’t break the equipment or ruin the space, we don’t mind what they do, since they’re just coming here to clean. We also have a license plate recognition system, and from what we’ve seen, all our customers are very rule-abiding and respectful of each other.

Carwashes are no longer just for vehicles. With a little out-of-the-box thinking, they’ve become a godsend for anyone looking to give their things a deep clean.

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

#carwash #creativethinking #deepclean #powerwash #lifehack #springcleaning

2026-07-15

Formosa Plastics Group’s new president raises salaries by 4.5%

Workers have come out winning big in Formosa Plastics Group’s annual wage negotiations. Every July, labor and management meet to determine how to adjust salaries for the year. Labor had requested a 3.66% raise, but the group’s new president Wu Chia-chau was even more generous, approving a salary increase of 4.5%, which applies retroactively to July 1. And all in just 30 minutes of negotiations.

In addition to the pay hike, employees will receive better benefits. They’ll get NT$600 in meal allowances every month, while shift workers will get an allowance of NT$2,380. There’s also a regional allowance of NT$2,500, and Taipei residents will get a NT$5,000 housing subsidy. The changes are part of Wu’s strategy to revive revenues by restructuring the group and setting up AI-driven initiatives. The substantial pay increase is not just a reward for employees, but serves as a morale boost across the company.

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

#formosaplastics #work #labor #union #management #mba

2026-07-14

Fuel resupply drill and rocket systems part of second day of joint exercises

Today, the military’s Joint Defense Exercise entered its second day, with training continuing across operational zones around Taiwan. In Taoyuan, the Army’s 601st Aviation Brigade deployed a Black Hawk helicopter in a simulated wartime fuel resupply mission when ground transportation is cut off. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt-2000 multiple launch rocket systems moved into position to rehearse suppressing enemy forces attempting a beach landing.

A Black Hawk helicopter zips across the sky on a tactical fuel bladder sling-load mission. It descends carefully until the fuel bladder is deposited on the ground as the rotor sends a cloud of dust in all directions, just like in a real battlefield.

Liao Wei-hung
FTV reporter
Today was Day 2 of the military’s joint defense drills, which saw a Black Hawk helicopter from the Army’s 601st Aviation Brigade simulate a fuel delivery in the field where other transport routes were cut off.

The helicopter departs, and troops move in to transport the 500-gallon fuel bladder, a key component in resupply operations that can provide timely logistical support to frontline combat units.

Su Tzu-yun
INDSR
The Black Hawk provides forward support to deployed units, enhancing battlefield effectiveness and helping frontline forces maintain their firepower and their operational readiness.

Moments later, the Army’s 21st Artillery Command deploys two Thunderbolt-2000 rocket launch vehicles into firing positions. They’re armed with MK30 and MK45 medium- to long-range rockets ideal for anti-landing missions.

The five-day joint defense exercise kicked off on Monday, featuring simulations of enemy forces setting sail and intruding into Taiwan’s territorial waters. A key focus of the exercise is coordinating decentralized units to break the opponent’s kill chain, testing the capabilities of spread-out command and control systems. The exercise is designed to showcase the military’s high mobility.

Su Tzu-yun
INDSR
The exercise places each operational zone at the center of decision-making to simulate decentralized command. Even if communication is disrupted, each zone can engage with the enemy independently while coordinating air defense, sea control and anti-landing operations.

Also part of the drills was a nighttime runway repair exercise simulating damage by enemy fire. Engineering units from the Air Force deployed forklifts and lights to make rapid repairs and restore operations as soon as possible. Through these realistic exercises, Taiwan’s military aims to strengthen its defenses while reinforcing deterrence against aggression.

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 #military #drills #exercises #airforce #army #navy

2026-07-14

482 athletes to compete for Taiwan at Asian Games in Nagoya

The Asian Games will be taking place in Nagoya this year, starting on Sept. 19. Taiwan has already put together a national team, which features some of the country’s top sports stars. The roster includes tennis aces Hsieh Su-wei and Chan Hao-ching as well as badminton stars Chou Tien-chen and Wang Chi-lin. Also going to Japan will be Olympic gold medalist boxer Lin Yu-ting and heartthrob judoka Yang Yung-wei. At a presser on Tuesday, Minister of Sports Lee Yang offered words of encouragement to all the competitors, and had a special message for his former badminton doubles partner. Let’s hear what he said.

Seeing most of the athletes competing in this year’s Asian Games… I, of course, have to especially mention Wang Chi-lin. It seems that for him, every Asian Games run marks a farewell with his latest doubles partner. I hope that we can provide the best logistical support to every athlete, coach, and delegation member. That’s the most important thing for a competitive athlete. No matter what the results may be, it is our ministry’s duty to stand behind each of them and offer them our support.

Team Taiwan managed to bag 19 gold medals at the previous Asian Games, tying its best-ever showing. But Lee did not set a target for the upcoming edition, saying that he did not want to put any additional and unnecessary pressure on the athletes. Instead, he said, he just wants to be their strongest source of support. All in all, 482 athletes will be heading to Nagoya, to compete in 34 sports.

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

#sports #asiangames #competition #leeyang #ministryofsports


2026-07-14

Four central Taiwanese counties and cities promote tourism in Korea

Central Taiwan is vying for tourists from South Korea, a booming market. Recently a delegation representing Taichung, Changhua, Nantou and Miaoli, went to Seoul on a promotional tour, attracting attention from the South Korean media. It’s expected their tourism promotions, which also included large outdoor advertisements in Myeong-dong, Seoul’s premier shopping district, will encourage more tourists to visit Central Taiwan. Let’s find out more.

The Taichung City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau joined forces with three other cities – Changhua, Nantou and Miaoli – to hold a tourism promotion event in Seoul, where it attracted large crowds.

Resident of Korea
Has visited Taiwan
I once went to Taichung with Taiwanese friends. We landed at Taoyuan Airport and visited Gaomei Wetlands via Taichung. The scenery was truly beautiful.

A South Korean tourist who had visited Taiwan before was deeply impressed by Gaomei Wetlands. When she learned at a booth that there were direct flights from Seoul to Taichung, she exclaimed that she wanted to come back again.

Chen Mei-hsiu
Taichung Tourism and Travel Bureau director
The South Korean market originally only had one route, but now it has three routes with 31 flights per week. The growth rate of the South Korean market has increased more than fourfold in the past two years. So the South Korean market not only has air routes, but also a sufficient number of tourists.

Local governments are promoting tourism by joining forces, hoping to collectively enhance the international competitiveness of central Taiwan’s tourism industry.

Chen Mei-hsiu
Taichung Tourism and Travel Bureau director
More than 70 business operators from Taichung, Changhua, Nantou, and Miaoli have teamed up to promote the region in Seoul, South Korea. Targeting travel industry professionals, the delegation aims to introduce Taichung and the major attractions across these four central Taiwan counties and cities.

Representatives from the four counties and cities traveled to Seoul, where they not only placed large outdoor advertisements in Myeong-dong, but also drew special coverage from Korean television media. Combined with in-person promotional activities, they successfully made a name for themselves and injected new vitality into tourism in central Taiwan.

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

#Taichungtourism #Taiwantourism #Koreantourism #Centraltaiwan

2026-07-14

Rat falls from ceiling at popular BBQ restaurant at Taipei Main

A sewer rat falling from the ceiling quickly ruined the mood at a popular Korean BBQ restaurant in Taipei Main Station. Diners at the all-you-can-eat establishment lost their appetite at the sight of the rodent, which was about the size of one’s palm. Some took pictures of the rat and posted them online, where they spread like wildfire. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Can’t believe it
I can’t believe it! I’ve never seen anything like that indoors. They should do pest control, and put up an announcement about it.

Member of public
Would file complaint
I would file a complaint. Rats are scary! I wouldn’t want to see a rat while I’m having a meal.

Member of public
Worried about food safety
It’s quite worrying. It’s Taipei Main Station, the entrance to Taipei, and you have rats scurrying around. That’s a problem for hygiene and food safety. Both the central and the Taipei city government should be held responsible.

Hung Chien-yi
Taipei City Councilor (DPP)
Our Mayor, Chiang Wan-an, is completely hopeless at anything related to municipal affairs. Even the Environmental Protection Bureau claims this incident is not under their jurisdiction. But let me tell you something, Mr. Chiang: There’s rats running amok in Taipei, the city you administer. Do something!

A DPP councilor says the disgusting incident is to be blamed on the Taipei city government, which he says has evaded its responsibilities. The BBQ restaurant says it has compensated all diners affected with discount coupons, adding that it will work on improving cleanliness. The department store, Breeze Center, says it immediately launched a complete disinfection of the premises at Taipei Main and enhanced measures to prevent further incidents.

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

#eww #rat #disgusting #kbbq #pestcontrol #rodent #bbq

2026-07-14

Truck driver walks away mostly unscathed after Miaoli rockslide

Last weekend all of Taiwan was drenched by typhoon rains, and Monday this week it was raining rocks in Miaoli’s Dahu Township. On July 13 at night, a landslide of boulders came rumbling down the mountainside, pinning a truck against the guardrail of Miaoli Route 62. The lucky truck driver was somehow able to walk away mostly unscathed, yet problems remain for Miaoli County government, which still needs to fix the road.

This surveillance camera shows that a barrage of rocks of all sizes are falling down the hillside, but the feed got cut off, presumably by the landslide that came rumbling down and into the path of a truck driver surnamed Luo.

Voice of Mr. Luo
Truck driver
I suddenly heard the sounds of something rumbling and then everything went dark. Then it was just “boom, boom, boom,” that’s what it sounded like.

On July 13 at night, the 46-year-old driver was on his way to deliver goods when falling boulders pinned his truck against the guardrail. His vehicle’s exterior was twisted and crunched, but fortunately for the driver, he was able to walk away with just some skin abrasions.

Voice of Mr. Luo
Truck driver
I told myself then that my wife and child are at home waiting for me to come back. So I used my foot to kick open the door, and then I knew that I had to start running forward; if I didn’t start running, I was going to die.

Huang Hui-chin
Dahu Township chief
The driver, who must’ve been scared to death, was able to walk away with only some scrapes. He was asked if he wanted to go to the hospital, but he said he was okay. We went to the accident site this morning, and that’s when we discovered all the rocks on the mountainside had fallen down. There was probably 1,000 or 2,000 tons of rocks.

The section of Miaoli Route 62 that has boulders blocking both lanes is in Dahu Township’s Fuxing Village. This road is notorious for having incidences like this landslide after there are bouts of heavy rain. Miaoli Commissioner Chung Tung-chin suggested creating a shortcut road, but that all depends on the road’s repair budget, which will require financial assistance from the central government.

Chung Tung-chin
Miaoli Commissioner
In terms of making a shortcut road here, the cost of that will probably be quite substantial, so it’ll be difficult to do if only the county government has to pay for it. So, for this aspect, I hope that the central government can work with our 2 legislators to come to an agreement as soon as possible.

Dahu Township isn’t the only place in Miaoli dealing with a blocked road; students and workers in Nanzhuang Township’s Donghe Village have July 14 off due to a collapsed section of Miaoli Route 21. The sinkhole is directly in front of Shibi Bridge.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Miaoli #rainingrocks #lanslide #truck #thatwasclose

2026-07-14

Innocent bystander gets sprayed by trash truck juice

One unlucky man will never forget the sight and smell of what happens when a bag of juicy trash explodes in the trash truck. Taiwan’s trash collection system is known for its classical melodies and scenes of humanity at its finest: people line up to throw out their bags of trash, which have been carefully sorted. But sometimes the tidy process can go terribly wrong.

All seems normal, with the trash truck playing its classical melody as people take turns throwing out their trash. But while almost everything is as usual, one unlucky victim is about to come face-to-face with a stinky situation.

Over in Taoyuan’s Guishan District, a man wearing a clean white shirt has just thrown his trash into the truck, but then, all of a sudden, his shirt is now a disgusting yellow. He’s standing there shocked, with juices dripping from his face; this surveillance camera shows that the same yellow gunk is covering his hair.

Voice of Manager
Betel nut stand
I’d just thrown in my trash, because I’m thinking that he’d already thrown in his trash before me. It’s probably from the people running the store next to me; they just threw in their kitchen waste as well, which ended up exploding all over me, covering me from head to toe.

With his head down, the man, covered in rancid juices, walks back to his betel nut stand. Later on, he realized that the ordeal could’ve been due to someone not properly sorting their trash. The offender likely put kitchen waste in with the other trash, and when the truck’s compressor squeezed the bag the juices shot forward. He described the liquid as being yellow and oily, and that the odor smelled disgusting. Fortunately for him, a neighbor let him wash off. Without the kind gesture, he’s not sure how he could’ve made it home smelling and looking like that.

Employee
Betel nut stand
It must feel really gross. He’s my boss, so it’s scary to think of, like if it was me I’d be really mad.

Shen Miao-hui
Taoyuan Environmental Management
Concerning the individual who failed to properly sort their trash, we will follow the regulations found in the Waste Disposal Act, which allow for a maximum fine of NT$6,000.

Taoyuan City’s Office of Environmental Management reiterated that in addition to complying with trash sorting rules, in order to avoid a similar stinky situation from happening again, people should keep a suitable distance from garbage trucks.

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

#eww #disgusting #trash #juice #tidy #trashy

2026-07-14

Traditional market becomes nightclub in Taitung Expo attraction

Everyone’s walked around traditional markets during the day, but have you ever visited one after hours? One exhibition at the Taitung Expo is encouraging just that, remaking the Central Market through projections, light, and sound to offer a novel experience reminiscent of shopping at a traditional market. Through the exhibition, the old shopping area has been given new life, inviting people to slow down and rediscover this local landmark.

Brilliant multicolored neon flashes along to electronic music, forming an array of glowing shapes. The pounding rhythm and dazzling lights transform this space into a kaleidoscope world of mesmerizing interest.

But how come this sign hanging above in flashing red and green says “Freshly caught tilapia,” “50 per caddy”? These traditional market furnishings contrast sharply with the nightclub atmosphere. But it isn’t a newly opened nightclub—it’s Taitung’s Central Market.

Member of public
Finds market cool
We found out about it online. It’s a wonderful surprise! Very different from how the Central Market is normally. It’s cool.

Member of public
Finds market cool
It’s very different than usual, like a nightclub.

From selling vegetables, fish, and meat during the day, the Central Market usually quiets down late in the afternoon. But for this year’s Taitung Expo, artists took the chance to reimagine the space into something resembling a nightclub. The trendy transformation has stopped many visitors in their tracks, who linger taking photo after photo.

Member of public
Likes the concept
If there weren’t an event like this, people wouldn’t come. But doing this brings in more people and helps them get to know the area better.

This year’s Taitung Expo hopes to encourage visitors to slow down and explore the city. From a traditional market filled with the shouts of vendors selling their wares, to a bumping nightclub destination at night, this old venue is recapturing its glory days while launching headfirst into the 21st century.

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

#nightclub #Taitung #TaitungExpo #traditionalmarket #artexhibition #CentralMarket #neon #photospot

2026-07-14

University partners with troupe to teach Eight Generals tradition

The Eight Generals are a common sight at temple festivals in Taiwan. To give people a better understanding of this unique performative culture, the Department of Chinese Literature at National Sun Yat-sen University organized a class with the Gushan鼓山 Jishengtang Eight Generals troupe in Kaohsiung. Seventeen participants learned everything from formations and steps, to face painting. At the end, they tested out their newfound skills in a live presentation.

Drum beats swell as performers depicting the Eight Generals step out, wielding weapons and fans. They walk along Kaohsiung’s Love River, stopping at four temples along the way. Their skill makes it hard to believe they’re university students.

Chen Chia-hao
Participant
Most people misunderstand this culture and it tends to be quite stigmatized. But if you try it for yourself, you’ll find it’s totally different from what you imagined.

Hsu Wei-kai
Participant
I’ve been interested in it since I was a kid, so I figured why not take the class and try it out? I think the hardest part is the doing the formations and the steps.

The Eight Generals are a common part of any temple festival in Taiwan, but they’ve gotten a bad reputation over the past few years. To reverse this stigma, the Department of Chinese Literature at National Sun Yat-sen University organized a class with the Gushan Jishengtang Eight Generals troupe. Seventeen participants learned everything from formations and steps to face painting, and at the end held their own performance.

Hsu Wei-chen
Participant
The Chinese literature department happened to have a partnership with our temple. This was how I got the chance to take the class. I was determined to join, even though my parents didn’t approve. The formations, the face paint, the entire cultural context are all super interesting.

Lee Ting-yen
Participant
Becoming a troupe member has been a very new experience for me. Once you actually join, you’ll understand the meaning behind a certain movement.

Hsieh Hao-ting
Troupe face painter
In our Jiali lineage, one main attribute is that we usually paint the face with solid blocks of color. Over in Chiayi, they’ll emphasize finer details and lines.

Charmed by the unique Eight Generals tradition, many students decided to formally join as troupe members. The class even attracted some foreign exchange students. There was even a Christian student who overcame religious limitations to experience it firsthand.

Chiu Shih-yuan
Instructor
This time was very special. We had a Christian student who joined to understand some of the body movements. There were some things, like the finer details, that the students couldn’t do perfectly, but I don’t think it matters that much.

Lo Ching-wen
NSYSU Chinese literature professor
This time we had students from Malaysia and Hong Kong. Over six weeks, they learned about Taiwan’s Eight Generals culture, the history of Jishengtang, the face paint, and formations, as well as some rituals and taboos. Then for the main event, we went out and experienced holding our own performance.

Although it was only part of a class, every step was executed perfectly. The university hopes that the course will help people better understand this rich part of Taiwanese religious culture and ensure it’s passed down to future generations.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#EightGenerals #templeculture #templefestival #folktradition #NSYSU #traditionalculture #temples

2026-07-14

Driver’s pants fall down after stopping to retrieve hat

Recently in Kaohsiung’s Daliao District, drivers stopped at a red light noticed a driver’s baseball cap fly off in the wind and land in the left-turn waiting area. He stopped over on the side of the road to retrieve the hat, but after just a few steps, his pants began falling down. The video went viral online, with commenters saying that the bumbling incident is the definition of awkward.

Drivers stopped at this red light watch as a motorist’s baseball cap flies off, landing in the left-turn zone. He stopped at the side of the road and started walking over to get it, but after just a few steps into the crosswalk, his pants start falling down, flashing his underwear in front of the waiting drivers. He quickly pulls them back up and keeps walking to get his hat.

- You can’t help but chuckle seeing someone embarrass himself like that.

- I’d just keep quiet and pretend not to notice to let him pull his pants back up in peace.

- He must have been going through it.

- How does something like that even happen? The chances are small, but I guess it’s still possible.

This embarrassing incident happened on the busy Fengping First Road in Kaohsiung’s Daliao District, ensuring there were plenty of witnesses. And what’s more—police said that the man would be fined, as he wasn’t wearing a helmet.

Han Chun-wei
Local deputy police chief
Our precinct still has not received any reports or public complaints. Based on the video footage, the driver failed to wear a helmet, which is punishable by a fine of NT$500. We will ask the driver to come in and clarify the situation.

The driver set out in only a baseball cap, only to have it fly off and result in this embarrassing debacle that will end with him having to pay a fine.

#traffic #wardrobemalfunction #embarrassing #Kaohsiung #driver #helmetsafety #trafficsafety

2026-07-14

TSMC reportedly set to hike prices for mature-node wafer production

After four straight years of raising prices for its advanced manufacturing processes, TSMC is now reportedly set to increase prices for its mature-node wafer production as well. Market sources say many customers have already been notified, with the new pricing expected to take effect in January next year, marking the first price hike for mature processes since the Covid-19 pandemic. Analysts say the move signals that the AI boom is no longer limited to GPUs and high-performance computing, but is now driving demand for a wider range of chips, including power management ICs and power devices. Let’s hear more.

Nobunaga Chai
Cloud Express
TSMC adjusted its prices by less than 5% in the first quarter already. The adjustments affected everything from 8-inch wafers to the most advanced tech, and mainly reflected higher production costs. Capacity utilization for 3nm and 5nm processes is above 100%. For mature-node processes, it’s close to full capacity at an average of almost 90%.

Investors are closely watching TSMC ahead of its earnings conference on July 16. Key issues include the rollout of its 2nm process, progress at its overseas fabs, competition from Samsung and Intel, and rising manufacturing costs. Confidence remains strong, with six foreign brokerages already raising their target price for TSMC shares to above NT$3,000. Now, the market is waiting to see what guidance the company will provide for the months ahead.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#tsmc #earnings #chips #semiconductor #tech

2026-07-13