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Hualien residents evacuated from rural townships, with heavy rains risking flooding

The Central Weather Administration issued heavy rain and extremely heavy rain warnings for 18 counties and cities across Taiwan at noon June 25, as the outer circulation of Severe Tropical Storm Mekkhala intensified, ushering in southwesterly winds and a weather front. Southern Taiwan continued to see extremely heavy rainfall and numerous cases of flooding were reported in Taipei City. The alert level for a barrier lake on the Wanli Creek in Hualien was raised to yellow, and evacuation operations were initiated in downstream Wanrong Township and Fenglin Township.

Huang Chium-tse
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
With accumulated rainfall expected to exceed 54mm over the next 48 hours, the barrier lake is expected to reach maximum capacity, which may cause an overflow. A yellow alert was issued at 8 a.m. today, and local governments are requested to carry out preventative evacuations in accordance with the alert guidelines.

Chen Shu-wen
Hualien Agriculture Department director
The Hualien County Government also immediately established a Level 2 disaster response center, which will carry out the relevant evacuations through placements with relatives, official sheltering and vertical evacuation.

Starting in the early hours of the morning, torrential rain lashed across Taiwan, with the south bearing the brunt. In Pingtung alone, Jiuru Township received the highest rainfall in Taiwan, exceeding 500 millimeters. The sudden downpours caused flooding that entered homes. Many vehicles were forced to brave the water to get to work. The Central Weather Administration says that while the storm will move away, the island will still be influenced by the weather front, with western and southeastern Taiwan expected to experience localized extremely heavy rain. The rain is not expected to subside until next week, and the public is advised to take precautions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taiwanweather #Mekkhala #heavyrain #Hualienevacuations #Hualien

Time：2026-06-25

最新消息 Latest News

Nvidia CEO: The era of AI that thinks and acts on its own has arrived

US tech giant Nvidia held its shareholders meeting, where CEO Jensen Huang declared that the era of agentic AI has arrived. Unlike traditional AI software that simply responds to prompts like a basic chatbot, agentic AI is designed to have agency—the ability to make decisions and adapt to changing circumstances without constant human intervention. Huang also warned that smuggling Nvidia chips to China will lead to a dead end, particularly as Nvidia cannot provide support or maintenance for the systems. Let’s find out more.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
This has been an extraordinary year for Nvidia and for computing.

Nvidia held its shareholders’ meeting and announced that its revenue for fiscal year 2026 was US$216 billion, a 65% increase, and its operating profit was US$130 billion, a 60% increase.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
We believe this will become the largest infrastructure buildout in human history. Agentic AI is accelerating infrastructure investment, as For the first time, AI is doing real work and creating real economic value. Useful AI has arrived and it is profitable.

Jensen Huang emphasized that AI investments have already generated profits. Vera Rubin is in full-scale production, and the Vera CPU, designed for agentic AI, has opened up new markets for the company.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
We believe Vera will be one of the most significant product launches in our company’s history, and the orders are already coming in.

Huang was optimistic about the demand and prospects for AI infrastructure. And, of course, he also wants to reward his shareholders.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
25x increase in our quarterly dividend and authorized an additional 80 billion dollars in share repurchases. Supported by our conviction in sustainable market growth and free cash flow generation, we plan to return 50% or more of our free cash flow [to shareholders].

A shareholder asked if the company was concerned about products being diverted through unauthorized channels and ending up in the hands of restricted entities.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
Advanced AI data centers are massive integrated systems that require trusted hardware, software, networking and continuing support. Trying to cobble together data centers with some smuggled products is a dead end.

Huang warned that attempting to build a data center solely using smuggled components is a non-starter, as Nvidia will not provide the necessary support or maintenance for such systems.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Nvidia #Jensenhuang #AIagents #exportcontrols #investment

2026-06-25

Vice President Hsiao says she will never allow China to define Taiwan’s identity

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim recently gave an interview to Jan Jakielek, host of The Epoch Times podcast “American Thought Leaders.” She addressed China’s claim that she is a die-hard pro-independence figure, saying she would never allow the CCP to define Taiwanese identity. She also offered her insights into cross-strait relations, Taiwan-US relations, national defense and security, economic development, whole-of-society resilience, Taiwan’s diplomatic policies and prospects. Let’s hear what she had to say.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
First of all, we will not let the Communist Party of China define who we are. Secondly, I think these are tactics to intimidate, to threaten and to prevent us from doing the work that we’re trying to do. From my perspective, first of all, like many others who have been sanctioned too, we take it in stride. The status quo is the largest common denominator among all the stakeholders in this region. I can’t say it’s the ideal, satisfactory scenario. As For China, obviously they’ve been threatening and they have not been secret about their ambitions to annex ad control Taiwan. But again, it’s a geopolitical status quo supported by the United States and others in this region that has enabled the Indo-Pacific region to grow and prosper for decades.

Responding to a US demand that all countries take more responsibility for their defense, Hsiao pointed to President Lai Ching-te’s plans for a special budget with the goal of increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030. She stated that increasing the defense budget requires the support of the Legislative Yuan, and the government will continue to communicate with the ruling and opposition parties, along with the public to demonstrate its determination to safeguard national security through concrete actions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Hsiaobikhim #Taiwanpolitics #Epochtimes #Taiwaneseidentity #crossstrait #Taiwanpoliticians

2026-06-25

Local developer donates 109-ping plot to high school

This may be the greatest graduation gift ever given. The National Da-Hu Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School has been a mainstay of the community for 100 years, cultivating countless young minds. The school was recently gifted a 109-ping plot of land, or 360 square meters. A thank-you ceremony was held during graduation, where it announced the land would be used as an educational space for horticulture. It hopes to revitalize the land while also training future generations of agricultural talent.

Everywhere you look are vast swathes of green. This plot of land was given as a graduation gift to the National Da-Hu Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School in Miaoli.

Lee Kuei-fu
Executive Yuan regional joint services center
This plot is 109 ping, or 360 square meters. It’s not worth a ton, a little over NT$1 million. We assumed the donor wasn’t concerned about the value. He said he wanted to donate it to the school so it could be put to better use.

The school built two greenhouses years ago, but official surveys found that they were encroaching on private land neighboring the campus, causing the school endless headaches. To their surprise, the owner, a real-estate developer, decided to donate four plots totaling 109 ping directly to the school.

Liu Yu-ling
School principal
For us here at the school, it will allow for a more fully developed horticulture program with hands-on training. We also won’t have to tear down the greenhouses. So we’re very grateful to the donor for their generous contribution.

With the new land, the school can improve its existing greenhouses as well as expand the space available for teaching. It will also plant a demonstration garden to teach vegetable cultivation, serving as an important resource for students to learn practical agricultural skills.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#agriculture #graduationgift #donation #Miaoli #philanthropy #horticulture

2026-06-25

Taoyuan art festival exhibitions connect people with nature

This year’s Taoyuan Land Art Festival to begin on July 4 is to feature over 70 artworks from Taiwan and abroad. There will be three pieces on display at Guanyin Beach, including a 5-meter-tall humanoid made of driftwood by the South Korean sculptor Kim Chang-hwan. Another work inspired by the Tang dynasty poem “Song of the Pipa” resembles shimmering pearls on the coast.

Large spheres woven from bamboo are scattered across the beach, some clustered together and others standing alone. Nearby is a humanoid sculpture made from driftwood, standing guard over the spheres.

Visitor
It makes it more interesting, especially for kids. He’s young and interested in robots, so seeing a sculpture like this will remind him of them.

Visitor
It makes this beach more unique compared to others.

This year’s Taoyuan Land Art Festival runs from the beginning of July to the end of August, displaying over 70 artworks from Taiwan and abroad. This collection of bamboo spheres is one such work, inspired by a line from the famous Tang dynasty poem “Song of the Pipa” about small and large pearls falling onto a jade plate.

A 5m-tall driftwood sculpture created by the South Korean environmental artist Kim Chang-hwan watches over the bamboo pearls.

Chen Hsuan-cheng
Curator
What’s important about these works is that it’s not just about putting objects here to represent something, but that through them, people can feel the relationship between the natural landscape, themselves, and the artwork.

Made from natural materials, the installations are designed to harmonize with the landscape, connecting people with nature through art.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#TaoyuanLandArtFestival #Taoyuan #art #festival #sculpture #bamboo #driftwood #nature #beach

2026-06-25

Taiwan Railway’s longest branch line reopens ahead of schedule

After closing in 2021 for repairs after a landslide, Taiwan Railway’s Jiji Line has reopened more than two months ahead of schedule. On Thursday morning, an opening ceremony was held, attended by Taiwan Railway and government officials, including the president and transport minister.

The train servicing the reopened line also has eye-catching new livery. Featuring colorful local elements, it’s become a social media sensation. Many passengers flocked to the station to be the first to take the special train. The over -29.7km-long Jiji line connects seven stations between Changhua’s Ershui Township and Nantou’s Jiji Township.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taiwantravel #traintravel #railway #taiwantourism #nantou

2026-06-25

Man painstakingly rearranges parked scooters, to neighbors’ annoyance

A man living on Huaide Street in New Taipei’s Banqiao District has been a neighborhood nuisance for more than seven years. Whenever he sees scooters parked on the street, even within designated lines, he’d move them closer to residential buildings. Even though neighbors repeated asked him not to move their scooters, he still insisted that he must, so that cars can pass through. Let’s take a look at our exclusive report.

The man wearing gloves is walking toward the row of scooters. Not for repairs, but to move them.

He takes no time to decide which scooter to move, going from one to another. After he’s done, all scooters are rearranged into a neat line.

However, the scooters were parked properly within the designated lines in the first place, so why does he even bother? He’s so consistent that even the street view on Google Maps show the rearranged scene. Neighbors say it’s been more than seven years.

- Has he moved your scooter before?
- Yes. Even if it’s just protruding a little, he’d move it closer to the building.

- Has anyone protested to him that he might damage their vehicles?
- Yes. I was the first.
- How did he react?
- He ignored me. He kept on as usual.
- What about other scooter owner?
- It’s no use. He goes at it every morning.
- In the morning, I see. What about the evening?
- He’s always going at it.

Lee Yu-han
FTV reporter
The man is supposedly unhappy that parking lines protrude too much to the driveway, making it difficult for him to drive through. That’s why he’s taken to moving the scooters. However, neighbors are fed up.

He lives on Huaide Street in New Taipei’s Banqiao District. Neighbors say that every time he notices scooters in the parking lines, or parked wonkily in the slightest, he’d come out to move them. It doesn’t matter how many times neighbors have tried to tell him off. He’d even argue back angrily. However, a lawyer says that the man could be charged with a criminal offense if his moves cause damage to neighbors’ scooters.

Lee Yu-sheng
Lawyer
If the vehicle is scratched or damaged during the moving process, it may constitute a crime of property damage.

The man refused to be interviewed by us. Instead, he emphasized that he only moves the scooters so that cars can pass through. Regardless, his bizarre persistence without others’ consent has made him a neighborhood nuisance.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#neighbors #neighborsfromhell #bizarre #annoying #OCD

2026-06-25

Man disrupts Taichung neighborhood with whistle, roundhouse kicks in street

A man in Taichung recently chose a busy road in South District as his personal dojo, forcing vehicles to avoid him as he practiced roundhouse kicks in the middle of the street. Nearby residents said he starts early in the morning by blowing a whistle, disturbing everyone in the neighborhood. When someone went down to confront him, it almost erupted into a fight.

Using the road as his personal dojo, a man suddenly unleashes a kick.

Holding a phone in one hand and a water bottle in the other, he swings one foot after the other into the air.

He’s standing near the intersection of Fuxing and Gongxue roads in Taichung’s South District. Passing vehicles have to drive around carefully for fear they’ll get kicked by or hit the man.

It’s against the law! It’s extremely dangerous to stay in the middle of the road like that.

But that’s not all. Starting at 2 a.m. all the way until 6 a.m., the neighbors said he’ll blow a whistle nonstop so they can’t sleep. One person went to confront him, almost starting a fight.

He’ll wander around here and blow his whistle. Right by this traffic light, blowing like crazy.

He blows his whistle so loudly. It’s so loud.

He’s so noisy. And the whistle is so loud.

Yeh Li-te
Local police chief
At around 6 a.m. today, we received a report of a person causing a disturbance by blowing a whistle near Gongxue Road in South District. Officers were dispatched and handled the situation.

Officers issued a warning and asked the man to leave. Practicing martial arts in the street is punishable by a fine of NT$500 under Article 78 of the traffic management act. Such outrageous behavior not only put himself at risk, but also endangered everyone else on the road.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#roadsafety #martialarts #oddity #Taichung #roundhousekick #publicnuisance #bizarre

2026-06-25

Goshawk spotted cartwheeling to capture upside-down bat

It’s the middle of breeding season for the Taiwan leaf-nosed bat, when hundreds nurse their pups inside the Four Faced Buddha Temple in Changhua City. A crested goshawk was recently spotted entering the alcove and executing a daring maneuver to snatch one of the bats while they were sleeping. Footage of the encounter amazed viewers, who were impressed by the bird’s ability to mimic the bats’ upside-down position, even when they normally hunt by swooping down from up on high.

A group of bats are hanging upside-down to sleep when a goshawk suddenly swoops in, executing a flawless bicycle kick to snatch a bat in its talons. The rest of the colony is sent into a frenzy. Looking at it again in slow motion, you can see how the bird flipped upside-down like its prey. Viewers were astounded by the incredible display of agility.

Member of public
Seeing an upside-down bicycle kick like that to catch prey is magical to witness. It managed to hone in on its exact position and capture it in an instant.

Member of public
The goshawk can somehow mimic the bats and turn upside down like they do. It’s incredible.

Every breeding season, hundreds of Taiwan leaf-nosed bats gather inside Changhua City’s Four Faced Buddha Temple to raise their pups. Just outside, a crested goshawk—a protected species—watched greedily, preparing to enjoy a feast.

Wang Yuan-hsien
Changhua City municipal advisor
A few minutes before it flew inside, it let out a cry. It seemed like it was testing the waters. Some were startled awake, while others didn’t hear and continued to sleep suspended from the ceiling. Then with a single swoop, it captured a bat and flew back out.

This particular goshawk caught a bat here last November. Driven by instinct, it returned for more.

Wang Yuan-hsien
Changhua City municipal advisor
It visits often. Its behavior was driven by what we call habitat memory. When it came last month, it couldn’t flip upside-down as well as the bats could. This time around, it learned how and could do it fast and flawlessly. It sunk its talons in immediately and then flew away.

After missing its target during previous attempts, the goshawk deployed its talons with lightning speed this time, pulling off an impressive maneuver to earn its lunch and leaving its human viewers spellbound by the incredible display of animal ability.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#goshawk #bat #nature #animals #wildlife #Changhua #leafnosedbat #habitatmemory #animalintelligence

2026-06-25

Tainan maintenance hole covers replicate historic religious murals

In Tainan, the beauty of history lies not just in architecture and artwork, but on the ground too. The city government has made maintenance hole covers replicating the treasured murals of the 12 flower deities at Sanlaoye Temple. Visitors walking through Tainan can look down at their feet to see these beautiful murals replicated on 12 different maintenance hole covers.

During a leisurely stroll through Tainan, people stop to look down at these distinctive maintenance hole covers.

Holding circular floral designs, Tainan officials pose for a group photo in front of Sanlaoye Temple. These painted covers are part of Tainan’s historic district initiative to bring beauty to every part of the city.

These covers are inspired by the 12 flower deities murals inside Sanlaoye Temple, originally painted by renowned artist Hsueh Ming-hsun. The team incorporated floral motifs and historical figures from the murals to create 12 designs, installed in 40 places throughout the surrounding streets. The covers left an impression on visitors and resonated strongly with residents.

Resident
Whether they’re Japanese or other foreign tourists, when they come here, they all tell us, “Your roads are so wonderful, and the maintenance hole covers are so pretty.”

Resident
It’s a beautiful design. It’s fitting for Tainan’s historical areas, and encourages people to come and explore.

The Tainan City Government has been updating the city’s sewage system in recent years to improve the underground infrastructure while also paying attention to the visible details aboveground.

Huang Wei-che
Tainan Mayor
When I first became mayor, the sewer connection rate was only 19%. Now it’s up to 30%. This sewer system policy is the big picture, while the maintenance hole covers are a smaller detail. By addressing both large and small aspects, we can make Tainan a more progressive city.

When people visit Tainan, they can experience the city’s religious culture and historic beauty by slowing down and noticing the artwork right at their feet.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Tainan #historic #maintenancehole #cover #artwork #mural #temple #beauty

2026-06-25

3 days of rain expected as Tropical Storm Mekkhla passes through region

Although Typhoon Mekkhala has weakened into a tropical storm and won’t make landfall in Taiwan, it is expected to bring at least three days of rain as it moves toward Japan, starting on Thursday. This is due to southwesterly winds and a weather front coming from the north. On Thursday, most of Southern Taiwan will see short bursts of rain, while on Friday, western and southeastern regions can expect prolonged heavy rains. Let’s hear from a meteorologist.

Huang En-hung
Central Weather Administration
On Thursday, there may be short bursts of extremely heavy rains in Southern Taiwan. Throughout the day, there will be brief showers or thunderstorms at irregular intervals, and the chance of rain will be noticeably high. As for other regions, brief showers or thunderstorms at irregular intervals are possible too, especially after midday when convective currents strengthen. On Friday and Saturday, due to the effect of the weather front, there may be brief showers or thunderstorms in every region, especially in the west and southeast, where the rainfall will be more prolonged and noticeable.

The rainfall will persist for three consecutive days, and will only ease next week. Visitors to Japan are reminded that from Friday to Sunday, flights in four Japanese airports may be rescheduled due to the storm. They are Okinawa’s Naha Airport, Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport, as well as Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita International Airport.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#weather #typhoon #tropicalstorm #mekkhala #japantravel

2026-06-24

China carriers spotted near Taiwan as combat readiness drills enter Day 3

It’s Day 3 of the military’s combat readiness drills in preparation for a potential Chinese attack. Cloud Leopard armored vehicles were seen speeding through Taipei’s streets at night in a rare sight, while HIMARS, or high mobility artillery rocket systems, took part in the exercises for the first time in Central Taiwan. Coincidentally, two Chinese aircraft carriers loomed in waters close to Taiwan during the drills.

Military Police officers and soldiers drive heavy motorcycles in a simulation of infiltration and harassing attacks by enemy agents. Cloud Leopard armored vehicles speed through the streets of Taipei, guarding the capital’s security.

F-16V fighter jets from Chiayi Air Force Base scrambled into the air, followed immediately by Mirage 2000 jets taxiing at high speed down the runway. To mitigate threat risks, the Air Force dispersed its main fighter fleets. As the National Armed Forces entered the third day of immediate combat readiness drills, the military’s elite combat capabilities were on full display.

Shifting the focus to Central Taiwan, the 58th Artillery Command’s HIMARS missile vehicles made their debut in immediate combat readiness drills, using local terrain and features for cover to reduce the risk of enemy reconnaissance and strikes. The units showcased their rapid repositioning capabilities.

Wellington Koo
Minister of National Defense
Immediate combat readiness drills primarily focus on the ability to respond quickly, rapidly conduct combat readiness preparations and respond to possible emergencies, establishing the necessary speed for peacetime-to-wartime transitions.

During the military exercises, the areas around the Taiwan Strait were not peaceful. Footage showed the PLA aircraft carrier Liaoning being tailed at close range by Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft and ships. On the evening of June 23, the Ministry of National Defense also announced that the Fujian aircraft carrier had transited the Taiwan Strait. Surveillance photos showed the flight deck was clear of carrier-based aircraft and there were no escorting ships. The presence of two Chinese aircraft carriers near Taiwan is making the region more volatile.

Lin Ying-yu
Tamkang University
It’s unlikely that the CCP will conduct a joint operation with two aircraft carriers. Instead, it will send the Liaoning back to its home port for maintenance and repairs, while sending the Fujian southward for drills, thus maintaining constant pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea.

Su Tzu-yun
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
The Fujian is very likely heading to the South China Sea to conduct another round of integrated training and formation work with its naval air force’s J-15 and J-35 fighters.

In response to the current tense situation, the military is strengthening its reserve combat capabilities. Starting this year, it has changed the mandatory training period for all reservists to 14 days. A reservist may be called up for a maximum of 56 days. At the same time, the military is also considering amending the law to expand training with the inclusion of discharged women service members.

Wellington Koo
Minister of National Defense
We believe women possess outstanding capabilities and perform exceptionally well in the military. Upon finishing their active service and discharging, I believe they should likewise undergo reservist training. As for amending the law, it is currently under review.

By extending training periods and enhancing combat-oriented courses, the armed forces are employing a two-pronged strategy to ensure the immediate combat readiness of reservists.

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

2026-06-24

Hsinchu County councilors accuse Guanxi Township of bribery with ‘subsidy’

All six county council members of Hsinchu’s 8th Constituency have come out to accuse Guanxi Township’s leadership of bribery, as a NT$5,000 gasoline subsidy for every township resident was approved on May 22. At the time, Guanxi’s leaders approved the cash handouts amid concerns over rising oil prices due to the US-Iran War. However, councilors of the 8th Constituency, which comprises the townships of Zhudong and Wufeng believe that their motives were more suspect. They allege that Guanxi Township approved the scheme just as it was about to risk losing one county council seat in the year-end local elections; the subsidies would encourage more people to move to Guanxi. The six council members say they will sue the Guanxi Township mayor, county council members of the constituency, and wardens of local boroughs for bribery. They also plan to file a petition with the Control Yuan on Thursday.

Zhubei City, which forms the 1st Constituency, will be gaining one seat, thanks to population growth. However, the total number of county seats remains unchanged, so Guanxi Township, also the 4th Constituency, risks losing one of two seats to Zhubei. In the four days after Guanxi announced the cash handouts, almost 1,500 people moved their household registration to the township. Facing the accusation, Guanxi Mayor Chen Guang-cai emphasizes that all procedures were conducted accordingly to law.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#petrol #gas #subsidy #cashhandout #elections

2026-06-24

Deity statue’s visibly ‘grown’ beard delights worshippers

Could this be a miracle? Worshippers at a Yilan temple dedicated to the Sacred Founding Duke of Zhangzhou were delighted to find that the deity statue’s beard had become visibly longer over a 12-year period. His facial hair had been hidden under his robe all this time until it was uncovered in a recent restoration project. It’s most likely that the material got stretched out over the years.

A temple in Yilan dedicated to the Sacred Founding Duke of Zhangzhou had never once removed the deity’s statue in 12 years. The statue was starting to show cracks on the face, so the temple decided to have it repaired. When the deity’s robe was removed for cleaning, the temple manager was shocked to find that the god’s beard had become longer.

Huang Chin-yang
Temple manager
The face of our main deity already had cracks, so we wanted to fix that. The deity’s outer robe has also gotten quite grimy, so we had that cleaned too. After removing the robe, we were shocked to find that his beard had grown so much.

Before, the statue’s beard only reached the chest area. Now, it looks to be inches longer. Several strands were even creeping toward the feet. Worshippers are in awe of the extraordinary sight.

Kung Pi-hua
Worshipper
It’s really mysterious. I can’t fathom why it would grow longer. Perhaps there’s an unseen force at play. Usually, the deity’s beard is made of plastic or nylon. It’s curious that it could even grow.

Owner
Religious goods shop
I think it’s the air and the climate, environmental causes like that.

Lin Yang-hung
High school science teacher
It looks like it used to be a little curly, and with time the curls gradually relaxed so it appears longer.

It’s most likely that the material gradually relaxed under high humidity, though worshippers would rather believe that divine forces are at play. Regardless, the phenomenon delighted repair technicians and worshippers alike.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#temple #culture #folkreligion #miracle #delightful

2026-06-24

Anti-Fraud ATMs refuse cash to anyone with masks or other facial coverings

There’s been a major breakthrough in technology that prevents ATM fraud. In the future, if scammers try to conceal their identity by wearing a mask and a helmet at ATMs, they may not be able to withdraw even a single bill. The Criminal Investigation Bureau has partnered with banks to integrate technology into ATMs that will have a speaker that tells the user to show their face. With this technology, if someone does not heed the order and deliberately covers their face in front of the ATM, the transaction will be immediately terminated.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
Standing right here outside a bank that has adopted this new feature, if I wear a mask like this, I’m blocked right at the door and can’t even get inside.

Chang Yu-ping
Bank SinoPac
Most importantly, when reviewing the footage, we can clearly see the money mule’s face. This will assist the police in their subsequent investigations as we continue to roll out this technology across more high-risk locations.

Chiu Shao-chou
Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Bureau
The fraud ring wants to get the victim’s money as quickly as possible, and the fastest way to get the money is to withdraw it from an ATM. In front of the ATM, they often wear helmets, masks, sunglasses, etc., to cover their faces when withdrawing cash. So, we should push ATMs to introduce the warning functions for face coverings.

Financial institutions’ adoption of anti-fraud technology prevents ATMs from dispensing cash if the user has concealed their face. This feature will be rolled out to more banks in the future to prevent ATMs from becoming a tool for fraud rings.

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

#scammers #ATMfraud #ATMtechnology #scamprevention #scamawareness

2026-06-24

Boy, 4, falls from 3rd floor apartment after mother leaves him home alone

A four-year-old boy in Keelung fell from the third floor of his home on Tuesday. He was brought to the hospital with a fractured arm. The city government will arrange for social workers to visit his home. The city government also reiterated a reminder to parents that children under six years old should not be left alone at home. Violations of the Child and Juvenile Welfare and Rights Protection Act can result in a fine of up to NT$15,000.

Neighbor
I heard a thump, and someone saw it, but I didn’t. Then I heard his grandfather hugging him, and his mother went out.

Mr Chuang
Firefighter
When we arrived at the scene, we found that the boy had no external injuries and we sent him to Keelung Hospital.

The incident occurred at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday at a residence on Liumingchuan Road in Keelung. The boy’s mother had gone out to buy dinner, leaving the 4-year-old child home alone. It is believed that the boy climbed onto the third-floor balcony on his own and then fell, scraping against a second-floor awning before landing on the ground, fracturing his left arm. When police and firefighters arrived, the boy was conscious, and his grandfather had already picked him up. His mother then accompanied him to the hospital for treatment.

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

#family #childcare #neglect #childrensrights #welfare

2026-06-24

Taiwanese Hakka choir quits global choral event over “China” label

A choir of Hakka youth has withdrawn from the world’s top choral music event after China allegedly pressured the organizers to describe Taiwan as part of its territory. A decision was made to pull out the National Taiwan Hakka Children’s Choir from the World Symposium on Choral Music, which will be held in the Chinese territory of Macau on August 23, after the nation was unexpectedly described as "Taiwan, China" on the event’s website. Hakka Affairs Council Minister Ku Hsiu-fei says unless the nation’s name is changed back to "Taiwan," the choir won’t take part. Let’s find out more.

Beautiful melodies were sung loudly in unison at this special performance held in Taiwan last year by the National Taiwan Hakka Children’s Choir.

This choir was originally scheduled to perform at the “World Symposium on Choral Music,” an event dubbed the “Olympics of choral music,” in Macau on August 23. However, owing to pressure allegedly exerted on the organizers, the nation’s name was once again downgraded, forcing the Taiwanese choir to cancel its performance.

Sung Ting-tung
Hakka Public Communication Foundation
These children are facing suppression and a subsequent inability to participate at what might be a crucial starting point in their process of self-realization. We will continue to seek opportunities for self-realization internationally.

A promotional video released by the organizing body originally referred to the nation as “Taiwan.” However, in late April, the organizers sent a letter requesting that the name be changed to “Chinese Taipei”. By June 22, Taiwan’s name on the event’s official website had even been changed to “Taiwan, China,” without authorization, prompting Hakka Affairs Council Minister Ku Hsiu-fei to angrily denounce the move, saying they would absolutely never bow down to China.

Ku Hsiu-fei
Hakka Affairs Council Minister
We strongly condemn the CCP’s interference in and suppression of cultural and artistic activities. People have dignity, and nations have national dignity. Dignity cannot be trampled on, and national dignity cannot be disparaged. The choir’s name is a part of the organization’s identity and right to autonomy. The organizers should respect this principle of autonomy and we should practice mutual respect. If we are not allowed to change the name back to our original title, we will refuse to participate.

Taiwan has repeatedly suffered from China’s belittling and suppression in the international community. In response to China’s domineering behavior, Hakka Affairs Council Minister Ku emphasized that Taiwan’s sovereignty and the Hakka spirit must be defended with all efforts.

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#IFCM #crossstrait #Hakkaculture #Taiwanchoirs #choirs #Macau #China

2026-06-24

LA restaurant owner reflects on viral fame of Taiwanese rice balls

Purple rice balls filled with pork floss and fried dough sticks are an everyday food in Taiwan. But they recently became popular in Los Angeles, thanks to some viral videos of influencers trying the breakfast favorite. The sudden fame has resulted in booming business for the restaurant. Operated by a family of Taiwanese immigrants, they’re known for offering authentic Taiwanese flavors. Now they easily sell over 300 rice balls in a week.

This influencer’s face was pure bliss as he took his first bite of an enormous purple rice ball. It may be common to Taiwanese, but it’s new to Americans.

Influencer
Based in US
The egg and the sausage, it was only US$10.25. You can get them even cheaper if you don’t add anything else in there.

The purple rice balls at this Taiwanese breakfast shop in Los Angeles have gone viral. The owner, Jason, is a second-generation Taiwanese-American.

Jason
Restaurant owner
We sell out by 11 a.m. There’s a constant stream of customers coming just to get the rice balls. I had no clue what was happening. After two, three, four days of it, some of my friends and family told me it went viral on TikTok and Instagram. We had no idea.

These massive 590g rice balls sell for US$7.50, or about NT$238, with the option to add additional fillings. Jason used to sell at most 60 to 70 in a regular workweek, but since it went viral in April, that’s turned into over 300.

Jason
Restaurant owner
We were the first to sell Taiwanese breakfast food here in LA. When my parents opened the shop in 1978, they didn’t even know how to make fried dough sticks. It’s so funny. Right after taking them out of the oil, they started sagging like this.

Aside from rice balls, they also serve sticky rice dumplings, salty soy milk, and other Taiwanese snacks like guabao, steamed buns, and gelatinous meatballs. The family often travels back to Taiwan for culinary inspiration.

Jason
Restaurant owner
Our radish cakes also sell well. Every once in a while, we hear some older customers saying it really tastes like it does in Taiwan and it makes them happy.

Jason allows people to customize their rice ball and guabao orders. But he has a word to say about the price.

Jason
Restaurant owner
The rice balls are huge with lots inside. There’s egg, pickles, sausage… And the minimum wage here is US$16.90. You just can’t compare with Taiwan.

These authentic flavors are taking LA by storm, introducing more people to the charms of a classic Taiwanese breakfast.

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#breakfast #riceball #fantuan #Taiwanesebreakfast #LA #viral #TaiwanUS #foodtrends #TikTok

2026-06-24

Dense cluster of lollipop-like bollards raises public curiosity

To prevent driving violations, yellow bollards are often seen on Taiwan’s roads. Their purpose is to guide traffic flows, protect pedestrians’ safety and prevent accidents. However, in two spots in Changhua and Yilan, hundreds of yellow bollards are densely huddled together, igniting intense curiosity on social media. Let’s find out more.

Look closely and you’ll see that on this short 100-m stretch of a four-lane road there are at least hundreds of yellow bollards, looking like lollipops stuck in the road.

- It’s hilarious!
- It’s hilarious? Why?
- Because there are so many! I haven’t seen that many before. It’s probably to prevent wrong-way driving and other violations.

- There must be a safety reason for doing this.

They are set up on Lane 207 of Section 2 of Wujie Road, Yilan, a four-lane road. Owing to its width, motorcyclists frequently make illegal U-turns and even cars are often illegally parked on the road. Therefore an enormous number of yellow bollards were installed, acting as a barrier to prevent traffic violations. A similar scene can be observed on County Road 139 in Changhua, a winding mountain road that is lined densely with yellow bollards interspersed with warning posts.

At the densest locations, there’s one bollard roughly at every meter. Some netizens commented that it triggers trypophobia. Or is it a test for motorcyclists and truck drivers?

- We older folks take it slow, so it doesn’t affect us. It’s those riders who like to mess around—if they want to play like that, their bikes should just be impounded.
- Does installing these things prevent then flying off the road?
- Yes, but how could they fly off if they’re riding slowly?

- Personally, I’d definitely prefer not to.
- Sometimes it might obstruct your bike riding?
- Yes

In fact, these are safety measures installed by the Changhua County Government. Following multiple fatal accidents on curved sections of County Route 139, authorities installed 120 warning posts and 200 bollards. Whether in Yilan or Changhua, these lollipop-like bollards are intended to reduce illegal U-turns and lower accident rates.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#roadsafety #Taiwanroads #trafficbollards

2026-06-24

Taiwan kicked off 5-day military drills on Monday

Taiwan has kicked off combat readiness drills lasting five days and four nights on Monday, in case of a Chinese attack. On Tuesday morning, the Army’s 333rd Combined Arms Brigade was sighted passing through downtown Pingtung on Clouded Leopard armored vehicles and other combat vehicles, attracting many onlookers.

According to the Ministry of National Defense, this round of drills is a part of the Armed Forces’ regular annual joint exercises, and also the first of three rounds scheduled this year. Upon receiving orders, the 333rd Brigade must immediately complete vehicle preparation, personnel organization, and equipment checks before proceeding to their designated positions, to carry out combat readiness deployment and defense missions. Through live-fire exercises, the aim is to gradually increase the intensity of training, thereby strengthening the joint operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and their overall defense resilience.

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

2026-06-23