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Paraguay calls Taiwan exclusion a stain on United Nations

Paraguay and Taiwan relations are strong as ever. As an ally of Taiwan, the nation has once again spoken up for Taiwan at the UN General Assembly. Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, urged member states to consider that the “Taiwan Issue” deserves global attention as the island’s semi-conductor industry impacts the global economy. They reiterated their position to stand with Taiwan. Since Taiwan’s contributions can be seen far and wide, the UN should reconsider including the island as a member.

Santiago Peña
Paraguay President
Paraguay stands, and I say this loud and clear with Taiwan. Not out of expediency, quite the opposite. We stand with Taiwan because of the profound values we share: democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and peace.

President Peña of Paraguay emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s participation in international stages during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Santiago Peña (via interpreter)
Paraguay President
I am referring to the ominous clouds gathering over the Indo-Pacific, particularly over the Taiwan Strait. What happens there is not merely a regional matter.

President Peña emphasized that a conflict across the Taiwan Strait would impact the global economy, since semi-conductors support various industries, defense, and AI. He added that chips are the driving force of the 21st century, and that Paraguay stands with Taiwan. He also called out the United Nations for excluding Taiwan.

Santiago Peña (via interpreter)
Paraguay President
Taiwan has concrete contributions to make to peace, development, and human rights. Excluding it doesn’t serve to strengthen the system, it deprives the system of capacities that could benefit us all. And it is a stain on the United Nations.

As the Trump-Xi summit kicks off, several US lawmakers issued a statement urging Trump to back Taiwan during his talks with President Xi.

Chuck Schumer
US Senator
Today, as Trump wines and dines President Xi at The White House. He has a choice to make, once again bend the knee to the CCP or stand up to Xi.

The joint statement implored Trump to limit China’s access to advanced chips and equipment, not allowing him to have the upper hand. Simultaneously, New Zealand has come out with a report suggesting that China is the largest source of state-backed cyber attacks in the country.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taiwan #Paraguay #UnitedNations #geopolitics #tsmc #semiconductor

Time：2026-09-24

最新消息 Latest News

Last Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer of batch of 66 delivered

The last of Taiwan’s domestically manufactured Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers has rolled off the production line. The final aircraft in the 66-jet program was personally delivered by Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Tsao Chin-ping to the Gangshan Air Force Academy. Brave Eagles went in production in 2021, a process that had to contend with challenges including COVID-19, international wars, and geopolitical crises that disrupted supply chains and caused parts shortages.

The last of the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers are finally ready to take off. After careful inspection, AIDC’s Chairman personally flew the aircrafts to deliver them to the Gangshan Air Force Academy.

The jet trainers have been in production since 2021. All 66 are now fully functional and off the production line, having weathered challenges from international conflicts to supply chain disruptions. The first and last jets rolled off the production line on the same date, Sept. 24. Since one of the planes was lost in a crash last year, will AIDC offer a replacement?

Chuang Hsiu-mei
AIDC General Manager
Whether there will be additional demand for the Brave Eagles depends on the Air Force and Ministry of National Defense. We keep all tools as backup and are happy to step in to support wherever possible.

The design of the Brave Eagle jet was based on Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Fighter, or IDF, but more than 80% of the aircraft was completely redesigned, including its aerodynamics, exterior shape, and fuselage. The level of domestically produced components was also significantly increased to 55%. AIDC says the process helps strengthen Taiwan’s capabilities in the defense and aerospace industries.

Chuang Hsiu-mei
AIDC General Manager
This creates huge output value for Taiwan’s aerospace industry and boosts our domestic supply chain. After completing the development of the advanced jet trainer, our suppliers can now expand into the manufacturing of commercial aircraft.

Now that the mass production of Brave Eagles is completed, focus will shift to fleet logistics and maintaining the fleet’s readiness through maintenance and repair. This is a huge milestone for Taiwan in domestically producing aircrafts.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#aircraft #fighterjets #taiwanaircraft #braveeagle #AIDC

2026-09-24

Man pretends to pray as part of NT$10,000 donation box heist

Apparently not even donation boxes are safe from petty crime, even at a religious site. A Four-Faced Buddha shrine in Kaohsiung’s Fongshan District was recently targeted by a thief, who pretended to be a worshipper. The man went into the shrine, lit incense and pretended to pray while scouting the site. Then, he pried the box open and made off with more than NT$10,000 in donations. Let’s hear more.

Mr. Lee
Temple representative
We got a call saying that the donation box at the Four-Faced Buddha shrine had been pried open. We went over, and it was all broken. He lit some incense and took a walk around. But it looked like he wasn’t just praying. He had found his target. Then he went over and forced it open.

Member of public
Considering karmic consequences
Karma will come back to him. If he committed the act for a good reason, Buddha will forgive him. But if his intent was destruction, it’s won’t be good.

Chuang Hsueh-liang
Police officer
A donation box at a Four-Faced Buddha shrine was pried open, and about NT$10,000 in cash donations was stolen. After receiving the report, we began reviewing security camera footage and identified a 48-year-old man as a prime suspect.

Police reviewed surveillance footage and discovered that the crime was premeditated. The suspect rode his scooter past the temple and parked it at a nearby park, before carrying out the heist. He made sure to pocket the cash at just the right spot, where he couldn’t be seen by surveillance cameras. The man, surnamed Su, later confessed to the crime at the police station, and he is now facing legal and perhaps also karmic consequences.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#bhudda #kaohsiung #thief #donationbox #shrine

2026-09-24

Massive fishing net found covering Penghu reef

A diving instructor recently found a massive fishing net abandoned in the waters north of Penghu’s Qimei Island. The net, as big as two or three soccer fields, is covering an entire coral reef, seriously harming the local ecosystem. The Penghu County Government plans to send divers to remove it as soon as possible, but the cleanup could take up to two months.

A diver swims through a reef on the ocean floor, but this crucial habitat is nearly completely covered by a huge, abandoned fishing net.

The once diverse ecosystem seems quiet and gray, the net spreading through the reef and blocking large parts of the habitat. A diving instructor found the net between Penghu’s Qimei and Jiangjun islands, covering an area the size of two or three soccer fields.

Yeh Sheng-hung
Diving instructor
The net stretches at least 1 nautical mile in all directions, and maybe even further.

The area has strong currents, so it’s unclear how long the net has been abandoned here. Removing it could require over 20 divers, and even if each diver uses two air tanks per dive, the cleanup could take two months or more.

Yeh Sheng-hung
Diving instructor
I think several hundred tons of net need to be cleared. If two boats went together, they might not even finish in two months.

Hsueh Chieh-yin
Penghu agriculture and fisheries bureau secretary
Depending on weather and sea conditions and whether divers’ safety can be ensured, the agriculture and fisheries bureau plans to begin the cleanup next week.

Abandoned fishing nets are known as an “invisible killer” of marine ecosystems, and sea turtles have been found entangled in them. Given the vast waters around Penghu and its strong currents, removing nets like this can be extremely difficult. The county government plans to send divers to start the cleanup as soon as possible.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Penghu #marine #ecosystem #environment #conservation #reef #fishingnet #marinelife #damage

2026-09-24

Beautician creeped out as man pulls down pants after facial

A beautician in Taichung had just finished giving her client a facial treatment, when the appointment suddenly took a creepy turn. The man she had been servicing pulled his pants down without a warning and asked her to check out the zits on his bottom. Let’s hear from the beautician.

Voice of beautician (Anonymized)
Shocked by client
I said, “We’re all done, you can get up.” Then, he pulled down his pants without saying a word. I was shocked. I had told him before we didn’t deal with that. I was firm, and said “Please put your pants back on, we don’t do body treatments.” I thought that maybe he was one of those perverts who get off on shocking people, so I remained calm and told him to get out. The door was open, so like, if he didn’t get out, I’d just walk away.

Security camera footage shows the man turning around with his bare butt in full sight. Though the beautician to flinched, she kept her calm and ordered him to put on his clothes, saying she’d refer him to a dermatologist. Police say the mooning incident constitutes as sexual harassment, and the man will be brought in to explain himself. The beautician says after this incident, he might be the last man she ever attends to at the salon.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#bautician #facial #skin #derm #mooning

2026-09-24

Police recover widow’s necklace housing husband’s ashes

Taipei police officers quickly tracked down a woman’s missing necklace after she broke into tears while telling them what happened. She had left the necklace, which holds her late husband’s ashes, in a taxi. Officers found it in under an hour, earning her gratitude.

Ms. Chen walks with purpose into a police station to report her missing necklace, which holds special meaning.

Ms. Chen
Lost necklace
My husband’s ashes are inside, so if it was lost, there’s no way I could get it back.

Ms. Chen’s husband passed away last year from illness, and her friend bought her a special necklace from Japan that can hold his ashes. But one day when she caught a taxi from work to the hospital to visit her father, the clasp came loose, and the necklace fell off in the cab. Since she had no way to get in touch with the driver, she asked the police for help. They were able to contact the driver and get her back her necklace.

Ms. Chen
Lost necklace
I was relieved, but also heartbroken because I felt like I had lost my husband. I couldn’t control my emotions. I was so overwhelmed at the police station I kept crying.

Ms. Chen had been married over 20 years before she lost her constant companion. Through a time of grief, the necklace makes her feel her husband is still by her side.

Hsieh Wan-hui
Police officer
If you lost something important, you would also feel distressed and want to get it back. We were happy to be able to help her find it.

This officer looked at surveillance footage to find the cab and got in touch with the driver, returning a priceless comfort to a grieving woman.

#police #Taipei #necklace #lostandfound #widow #missing #taxi #cab #grief #ashes

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2026-09-24

Monument honoring ‘Shovel Heroes’ unveiled at Guangfu 1 year after flood

A new monument has been erected in Hualien’s Guangfu Township, to commemorate last year’s deadly flooding. The sudden collapse of a barrier lake on the Matai’an River caused a rapid muddy flood that killed 19 people and caused 5 to go missing. Over the following days, some 500,000 volunteers rushed to the devastated area to help with the cleanup, as 700 hectares of land were buried in mud. The new monument honors all the “shovel heroes” who helped, and was a collaborative effort between Rotary Club, Taisugar and the Hualien Branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.

The monument is a massive 6-meter long shovel, made from cypress. The two pieces of wood it was carved from was driftwood that washed up in the disaster, provided by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency. The wood has been given a new life as a testament to the efforts of the thousands of people who lent a helping hand. It also symbolizes the resilience and courage of local residents ready to move on from the pain of the catastrophe and start a new chapter about recovery.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#guangfu #disaster #monument #shovel #flood

2026-09-24

International delegations visit 2026 Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan

The Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan kicked off on Thursday, putting Taoyuan’s design and innovation on the international stage. The city welcomed diplomats and delegations from around the world, who toured the city’s social housing and smart library facilities. This year’s expo is connecting five exhibition areas across the city and Taoyuan is using design to showcase not only its industrial strength, but also its technology, culture and growing international reach.

An American delegation from Garland, Texas and a Japanese delegation from Chiba went on a tour of Taoyuan’s social housing complexes and their facilities, to learn more about the city’s housing policy. They also visited the Qingpu Smart Technology Branch of Taoyuan Public Library, and had a go at using the smart book storage system themselves, an impressive tech innovation. The Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan has kicked off, with the attendance of 15 diplomats in Taiwan and guests from 31 of Taoyuan’s sister cities.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
This year’s edition is titled “Taoyuan in Flow.” As we saw in the video, Taoyuan is known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds.” Water is a very important part of life in Taoyuan.

The event showcases Taoyuan’s vitality across five exhibition areas in the city: the Qingpu Area exhibits Taoyuan’s industrial design capabilities, urban governance and international exchanges. Over in the Zhongli Area, the focus is the culture of the Minnan people, the Hakka people and the immigrants living in Taiwan. The event, which started off with the aim of promoting revitalization locally has evolved into an international affair.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
Taoyuan’s hard power is that we are Taiwan’s largest industrial city. We hope that through this year’s Taiwan Design Expo in Taoyuan, we can also showcase Taoyuan’s soft power.

Visitors from around the world witnessed Taoyuan’s design-driven approach to urban governance, while experiencing the city’s technology, tourism, and cultural attractions. Taoyuan hopes the visits will pave the way for broader exchanges and even more fruitful cooperation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taoyuan #technology #design #taiwandesignexpo #taiwan

2026-09-24

Couple collects rare Taiwan black jade to craft tea ware, religious implements

A couple from Changhua’s Hemei specializes in collecting raw Taiwan black jade, which they then commission artists to craft into teapots, tea trays, and religious items. This special material is a composite serpentine jade, making it exceptionally rare and often cherished as a family heirloom. Even former defense minister Feng Shih-kuan counts himself among its devotees.

This variety of teapots and tea trays were all crafted from Taiwan black jade, a special composite serpentine jade from Hualien. At first it appears pitch black, but shine a light behind it, and it glows a vibrant green.

Black jade contains trace elements that makes it naturally magnetic. A couple in Changhua’s Hemei specializes in collecting the precious stone to craft into stylized tea ware and religious items.

Huang Shu-man
Black jade expert
What’s so special about Taiwan black jade is that it formed through absorbing the essence of the sun and the moon and tectonic shifts over billions of years. Since the jade contains active magnetite, if you listen to its sound, it rings as clear as metal.

One 20-tonne boulder of raw black jade can only make five tea trays, making it extraordinarily rare. Because of this, it’s often passed down as a family heirloom. Even former defense minister Feng Shih-kuan is a fan.

Feng Shih-kuan
Former minister of national defense
I bought several of these teapots for my home so I can use them to make tea when my good friends come over. They’re always amazed.

Lu Kun-yung
Taiwan Federation of Taoist Sects
Brushes, ritual tools—why use black jade to make them? Because it’s magnetic, which can bring good fortune.

Religious circles also consider black jade to be good for protecting the home. This expert husband-and-wife duo have taken it as their mission to preserve and share this rare national treasure with as many people as they can.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Taiwanblackjade #jade #Hualien #Changhua #craftsmanship #Taoism #FengShihkuan #preciousstone #teaware

2026-09-24

Animal control advises cautious approach after rare civet found in Yilan

A contractor in Yilan recently discovered a two-month-old small Chinese civet in Dongshan Township. Nocturnal, slender, and secretive, it’s rare to catch sight of this Class II protected species in the wild. Unwilling to take any chances, the contractor contacted animal control, which advised people against rushing to capture any baby animals they see while outside.

This adorable baby animal greedily gulping down milk from a syringe is a small Chinese civet, a Class II protected species in Taiwan. Mostly inhabiting low-elevation mountains, these omnivorous, nocturnal creatures are elusive and tend to prefer solitude. But this little kit was discovered by a contractor working in Yilan.

Chen Tsu-chien
Yilan County animal control director
The civet was found in the wild by a contractor who accidentally stepped on its tail. They picked it up right after spotting it. Seeing it was very young and unlikely to be able to care for itself, they brought it to us.

The contractor discovered the civet while doing some landscaping work for the Dongshan Township Office and urgently contacted the wildlife rescue station. Even though they’re lively, highly curious, and undeniably adorable creatures, officers warned that civets absolutely cannot be kept as pets.

Chen Tsu-chien
Yilan County animal control director
The mothers will return and take their kids back. It’s easier for them to adapt to life in the wild under their mother’s care. If they’re reintroduced into the wild after being raised by humans, it will be hard for them to adapt.

The center aims to eventually release the animal back into the wild, but will perform assessments beforehand to make sure the kit grows up in good health first.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#wildlife #civet #animalcontrol #cute #Yilan #animalrescue #protectedspecies #smallChinesecivet

2026-09-24

Romantic heart-shaped tree draws crowds to Tainan’s North District

A tree on Hewei Road in Tainan’s North District has recently gone viral for its unique shape, perfectly resembling a rounded love heart. From another angle, it looks more like a mushroom cap. Many people have been coming to take pictures with what is quickly becoming a new landmark for the city.

All of these people snapping photos nonstop came just to see this special heart-shaped tree.

With dense foliage shaped into a perfect rounded heart, it’s no wonder it’s so popular. Some make heart shapes with their hands while posing with it.

Member of public
Loves the tree
It’s pretty! My colleague saw it on Threads and asked if it really exists in Tainan. So I told him, yeah, it’s really here.

Member of public
Came to see tree
It looks just like a heart. It’s actually my friend’s birthday today, so I came to take a picture for him.

Member of public
Came to see tree
My wife saw this really distinctive tree online. She really wanted to come here and take some pictures.

Many people are traveling from afar to take photos with the tree, endlessly trying out different angles to get a unique shot. Growing near Hewei Road in Tainan’s North District, the tree’s natural heart shape became even more pronounced after a light pruning by the district office. From another angle, it looks more like a mushroom cap.

Huang Wen-tsung
Daxing Borough warden
After it grew into a heart shape, our team worked with the district chief and city government to prune it a little bit. Just with that light trim, it became a perfect heart—the heart of Daxing Borough.

Pan Pao-shu
North District chief
Warden Huang Wen-tsung told the district office there was a tree in his borough that could become a local landmark.

The name “Daxing” sounds similar to the Taigi word for “thoughtful.” Playing on the pun, the local leaders decided to shape the tree into a heart to serve as their new symbol.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Tainan #locallandmark #photoop #heart #tree #viral #NorthDistrict

2026-09-24

Man punches woman bloody on Taipei MRT after she steps on him

Commuters were shocked by a bloody confrontation that unfolded on the Taipei MRT during the morning rush hour on Wednesday. According to witnesses, a man punched a woman in the face multiple times, after she accidentally stepped on him when she was getting off the train at Ximen station. The woman was left bloodied with several broken teeth. Let’s find out more.

Voice of witness
Saw the confrontation
The woman had apparently stepped on him, and then he started beating her. He punched her three or four times really hard on the chin. She was bleeding from the first punch already. She said he had broken two or three of her teeth.

Lee Yu-han
FTV reporter
The incident happened in the morning rush hour, as the train was full of commuters. The assailant, Mr. Tsai, was speaking on the phone uncomfortably close to the woman, who told him to stop. Then when they got off the train, she accidentally stepped on Mr. Tsai, who got upset and started beating her.

Blood splattered throughout the train car, streaking from the floor all the way to one of the doors. Cleaning staff had to mop up the mess. Although neither side plans to press charges, authorities say the man was still in the wrong for throwing the first punch. He was referred to authorities under the Social Order Maintenance Act and could still face a penalty.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#mrt #ximen #taipei #citylife #metro

2026-09-23

DPP candidate in Hualien collapses mid-song onstage and dies in hospital

A desperate attempt to save a local candidate in the upcoming Hualien election ended in tragedy. During a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration Tuesday night, 53-year-old DPP candidate Chiu Feng-ying suddenly collapsed onstage while singing. Campaign workers for different candidates and political parties immediately sprang into action, taking turns performing CPR until she was rushed to the hospital. But after a night of treatment, her family made the difficult decision to switch off life support early Wednesday morning.

- Hang on. If you’re tired, let’s switch with Chairman Chien.

Campaign staff from different candidates and parties rush to perform CPR on the woman on the floor. While some perform compressions, others stay on the side ready to jump in when needed. The woman is Chiu Feng-ying, a DPP candidate running to represent Sinchen Township in Hualien.

Shih Sheng-kang
EMT
She was seen collapsing onto the ground on stage while she was singing. When we arrived, she wasn’t breathing and didn’t have a pulse, so we immediately began administering CPR.

The incident happened at a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet at Shun’an Village on Tuesday evening. Chiu had gone to the event to meet with her supporters. She was singing onstage when she suddenly collapsed mid-song and lost her vital signs.

She was rushed to the hospital, and at one point regained a weak pulse. Ultimately her family decided to cease resuscitation efforts at 3 in the morning.

Voice of Chen Ching-feng
DPP Hualien Office
A CT scan revealed that she likely suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurism, which caused intracranial bleeding.

Hu Jen-shun
Hualien County Councilor (DPP)
She passed away after life support was withdrawn in the early hours of the morning. As her comrade in the DPP, we walked the same road to democracy and freedom, and worked side-by-side on the campaign trail. We are devastated. We will finish the project she started.

Chiu passed away at the age of 53. Some 10 years ago, she moved from Taoyuan to Hualien for work. After getting involved with the local community, she decided to take an extra step and run for election. Sadly, tragedy struck before she could see her first campaign through.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#election #karaoke #midautumnfestival #邱鳳英 #obituary

2026-09-23

Taichung high school challenges students to be on time for 100 days

After a student from Taichung First Senior High racked up absences for a staggering 1,302 classes, the school decided to set up a challenge to keep students in class. The goal is to clock in 100 days without being late to school, leaving early, or missing class. Participants wear a cool silicone bracelet to show off and not forget their commitment. Those who make it to the end will get a wristband with the school’s logo, which is an honor. Let’s hear more.

Michael Lin
Taichung First Senior High School
Last semester, we had a graduating student who had missed more than 1,000 classes. So this year, we’re launching a challenge to get students to be on time. When you sign up, you get a silicone band to remind you to arrive on time and not skip class.

Student
Taichung First Senior High School
The students at our school have a unique bad habit. Since our school is very diverse, and the teaching style is more chill, we don’t really feel like being on time is a big deal.

Student
Taichung First Senior High School
This is going to be hard for me, due to my personality. But I think it’s interesting, and it’s a good challenge.

Student
Taichung First Senior High School
I used to be late all the time in middle school, almost every day. I want to work on that flaw.

The challenge has proven to be unexpectedly popular. The school had originally only procured 200 silicone bracelets to give out, and it had to procure an additional 200 due to high demand. Students in all school years can participate, each with a different colored bracelet. The school says it will launch different challenges every year, to encourage students to build good habits.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#timely #challenge #taichung #schoolife #highschool

2026-09-23

Man kills all fish in temple koi pond with air freshener beads

A temple in Taichung’s Shalu District recently became the site of a fish massacre. A man was seen on CCTV dumping an entire container of crystal air freshener beads into the temple’s pond. Thinking it was food, the koi in the pond scrambled to eat them, but the expanding toxic beads caused the fish to die one after another. Irate, the temple management pressed charges, and the man was sentenced to 40 days in prison along with a NT$200,000 fine.

A man walks up to a koi pond, takes a container with air freshener beads out of his jacket, and dumps it into the water. Thinking it’s food, the fish churn in excitement. He then turns and leaves the koi to die off one by one within the week.

Member of public
Outraged
There were over 20 fish. They’re living creatures, too. This behavior is entirely unacceptable.

Member of public
Outraged
There’s no sense of responsibility to others. He harmed small animals. You shouldn’t dump an unknown substance into someone else’s fish pond.

The pond is behind this temple in Taichung’s Shalu District. It used to have 10 German and 10 Japanese koi, worth around NT$50,000. But after meticulously caring for the fish for over two years, at the end of last year, they all died off at once. A review of the CCTV footage revealed the culprit.

- Did he ever compensate you?
- No. He was adamant in saying he was in a bad state and wouldn’t pay. He said he’d rather commute his sentence to a fine or go to prison.

The temple representative said they don’t know the man, but suspect he was disturbed and lashed out at random. The entire pond was contaminated by the poison and needed to be thoroughly cleaned before it could hold fish again.

Temple representative
Tried again
After the incident, we tried raising another batch, but the same thing happened and they all died off. We asked an expert and they told us we had to buy disinfectant and clean the pond five times, drain all the water, let it dry for about 10 days, and then refill it.

The court determined that the man violated the Animal Protection Act, and sentenced him to 40 days in prison along with a NT$200,000 fine. The ruling is subject to appeal.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#animalcruelty #koi #koipond #temple #Taichung #airfreshener #crime

2026-09-23

Diner gets extra-smoky lunchbox containing cigarette butt from chef

A diner who bought a takeaway lunchbox at a self-serve restaurant in Tainan got an extra smoky meal, thanks to a cigarette butt that found its way into the sauce. The shocked diner picked it out of the food and called the restaurant to complain. But the person on the other end of the line simply said that they would tell their chef to quit smoking on the job. Health authorities have since conducted an inspection of the business.

The diner took a picture of the discovery, holding up the cigarette butt with a pair of chopsticks. At first, he thought the butt was an extra chewy intestine, or a charred spring onion. But one whiff gave it away: the aroma wasn’t herbs or spices, but that of tobacco. Fortunately, the cigarette butt didn’t end up in anyone’s stomach, and neither did the rest of the meal, as the diner had lost his appetite.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#smoky #lunchbox #selfserve #tainan #marinate

2026-09-23

Massive teacher shortage is straining schools countrywide

Teachers’ Day is just around the corner! But fewer teachers are celebrating it this year. Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that there is a shortage of teachers across Taiwan, with Taipei City being the worst hit. A job bank reveals education-related job openings surged to 38,000, reflecting a severe labor shortage across public schools and tutoring centers. Teachers claim salaries are too low, forcing them to quit.

Teachers are juggling many responsibilities. From teaching classes and grading homework, to looking after students. With the huge shortage of teachers, there are even cases of math teachers stepping in for scout classes.

Mr. Pan
Keelung Chien Te Junior High School
This semester, I was assigned to support the Scouts, but I majored in Mathematics. I haven’t tied a knot or pitched a tent in my life, so I will have to learn. Even so, I will then have to teach the students. They just don’t have teachers, even if you offer poor quality of teaching, their hands are tied.

More and more teachers are quitting. Turning 30 this year, Ms. Wang graduated with a Masters from NTNU and worked as an elementary school IT teacher. Due to incredible pressure from parents and administrative work, she switched to working in tech and watched her salary multiply.

Ms. Wang
Former Teacher
Back then, I paid over NT$4,000 or NT$5,000 every month just for public insurance and retirement benefits. If you add on health insurance and other costs, it would quickly add up to NT$7,000 or NT$8,000 a month. My monthly salary was around NT$48,000. Today, I work in tech, and earn over NT$1 million a year.

The shortage of substitute teachers has reached a record high in Taiwan, reaching 614, according to the Ministry of Education. Job banks reveal similar insights related to education-related job openings totaling at 38,000. Public schools, cram schools, childcare, special needs, are all facing severe shortages of staff. The survey suggests junior high school teachers are the most overworked, facing incredible pressure and unfair compensation.

Chuang Yu-chieh
Job Bank Spokesperson
Our survey indicates that most people believe the appropriate compensation for a junior high school teacher is around NT$65,180.

60% of teachers believe that compensation needs improvement and impractical administrative tasks be reduced. What was once considered a solid career path is rapidly losing its appeal. Without crucial systemic changes, fewer people will be celebrating Teachers’ Day in the coming years.

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

#teachershortage #publicschool #cramschool #teachinginTaiwan #taiwanteachers

2026-09-23

NSTC initiative to popularize science with kids and adults alike kicks off

A program created by the National Science Council to help both kids and adults better understand science is now in its 8th year. The program, "Kiss Science," takes members of the pubic to more than 100 scientific research sites across Taiwan, with 34 opening up this year for the first time. There are also science camps for high school students and movies for kids. Let’s find out more.

With their nimble fingers turning the cubes, these children quickly solve two Rubik’s cubes in less than a minute.

Crowds are gathering at an event announcing the official launch of this year’s Kiss Science popular science initiative.

Wu Cheng-wen
National Science and Technology Council
This event is a well-established tradition and this year is the eighth edition. Our people, from children to adults, have the opportunity to experience firsthand the importance of science in our lives.

Kung Chi-kang
National Science and Technology Council
A major feature this year is our science walking tour. This means we have designed five routes across four different cities and counties, where scientific experts will lead in-depth introductions and discussions.

To promote scientific knowledge, the National Science Council and various ministries have joined hands to hold large-scale popular science activities that connect more than 100 scientific research sites across Taiwan. This year, 34 new sites are making their debut, and the public will be led into laboratories for close-up experiences. Special activities to popularize science have been created aimed at students of different ages to stimulate their curiosity.

Kung Chi-kang
National Science and Technology Council
For Kid’s Science, we will design events called “Amazement at Science” and “Science Cinema,” where children can watch science activities and movies at Taipei Main Station. For older children, we have more than 30 booths for junior high and elementary school students to get hands-on experience with science. In addition to this, we also combine it with round-island train activities aimed at popularizing science.

In addition to science education for children, there are also themed camps designed specifically for high school students. Through one-on-one teaching, students are led into experimental labs to experience the infinite charm of science.

#Kissscience #Taiwanscience #Taiwankidsactivities #NSTC

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

2026-09-23

Kaohsiung produces traffic safety picture book from students’ perspectives

The Kaohsiung City Transportation Bureau has launched a new traffic safety book for junior high students, hoping this will instill traffic awareness in Taiwanese at a young age. It’s all based on the students’ observations of traffic on their daily commute to school. Let’s find out more.

The Kaohsiung City Government invited picture book author Li Chin-lun and aesthetic education specialist Liao Hui-lan to guide students from Kaohsiung Municipal Fongshan Junior High School to transform their everyday traffic experiences on their commute into relatable picture book stories.

Lee Chin-lun
Picture book author
First, we conduct field research with the students to gather a collection of their creative materials. I then adapt this material and compose it into a picture book.

In the picture book, whether it’s the story arrangement, narrative, or hand-drawn illustrations, everything is presented from the perspective of junior high school students observing their commuting environment. Regardless of age, anyone can easily understand how to follow road safety concepts through simple pictures and text.

Charles Lin
Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor
Transportation isn’t just about infrastructure or regulation—more importantly, it must be rooted in our mindset and safety education needs to start at a young age

More importantly, the book also incorporates traffic safety knowledge such as stopping and waiting for pedestrians and prohibiting scooters from riding on sidewalks, making traffic safety not just about rules and regulations, but rather safety knowledge that can be practically applied.

Charles Lin
Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor
The city government will also continuously work hard, and we will allocate related budgets. We also hope to find a different school every year, and we even want high school students to participate in the production of these picture books.

For three consecutive years, the city government has launched traffic safety picture books, hoping to promote traffic safety awareness from an early age through reading. This also influences parents and older adults who are helping their kids, extending coverage across multi-generational households, so that they can jointly create a more child-friendly traffic environment.

#Taiwantraffic #trafficsafety #Kaohsiungtraffic #childrensbooks

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

2026-09-23

Local sheep prefer evenings out over targeted grazing

Last night at around 8 o’clock, cars were stuck in traffic in Yunlin’s Xiluo Township due to a sheep jam. Yes, you heard that right. Sheep. A landowner borrowed a flock of sheep to clear the weeds in a field, but the sneaky sheep had slipped through the cracks in a fence and decided to clock out early. Local residents quickly banded together to capture the escapees.

The sky is dark, but bright fluffy clouds are seen on the road. These are actually sheep who don’t want to go home.

- Xiluo Night Market is here.
Going inside the market
- Go left. Go left.

On Tuesday evening in Yunlin County, sheep suddenly appeared on Fulai Road in Xiluo Township. Who let the sheep out? Local residents also wondered this as they quickly alerted the relevant authorities to help find the owner. They banded together using messaging groups to help capture the sheep.

-They’re over there!

Member of public
Concerned about sheep
You have to grab the sheep, tighten the reins around its neck quickly and stop it from escaping. What else can you do?

Member of public
Likes to eat lamb
I brought my daughter to see what sheep look like before they are cooked, hahahaha.

Member of public
Great sense of humor
This is hilarious. Has anyone called the police?

It was later revealed that a landscaper borrowed the flock to graze on overgrown grass in some open areas. Unfortunately, the sheep were uninterested in working and followed their leader towards Xiluo Night Market for an exciting night on the town.

Member of public
The sheep are still on the road, let’s surround them, once rounded off, we can slowly approach.

Member of public
Eager to catch sheep
Help us round them, help us catch them!

It took dozens of people more than an hour to round up the runaway sheep and load them in a small truck. Local residents joked that the activity was “more tiring than a sports meet.” Using sheep for targeted grazing and weed control is sustainable, but perhaps the fluffy creatures are more interested in becoming traffic police than landscapers.

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

#thegreatescape #shaunthesheep #thesheepdetectives #yunlin #animals #cute #sheep

2026-09-23