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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:
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#weather #typhoon #tropicalstorm #mekkhala #japantravel

Time：2026-06-24

最新消息 Latest News

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:
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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.

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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:
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#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:
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#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.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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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.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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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:
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2026-06-23

Gov’t seeks to crack down on drugs, to make safer roads and safer schools

With the amount of drugs being seized increasing and the abuse of emerging “zombie vapes” becoming more rampant, the Executive Yuan has formed a task force to take on criminal organizations and crack down on drugs. Minister without portfolio Chi Lien-cheng is leading the charge in an effort to stop drug-impaired driving and prevent drugs from getting onto and spreading around school property.

In Taoyuan, this white car’s swerving is getting worse. It ends up scraping against an oncoming car and then smashing into the back of a different car.

But this white car didn’t stop until it had run right into a scooter helmet store.

The store’s glass windows are shattered, and there are car parts all over. The driver stumbles out, struggling to keep her balance. The police test her for drugs and the result is positive. Suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs, a look inside the vehicle reveals she’s in possession of etomidate-laced “zombie vapes.” But that’s not all there is in the vehicle: the driver’s 3-year-old daughter is sitting in the back seat.

Driver of a vehicle that got hit
Furious
I think that people really shouldn’t be driving under the influence of drugs. I had stopped at a traffic light, waiting for it to turn green, waiting for pedestrians to cross the road, and then some driver high on drugs comes up and hits me from behind.

Recently, etomidate-laced e-cigarette pods, known as “zombie vapes,” have been the cause of many deadly traffic tragedies, striking fear in the hearts of the public. Setting its sights on drug control, the Executive Yuan and Minister without portfolio Chi Lien-cheng have responded to the issue of drugged driving by forming a task force that will crack down on organized crime and illegal drugs.

Chi Lien-cheng
Minister without portfolio
Etomidate abuse is getting progressively worse. A lot of the drug-impaired driving we’ve been seeing all has to do with etomidate.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
We’ve recently been facing the challenge of emerging drugs like etomidate, a drug that has been causing a lot of accidents. The Executive Yuan had the Narcotics Review Committee evaluate the drug, which has now been elevated to a Schedule 1 narcotic.

The government has declared it’s cracking down on drugs, with all traffic checkpoints now having saliva rapid tests. If a driver is found to be operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs, his or her license will be revoked for 3 years, the vehicle being driven will be seized, and even passengers in the vehicle will be fined. The Executive Yuan also has new measures that will take the anti-drug effort to school grounds.

Chi Lien-cheng
Minister without portfolio
In terms of law enforcement, they won’t be going onto school property. What I’ve suggested is having “fifth level” campus security, which are either trained military personnel or retired police officers. If a school needs this type of security personnel, then the school can make a request to their campus security company, which can recruit and select candidates that are able to satisfy the school’s needs; the school can then consider the qualified candidates. I must make it clear that the schools will be taking the initiative on this.

In order to crack down on drugs and make the public feel safer, Chi Lien-cheng is overseeing the combined effort of six entities nationwide: prosecutors, police, investigators, coast guard, military police, and customs.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#caraccident #zombievape #etomidate #traffic #publicsafety

2026-06-23

AI-generated Indonesian music video about migrant workers goes viral

An unlikely hit song went viral around the Dragon Boast Festival period: a pop-rock tune dedicated to the hundreds of thousands of Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan. Even though it’s AI-generated, many netizens, local Taiwanese and Indonesian alike, are singing praises for the song’s inspiring message. Let’s hear the reactions of some Indonesians in Taiwan.

Tourist
From Indonesia
I really like visiting Taiwan. I used to work here. I miss Taiwan. Taiwan is great, really great. I want to come back. It’s like family to me.

Indonesian-born resident
Works in Taiwan
I’ve been in Taiwan for more than ten years now. For me, life is not bad in Taiwan. The salary’s quite high. The Taiwanese are friendly. They’re great. The food is good. I’m in Taiwan to make money for my family. My mother passed away last year, so I don’t get to see her even if I go back. My father’s also gone, so I hope I can continue to work in Taiwan. My employer also tells me that he sees me as part of the family.

The song was prompted by an Indonesian content creator, titled “Warm Greetings From Taiwan.” It conveys how Indonesian migrant workers, despite missing their family back home, are motivated to work, save, and return with a small fortune. Taiwan’s urban scenes are featured in the AI-prompted video. Many Taiwanese netizens have commented that the video makes them appreciate these migrant workers a lot more.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#taiwan #indonesia #migration #migrantworkers #international

2026-06-23

Immersive exhibition ‘Hell Realm’ sees polarized response

“Hell Realm,” a new exhibition by the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, has been met with mixed reviews, with some people saying it’s too scary, while others find it fun. Today, we’re going to lift the veil on this polarizing exhibition. Utilizing a U-shaped projection screen in combination with sound and lights, visitors are plunged into the underworld to witness the brutal punishments meted out there. One father even brought his five-year-old to see it, hoping it would teach him to behave or he’ll end up in hell.

A suspenseful soundtrack plays as images are projected onto a U-shaped screen and the floor. At the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts’ new exhibition “Hell Realm,” the tortures carried out in the 10 courts of hell are displayed in vivid detail. Some visitors were transfixed, while others left early because it was too scary.

- I told him if he’s bad he’ll go to hell, and he ran out.

- I don’t like it.
- Was it scary?
- It was scary.
- You couldn’t look?
- No.
- Are you worried you’ll go to hell if you’re bad?
- Yes.

Two parents even brought their five-year-old to see it, but in the end, only the mom was left, because their son thought it was too scary. Is it really that terrifying? Besides the traditional punishments like scaling a mountain of knives and being boiled in a cauldron of oil, the artists also incorporated some modern elements, like pool rings and smartphones. But they also left the audience wondering what’s so wrong about using their phones.

Visitor
I noticed it was a phone. I guess it’s not OK to use your phone too much.

Visitor
I guess it’s meant to show being held captive by your phone.

Visitor
In the freezing hell, it was snowing and they were lifting stones in the air. It actually looked pretty festive.

Beyond the immersive display, there are also cangues and shackles for people to take photos with. On the opening day, Taoist priests came to lead visitors through absolution rites. There are even a limited number of fortune sticks available every day. The combination of theatrical performance and religious ritual makes visitors feel like they’ve been transported straight to hell. Even the deputy director of the museum admitted that it triggered childhood memories of visiting Nantian Temple’s hell exhibit.

Wang Chia-cheng
Museum deputy director
An experience like this will have a greater impact on young, impressionable minds. After that, they’ll think twice about lying or being bad.

But the museum emphasized that the goal of the exhibition isn’t to scare people, but to encourage people to do good deeds. If you follow your conscience, you’ll stay out of hell!

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#HellRealm #10CourtsofHell #NTMoFA #exhibition #immersive #art #children #digitalart #folklore

2026-06-23

2 naughty dogs pull out statue of immortal boy deity

In Taichung, a mixed breed dog duo that go by the names of Egg White and Egg Yolk live in a factory where temple statues are made. Egg White suddenly realized that by yanking the rope, an 80-kilogram statue of the immortal boy on a white crane deity be pulled outside to take a stroll. The dogs’ naughty behavior was caught on camera, and viewers of the video commented that the statue looks like it was being taken on a pilgrimage procession.

Ms. Chuang
Owner of naughty dogs
These two are just so naughty, always having a blast like this. And now they’ve even pulled this temple deity outside. Egg White is the naughtier of the two, as it’s usually Egg White thinking up mischievous things to do and then dragging Egg Yolk along for the ride. Whenever Egg White does something wrong, the little bugger will immediately cower over like this.

These two mixed-breed dogs are brothers being raised in a statue factory in Taichung’s Wufeng District. They’re just a little over a year old, which is when dogs are at their naughtiest. The two little devils didn’t pull out their owner’s property, as the immortal boy statue is a client’s. Fortunately for all involved, the dog owner heard the noise and quickly put an end to the horseplay. Egg White is known for being a trouble-maker, yet when caught the dog goes into hiding. As for the more straight-laced Egg Yolk, this one is smart enough to know to not get into trouble.

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

#dogs #deity #statue #naughty #Taichung

2026-06-23

Taiwan Expo in Europe opens in Warsaw, Poland

The biannual Taiwan Expo in Europe is held in the Polish capital Warsaw for the first time ever. Co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and TAITRA, the 3-day event features 106 exhibitors, many in the drone industry. But Taiwanese businesses aren’t just showing their goods: the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association announced that a new technology park will be built in southwest Poland.

Against drum rolls, diabolo performers open the Taiwan Expo in Europe. Orchids dyed in the Ukrainian flag’s blue and yellow adorn the venue. There’s more than just AI-powered systems and drones on display, as guests are served freshly brewed baozhong tea for a taste of Taiwan. Held biannually, the Taiwan Expo in Europe is in Warsaw, Poland for the first time, with participation by 106 Taiwanese businesses.

Kung Ming-hsin
Minister of Economic Affairs
In 2025, which is last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in support of a special economic zone and industrial park. On this basis, we’ve began talks on building an industrial park with Poland and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, or TEEMA.

The Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin gave remarks via a prerecorded video, while Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung attended in person, with a delegation of representatives in the drone industry. Loitering munition and counter-UAS are also exhibited. A big announcement was made at the main stage: TEEMA’s technology park will be built in southwestern Poland, connecting with the city of Jaworzno to form a major hub.

Cynthia Kiang
Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs
Three regions in Poland were considered: Katowice, Łódź and Wrocław. After careful consideration, they decided to build the technology park in Wrocław.

James Huang
TAITRA
Over the three-day event, we’ve scheduled a total of 950 matchmaking meetings for the 100+ businesses from home.

In 2025, bilateral trade volume between Taiwan and Poland exceeded US$2.54 billion, for an annual growth of over 20%. A golden age of industrial cooperation between the two countries is coming.

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#taiwan #poland #trade #investment #EU

2026-06-23

Man illegally keeps a horde of rare and valuable animal species

The Seventh Special Police Corps were tipped off on a New Taipei man who was rearing a host of nationally protected wildlife species. The man showed off the poached creatures via social media posts, and when the authorities showed up they found everything from a collared scops owl locked up in a small cage to a Formosan rock macaque tied up in the bathroom. The animals were sent to be seen by veterinarians and the poacher will be tried in court.

The police are searching through this home, and what they find is heart-breaking: a variety of wild birds are locked up in a row of cages stacked waist-high.

And then there’s this collared scops owl; boasting big, bright eyes and a round face, this owl species is designated as one of Taiwan’s rare and valuable species. When it spots the police have arrived, its eyes look both hopeful and helpless. The owl has been kept in this small cage for a long time, causing it to be malnourished and so weak that it struggles to feed itself. When an officer tells the poacher this, the man responds by claiming that he is an animal lover.

-You can’t raise these animals.
-You have so many animals here.
-I love animals. There’s people who give them to me.

The list of suffering animals is not just limited to birds; the police open the bathroom to find a Formosan rock macaque tied up with a dog leash. The monkey looks petrified as it cowers in a corner.

The Seventh Special Police Corps were tipped off about a man in New Taipei who had posted videos of nationally protected species that he shared to social media platforms. In the posts, the animals looked to be mistreated. After gathering evidence, the police and animal protection officers went to the man’s residence, where they found the monkey, protected owl species, and other wild bird species, like a Formosan whistling thrush and Asian emerald dove.

Tsai Shang-tzu
Seventh Special Police Corps
After we completed our investigation, the suspect Mr. Chung was charged with violating the Act on Wildlife Conservation, and, therefore, the case will be sent to the district prosecutors office.

Yang Shu-fang
New Taipei animal protection office
The collared scops owl was sent to a vet and is currently receiving care. Once its health improves, it’ll be released into the wild. The emerald dove was quite healthy, and so it’s already been released into the wild. The Formosan rock macaque is currently being evaluated.

The police reminds the public that the Act on Wildlife Conservation prohibits the capturing and raising of wild animals, which is punishable up to a fine of NT$300,000. As for hunting and killing wild animals, violators face up to five years in prison in addition to a maximum fine of NT$1 million.

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#protectedspecies #poacher #owl #rockmacaque #illegalpets

2026-06-23

Driver encourages gecko to hold on at 100kph speeds

We’ve found the strongest hitchhiker on Earth! While speeding down a highway, a driver discovered a gecko sticking to the outside of his window. He was driving over 100kph at the time, the wind blowing violently, but it still held fast to the window for dear life. The video went viral online, with commenters dubbing it the “gecko Tom Cruise.”

While cruising down the highway, this driver noticed an unexpected hitchhiker. But it wasn’t a person. It was this gecko clinging underneath the window rain deflector.

Don’t let go, little guy! You’ll blow away! Hang in there! Hold on tight!

It was a life-or-death situation. But even though the car was going over 100kph and it was facing gale force winds, the gecko managed to hold on.

So scary! I’m pulling over to get him to safety.

The driver was afraid it would blow away and either get crushed or run over. Although the gecko itself didn’t seem too concerned, the driver couldn’t take it anymore, and decided to stop by the side of the road. He thought it would leave by itself, but in the end it decided to stick around.

He’s back! I thought you’d jumped off. Hang on!

The driver kept giving the lizard words of encouragement as he zoomed down the road, his cinematic footage reminiscent of Tom Cruise scaling a skyscraper in “Mission Impossible.”

Don’t look at me like that! I tried to let you go. It was your decision to stay. Do you want to go to Chiayi with me, little guy?

The driver discovered the stowaway after leaving from Changhua. The entire recorded interaction, including his conversation with the creature, went viral online.

Member of public
The whole thing was really fun. But the catch is that he was driving. If something went wrong, it could quickly have turned dangerous instead of funny.

Member of public
It’s a little dangerous to be holding your phone to film while on the highway or driving.

The world’s strongest hitchhiker proved impossible to shake off. Although the footage was amusing, some commenters also raised safety concerns about the driver recording on his phone while driving.

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#driving #trafficsafety #stowaway #hitchhiker #gecko #oddity #TomCruise #MissionImpossible #distracteddriving

2026-06-23

Judo king Yang Yung-wei sets sights on Asian Games, Olympics

Taiwan’s judo king Yang Yung-wei burst into the spotlight at the Tokyo Olympics, etching his name into history by winning Taiwan’s first medal in the sport. Shortly after securing that silver, he captured gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Although his campaign at the Paris Olympics was cut short in the quarterfinals, he’s taken the setback as motivation to work harder. Now he’s moving out of his rut and has high hopes for the Nagoya Asian Games in September.

At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 23-year-old judoka Yang Yung-wei represented Taiwan for the first time on the greatest sporting stage in the world. He clinched silver in the 60kg event, making history by winning Taiwan’s first Olympic medal in judo.

Discussing his favorite student, coach Liu Wen-teng said that Yang has extraordinarily high standards and self-discipline. But more importantly, he has the humility to listen to instruction.

Liu Wen-teng
Judo coach
He has high expectations for himself, and he has great discipline. Whenever he strives for something, he always seeks out advice.

In 2023, Yang won gold in the 60kg division at the Hangzhou Asian Games. But when he returned to the Olympics in 2024, despite entering as a top seed in Paris, he fell to an opponent from Kazakstan in the quarterfinals. He was then defeated again in the repechage round, missing the chance to stand on the podium in two consecutive Olympics.

Yang Yung-wei
Judoka
Especially right after you lose, it’s hard to adjust your mindset right away. You have to let yourself experience the weight of the loss, because at the end of the day, it’s you on the mat, not anyone else. Not your coach—you. So you have to be aware of what you need to change and what you need to do to get there.

Although it’s been an arduous journey, it’s because of his losses that Yang could learn a deeper truth: Only by enduring hardship can you change and improve. Having weathered setbacks, he’s ready to persevere and push himself toward greater heights.

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#judo #YangYungwei #athlete #sports #Olympics #discipline #hardwork #AsianGames

2026-06-23

Mysterious lights moving across night sky perplex Changhua residents

Recently, residents in Changhua have spotted unidentified white lights in the night sky, moving and crossing through the clouds. Many have shared footage on social media, with some jokingly asking whether they’re UFOs. Let’s find out what these lights really are.

Filled with a chorus of insects and frogs, nighttime in Changhua is usually uneventful. But recently, people have spotted white lights moving across the clouds in the night sky.

Multiple people have posted images of these lights on social media, asking what they could possibly be. Could they be drones, or even UFOs?

Member of public
UFOs fly upward, but these lights move up from below and rotate around.

Member of public
Every event uses lights, we just don’t know where they are. It’s not unusual.

It turns out these lights came from a local art festival.

This is the Lu Kang Dragon Fest, which features light installations. For the main Kung Fu Panda display, beams of light are projected into the sky, lighting up the clouds.

Wang Ying-chi
Changhua County official
Some people said it looks like UFOs, but these beams of light are part of our 2026 light and shadow art festival. The main installation is part of our overall lighting design. Recently, these special lighting effects have attracted many people to come take photos and share them.

The festival runs until August 23, with the lights on every day from 6:30pm to 10pm. During this time, people will continue to see lights moving across the sky, projected from the festival’s main installation.

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#Changhua #lights #UFO #lightfestival #LuKangDragonFest #art #lightinstallation

2026-06-23

Taiwanese stocks setting records and investors are betting big

Contrary to expectations, the Taiex has broken “the curse of Dragon Boat Festival.” Investors are reaping big gains this Monday as the Taiex closed up 1,276 for 47,741 points, making it the eighth largest rise in Taiex history. And TSMC also enjoyed record-setting numbers, as it reached a new high of NT$2,510 a share.

Chen Li-wei
President Capital Management Analyst
There’s a common belief that the winds of the stock market change during Dragon Boat Festival, and to us it looks like the market is doing even better than before. It’s possible that this week another new high of 48,000 will be reached, perhaps even 49,000. This year the Taiex may, sooner or later, surpass 50,000. As for this week, the two most important things to consider are Micron’s financial report and Nvidia’s shareholder meeting, especially since Jensen Huang has continued to be optimistic about AI. So, we also can continue paying attention to these trending topics.

Mr. Chiang
Long-term shareholder
17 years ago my wife bought 32,000 shares of TSMC at NT$66.6 a share. She put her entire retirement pension into TSMC, and she’s ended up earning over NT$60 million as a result.

Member of public
Stock market enthusiast
Everybody’s saying “go all in” with TSMC. Everyone’s goal is to not need to go to work anymore.

With dreams of an early retirement, all of Taiwan seems to be entranced by the local stock market, as people are checking the index on their phones in restaurants and even when they’re strolling down the street. In May of this year, 132,000 new Taiex accounts were opened, which makes up just a small chunk of Taiwan’s 14.33 million retail investors. With the AI industry forming a strong backbone for the market, capital is pouring in, meaning the Taiex climbing to 50,000 seems to be just a matter of time.

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#TSMC #investing #DragonBoatFestival #allin #Taiex

2026-06-22