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Massive sinkhole causes gas leak Taipei’s busy Dunhua North Road

Another massive sinkhole has destroyed a road in downtown Taipei. At around 11:00 on Wednesday morning, an alley along Dunhua North Road in Songshan District caved in, leaving a 4-by-2-meter gap with a depth of 2 meters. What’s worse, the collapse caused underground gas pipes to break, resulting in a leak that alarmed local residents.

Authorities believe the most likely culprit is an urban renewal project along the road, which is managed by Formosa Plastics Group. Excavation work at the site may have loosened the soil and rocks under the ground before operators had time to backfill the gap. It also didn’t help that the area rests on a sandy layer that is prone to subsidence. The Construction Management Office has ordered construction to halt and will impose a maximum fine of NT$90,000 on the contractor and supervisor of the project.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#sinkhole #collapse #construction #taipei #urbanrenewal

Time：2026-07-08

最新消息 Latest News

72-year-old woman alive after crash sets leaky scooter on fire

It was nothing short of a miracle when a 72-year-old scooter driver made a narrow escape from a traffic accident in New Taipei on Tuesday morning. The scooter crashed into a big truck that was making a right turn. It fell to the ground and caught fire within seconds, likely due to a punctured gas tank. People quickly came to the rescue and pulled the driver out of the blaze. The truck driver got out of the vehicle and put out the fire with an extinguisher. The scooter driver sustained burns on many parts of her body, but is fortunately alive.

The lorry is turning right at the light when… Bang! A scooter crashes straight into its side, sending the driver to the ground. Within seconds, the scooter is ablaze. What’s worse is that the driver, a woman in her 70s, is pinned under the vehicle inside the fireball.

A traffic warden and a volunteer rush to the rescue, while the truck driver himself runs over with a large extinguisher to put out the blaze. The foam and smoke engulf the entire road.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
The accident took place at a main thoroughfare near a popular American retailer. This place is always busy with commuters and truck drivers, making it a crash hotspot.

Member of public
Concerned about crash
I often see accidents here. At rush hour, it’s always jam-packed, and everyone is in a time crunch. There’s tons of cars and motorbikes.

Member of public
Concerned about crash
If you’re driving a car, it could take you half an hour to get over here from the Oriental Science Park. You’re stuck in traffic for 20, 30 minutes.

The crash happened past 7 on Tuesday morning, at Xintaiwu Road in Xizhi District. Police believe the cause was failure to account for the turning radius of the truck, and the scooter’s location in a blind spot. As the truck driver, Mr. Su, turned right onto the highway, his vehicle collided with the scooter rider Ms. Wu, aged 72. The scooter’s fuel tank ruptured and caught fire as it scraped against the ground. Ms. Wu sustained burns on her face, torso and legs, but was conscious when rescued.

Chang Chih-wei
Police officer
Our staff rushed over to pull out the rider, who was trapped under the burning scooter.

Fortunately, thanks to everyone’s quick thinking, the fire was put out, and the driver made it out of the crash alive.

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

#traffic #scooter #fire #fuel #leak

2026-07-08

Sports lottery rep who criticized Olympian apologizes after backlash

The altercation between the head of a sports lottery association and the Ministry of Sports has come to an end. In a recent social media post, Ho Yu-chi criticized the leadership of Sports Minister Lee Yang, who was advocating for reforms to the sports lottery system. Ho took the potential change as an affront, saying that Lee had painted the sports lottery industry as an obstacle to reform with vested interests. After public backlash against his criticism, Ho has put up a new post, apologizing to Lee and announcing he would leave the industry forever. Let’s hear from him.

Ho Yu-chi
Sports lottery industry representative
I would like to offer a deep bow in apology to Lee Yang, who brought glory to Taiwan. I am sorry. I didn’t know the ministry was working with schools to address the shortage of badminton shuttlecocks. In the rush of the moment, I vented my opinions on Facebook. That was unrelated to the efforts by the Ministry of Sports to reform various sports associations. As a leader in the industry, I am deeply saddened by the development. The government doesn’t care. And I am getting flamed online. So I might as well give back my sports lottery license. I mean what I say. Once again, my apologies to Lee Yang. I hope the controversy ends with me.

Ho said that his intention with the original post was for the Sports Ministry to listen to the voices from the grassroots. But now that public opinion has turned against him, he says he will give back his sports lottery dealer license in September. In addition, he will withdraw from the business and no longer be associated with lottery-related industries.

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

#sportslottery #lottery #drama #controversy #sports

2026-07-08

Banks open doors, insurers offer heat protection to combat extreme temperatures

As summers get hotter by the year, more businesses are opening their doors to offer relief from the heat. Last year, convenience stores began telling people they could come in to cool off, and this year First Bank has set up indoor cooling stations with air conditioning, drinking water, seating, and restrooms, and you don’t even have to be a customer to gain access. Meanwhile, a life insurance company is offering Taiwan’s first policy that covers heat-related injuries.

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
Summer is incredibly hot this year, making walking down the street like torture. In addition to being able to cool off in convenience stores’ AC, First Bank also set up indoor cooling stations.

In response to the extreme heat, the Ministry of Environment launched a “cool map” listing 9,192 cooling spots as of June, including convenience stores, public facilities, shaded areas, and now banks.

Member of public
Likes the idea
I think it’s a good idea in general, but due to their location, people still might not think to go.

Member of public
Loves the idea
I think it’s great! Summer is so hot most of the time, so if there’s a place for people to cool off, I think it’s a good thing.

Voice of Hung Hsiu-ching
Bank employee
We already have safety and security measures in place for our banks’ main halls. If banks determine they can provide people with a place to cool off while maintaining operational safety and order, they will make that assessment themselves.

As extreme heat becomes increasingly common, a life insurance company introduced an insurance policy for heat-related injuries, offering payouts to vulnerable groups who suffer heat-related harm.

Wang Hsin-li
Insurance broker
In the past, products to address high temperatures included accident insurance, life insurance, and accidental medical coverage, but their scope of protection was somewhat limited. Nan Shan Life Insurance’s willingness to design a product like this can provide significant help to vulnerable groups.

Businesses are introducing their own strategies in response to the dangers posed by climate change, helping people adapt to the warming environment.

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

#heat #hot #extremeheat #climatechange #summer #heatstroke #heatwave #bank #cool #coolmap #insurance #heatinsurance

2026-07-08

Hsinchu borough has highest average household income in Taiwan

The Ministry of Finance has published the latest statistics on income taxes for the year 2024. According to the document, the richest neighborhood in Taiwan is once again in Hsinchu’s East District. Households in Guanxin Borough had an average income of just under NT$4.6 million in 2024.

The median -- at a little over NT$3.43 million -- is just as impressive. It means that wealth is quite evenly distributed in the neighborhood. Among the top five boroughs, three are in Hsinchu, with most taxpayers affiliated with the tech industry. Meanwhile, the second richest is Yongfu Borough in Taipei’s Shilin District, located on Yangmingshan. Many business tycoons live here, including Taishin Financial Holdings Chair Thomas Wu, Yulon Motor Company CEO Yen Chen Li-lien and Far Eastern Group Chair Douglas Hsu. Meanwhile, last year’s richest neighborhood, Zhonghua Borough in Taipei’s Songshan District, has dropped to third place at just under 3 and a half million NT.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#rich #affluent #richestneighborhoods #CEO #oldmoney

2026-07-08

Experts and officials from16 countries attend International Ocean Forum

Top officials and think tank experts from 16 countries gathered in Taipei on Wednesday for the opening of this year’s edition of the Taiwan International Ocean Forum. This year, the event will focus on maritime affairs related to economic resilience, strategic stability and international cooperation. At the opening ceremony, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling delivered a speech that addressed China’s launch of coast guard patrols into waters off the east coast of Taiwan. She urged for cooperation among democracies to counter Beijing’s increased gray-zone provocations. This is what she had to say.

Kuan Bi-ling
Ocean Affairs Council
When an isolated incident happens, it doesn’t trigger an international crisis. When tensions escalate, we don’t consider it the start of war. But cumulatively, these constant incidents give rise to a new normal. As democratic partners, we must effectively and jointly prepare and coordinate response mechanisms.

Raymond Sung
Ocean Affairs Council
I think that China is pursuing expansionism under the guise of law enforcement. If that is the case, and China is doing so illegally, then the critical issue would be to formulate a joint response as part of the international community and as allies. China’s so-called law enforcement is actually just expansionism.

Tammy Duckworth
US Senator
China is trying to establish new norms that are not in compliance with what the international order has agreed to and ratified on a global basis. And we cannot allow them to do that because they will continue to push forward.

Also condemning China’s actions at the event was US Senator Tammy Duckworth, an outspoken supporter of Taiwan. Besides slamming China’s expansionism, she called for deeper strategic cooperation among democratic partners to build a resilient and solid chain to safeguard peace in the Indo-Pacific.

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

#marine #maritime #peace #indopacific #internationallaw

2026-07-08

ITRI develops AI-powered precision fish feeding software

Raising fish in aquaculture isn’t as simple as just feeding them. Giving too much feed doesn’t just incur waste, it also pollutes the water. Luckily, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI, has a solution. With input from farmers, ITRI has developed an AI-powered precision feeding software that feeds the fish just enough, for bigger and better yields while saving on production costs. Let’s take it look.

Pingtung’s Fangliao Township is the country’s grouper kingdom. Farmers all wish that their prized dragon-tiger groupers will grow as quickly as possible. It used to be hard to tell whether the fish is well-fed, but not anymore, thanks to a new AI software.

Chen Jhih-ren
ITRI Smart Sensing & Systems Technology Center
With smart sensing, we can determine whether the fish has eaten enough. Our feeding mechanism, which is automated and AI-powered, can feed the fish just enough.

Chiang Kun-lung
Fish farm owner
In the past, I’d had to check on the fish every now and then. I also needed people on every shift, all that stuff. Now, all I have to do is check my phone and take a look at the data.

The farm can be monitored in real-time with a smartphone, thanks to an AI-powered precision fish-feeding software developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI.

Chen Jhih-ren
ITRI Smart Sensing & Systems Technology Center
Fish feed roughly accounts for at least 50% of the cost of fish farming. Our smart feeding software prevents feed waste. We’re mentoring farmers of five main economic fish breeds.

Chiang Kun-lung
Fish farm owner
It allows higher density of fish and lowers our costs, which shows the importance of precise data for us.

ITRI has trained and developed an AI software with input from fish farmers, allowing them to save on feed consumption and labor costs, while increasing yield of better quality. It has been tested in several fish farms so far, benefitting farmers and showcasing the success of precision aquaculture.

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

#aquaculture #fishfarms #grouper #seafood #fish

2026-07-08

Leisure farm, beekeeper keep their animals safe before Typhoon Bavi

Typhoon Bavi is gaining power on its approach to Taiwan, as it slows down and expands. Bavi is expected to be closest to Taiwan on Friday and Saturday, and the Central Weather Administration now says there is a chance it could make landfall in Taiwan’s Northeast Coast. As the storm draws closer, a beekeeper in the mountains of Keelung is moving his 120-plus bee boxes down a mountain, while a leisure farm in Yilan is making preparations to keep its animals safe and take flood prevention measures.

As Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan, staff at Yilan Animal Kingdom are hard at work, digging ditches to prevent flooding. They will also put away all the canopy tents outdoor, so the animal kingdom doesn’t get blown away by the gales.

Chao Fei
Yilan Animal Kingdom
This time we’re adding reinforced steel before covering the exterior with wooden planks. It’s to prevent the wooden planks from getting blown away when the typhoon comes. The most important thing is drainage. We have about 20 to 30 dry wells and ditches to tend to before the typhoon. We’ve gotten around to half of them now, and we’ll continue with the rest tomorrow.

Staff at the leisure farm are making preparations to avoid flooding, before the typhoon hits, making sure that every precaution is taken. The farm will also arrange for staff members to stand guard when the typhoon arrives, for the animals’ safety.

Chao Fei
Yilan Animal Kingdom
Speaking of the animals, indoor animals will stay indoors, naturally, and there will be staff on duty. As for outdoor animals, of course, they’ll go indoors during a typhoon, and staff on duty will watch over them.

The farm says that even though their architecture are designed to withstand Force 17 winds, they still get worried every time there’s a typhoon. Meanwhile, over in Keelung’s Qidu Township, a beekeeper up in Malingjian is also rushing to move more than 120 bee boxes. Because honey is only collected once a year, the beekeeper is taking no chances.

Chang Ching-po
Beekeeper
I keep my boxes on terraced fields. I place about three to five boxes on each step. The worse to happen during a typhoon is for the boxes to get blown away. We’re at the mercy of the weather. Every time there’s news that there’ll be a typhoon, I’ll move the bee boxes to the lowest level. They must be fastened securely on both the front and back, and stabilized with a large rock on top.

The beekeeper carries each 40kg box downhill, before fastening them shut with a wire and adding weight on the lid with a large block. He’s taking no chances with the strongest typhoon so far this year.

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

#typhoon #weather #typhoonbavi #stormalert #巴威颱風

2026-07-08

Many renters face hardships as housing policies are not always effective

In Taiwan, there’s a large underground rental market. Many landlords do not officially report their rental income to the tax office to avoid paying higher taxes. With housing prices and rents both soaring, the government has stepped in to offer rental subsidies to help people who are struggling. But some landlords are resistant to putting their rental contracts on the books, even going as far as refusing to rent to people who want to apply for these subsidies. There’s also a shortage of social housing. The Ministry of the Interior is now turning to government-subsidized rental subleasing and management services, revitalizing vacant private housing to serve as an alternative supply. Let’s see how renters are reacting.

Hsiao En’s most comforting moment is when she returns home and is welcomed by her dog and two cats. However, her landlord’s participation in an urban renewal project has forced her to move again from her two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment, which is over 80-square meters. She originally hoped for social housing, but this repeatedly fell through. With rents increasing, they can eat up almost half her month’s salary.

Hsiao En
Renter
Everyone is on a waiting list, maybe dozens or even hundreds, so I’ll never get a turn. From what I can sense, the average rent in New Taipei City has probably gone up by over NT$5,000. For apartments in better condition, not like those creepy dumps, it’s probably at least NT$25,000 or more.

With housing prices and rents rising year after year, housing pressure has intensified. After the government expanded rent subsidies, some landlords are now restricting tenants from applying for them as they are concerned their tax burdens will increase. In addition, social housing has long been in short supply. The Ministry of the Interior has now turned to government-subsidized rental subleasing and management services, revitalizing vacant private housing to serve as an alternative supply.

Ou Cheng-hsing
National Land Management Agency
There is a massive resource in the private sector: a large number of vacant homes. We hope these landlords will make these properties available, essentially creating a private-sector version of social housing.

Ms Chen
They said I was too old and landlords wouldn’t rent to me. They said "What will I do if you die in the apartment?” They refused me outright. Policies sound good, but they can’t achieve anything.

Although social housing subleasing and management regulations prioritize taking care of vulnerable groups, elderly people who live alone often face rejections from landlords due to concerns about health and income.

Wang Tse-jen
New Taipei City rental association
Let’s look at the actual data: vulnerable tenants are not the same as bad tenants; they still pay their rent as normal. Looking at current subsidized housing operators, the proportion of vulnerable tenants within our association has already reached as high as 45%.

Ou Cheng-hsing
National Land Management Agency
For the operators that provide leasing and management services, we will use our evaluation mechanism.

While subletting and managing rental housing may not be able to replace government-built social housing, it is considered an important supplementary measure. However, how to ensure that vulnerable people can rent and live stably remains a policy challenge.

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

#Taiwanhousing #socialhousing #rentals #rentersrights #housing

2026-07-08

Former Hong Kong-style chef makes unique night market dumplings

The Zhongxiao Road Night Market in Taichung’s South District is a haven for foodies. Here, you will find a delicious soup dumpling eatery. The owner, a former Hong Kong-style restaurant chef, has created a unique dipping sauce made of peeled chili peppers. There’s also delectable shrimp siu mai and Golden Lava Balls overflowing with egg yolk custard. Let’s go for a visit.

A crate of piping hot soup dumplings is being served. Delicious juices ooze with just one bite.

I look forward to tasting the broth. We try to catch the broth with the spoon.

The broth goes well with shredded ginger.

Pierce open the soup dumpling and the broth overflows. The filling is generous, the skin is thin, and the flavor is fresh. The peeled chili pepper flavor offers a subversive twist on traditional expectations. The shrimp siu mai features a perfectly chewy wrapper; bite into it, and the shrimp inside has a delightfully snappy texture, bursting with the flavor of the sea.

Tseng Tsai-fu
Zhongxiao Road Night Market
His peeled chili peppers are really delicious, and there is plenty of broth and ingredients. It was like enjoying a high-quality restaurant meal at the night market.

Tseng Tsai-hsi
Zhongxiao Road Night Market
Combined with their special spicy mix, it takes it to the next level.

The night market’s soup dumplings attract huge crowds. The main selling point is that the dumplings are made to order, then prepared on the spot and steamed fresh. The shop has a transparent display window, allowing customers to watch the dumplings being made live.

Cheng Keng-ming
Dumpling eatery owner
The work area is enclosed by glass so everyone can observe the process. The food is made to order, and although it’s a night market, we want to offer our customers the most sincere and dedicated service.

Not only are the soup dumplings tempting, but the Golden Lava Balls are also a specialty of the store. The outer skin is fried until it’s golden and crispy. When you pull them open, the Golden Lava filling bursts out and just keeps on flowing.

Tseng Tsai-hsi
Zhongxiao Road Night Market
The owner said he went to quite a few (Hong Kong-style restaurants) to learn from their experiences.

The Zhongxiao Road Night Market in Taichung’s South District is a hidden gem of culinary delights. The owner of the soup dumpling shop used to work in a Hong Kong-style restaurant before returning to his hometown to open his own business, starting from a roadside stall to running an eatery.

Cheng Keng-ming
Dumpling eatery owner
The eateries here are actually full of hidden talents; they might have been head chefs at restaurants before retiring and opening their own businesses.

This night market offers affordable yet top-notch food made with high-quality ingredients, making it a highlight of a Taichung trip.

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

#nightmarkets #Taichungtourism #soupdumplings #suimai #Taichungeateries

2026-07-08

Typhoon unlikely to make landfall yet it’ll bring violent winds and rain

Typhoon Bavi will soon approach Taiwan, and the Central Weather Administration will be issuing a sea warning on Thursday during the day, and a land warning in the evening, at the earliest. Bavi will be closest to Taiwan on Friday and Saturday. Although the typhoon is unlikely to make landfall, the Central Weather Administration says the storm will cover Central Taiwan and northward, including Yilan and Hualien. Extremely heavy rains can be expected in mountainous regions north of Taichung. Let’s hear more.

Huang En-hung
Central Weather Administration
It will slowly turn north on Wednesday evening and reach the south of the Ryukyu Islands on Friday. From Friday evening, all the way to daytime Saturday, it is expected to be closest to Taiwan. The radius of the storm, with Force 7 winds, is at least 300km, and so the whole area of Central Taiwan and northward, including Yilan and Hualien, will be covered by the storm. The whole area of Central Taiwan and northward, including Yilan and Hualien, will all noticeably experience intermittent showers or thunderstorms. Mountainous areas in the west will very likely experience heavy or extremely heavy rains, especially in the north, there may be prolonged heavy rains, at least to the magnitude of extremely heavy rains. Do take note of prolonged heavy rains in the mountainous regions in the north.

The maximum wind speed near the eye of the storm reached 60m per hour at one point, making it as powerful as April’s Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest this year until now. Although Bavi is unlikely to make landfall in Taiwan, the probability of gales hitting Keelung, Taipei and Yilan is as high as 98%, and 97% in New Taipei. From Friday evening, half of the island will be covered by storm clouds.

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

#typhoon #weather #typhoonbavi #stormalert #巴威颱風

2026-07-07

Typhoon Bavi is coming and Taiwan is prepping for its arrival

With Typhoon Bavi looming, it doesn’t seem like anyone in Taiwan is underestimating the year’s strongest typhoon. Crops are getting harvested in advance, seaside swimming areas are bringing their things indoors, and even cities are clearing sewers and trimming trees while they still can. During the calm before the storm, all of Taiwan is preparing for the typhoon.

Even though good weather is still here, this farming family in Taitung are out in their fields, picking mangoes now so their fruits don’t end up being blown all over the place by the winds of Typhoon Bavi.

Mango farmer
Resigned to fate
The typhoon’s coming. We worry about the losses, so we’re picking the mangoes in a hurry. If we wait, they’ll be no good if they end up falling to the ground during the typhoon. Of course we’re worried, because this is our blood, sweat and tears.

Over in Hualien, rice is also getting harvested earlier than usual. This rice farmer has been working for two days already. This area’s done; nonetheless, behind him there’s much more waiting to be harvested. The rice hasn’t fully matured, but he’s collecting it earlier than normal because he’s worried about the typhoon destroying his crops.

-About how many hectares is it?
-Hard to count.
-I was working past midnight last night. I’m exhausted.
-So, a lot of farmers have asked you to help them harvest?
-That’s correct

This saltwater swimming spot on the Northeast Coast is getting ready for the winds and water of Typhoon Bavi. Ties are being undone so this lifeguard chair can be put in a safe place.

All the seaside tables, kayaks, and sun umbrellas have been moved indoors. Even squat toilets need sandbags to be placed on them in order to prevent flood water carrying in sand and rocks, which could lead to the pipes getting clogged up.

And don’t forget the jellyfish barrier nets needing to be pulled onto shore, because large waves could rip the nets.

Yin Te-cheng
Owner of swimming area
I’m thinking the waves along the Northeast Coast will surely start to get really big. The water will basically get really close to facilities along the coast, so, in general, everything is going to get put away, including tables and chairs as well as sunshades and shade nets like these. They all need to be stored away.

These workers in Keelung are clearing out sewers, scooping up palettes, and taking away bulky trash such as old wires; doing all this work to prevent sewers from getting clogged up is part of an effort to avoid another June-like flooding incident.

Trimming these roadside trees while they still can, workers in Taitung are also taking advantage of the good weather. It’s clear to see that all the cities and counties are doing their very best to take on this year’s strongest typhoon.

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

#typhoon #weather #typhoonbavi #stormalert #巴威颱風

2026-07-07

Presidential office condemns assault on media personality Yaita Akio

In Taiwan, free speech is enjoyed by all, but with that freedom comes the reality that some want to take it away, especially with violence and intimidation. On Monday, veteran media personality Yaita Akio was suddenly punched by a Chinese man who had come to Taiwan as a Hongkonger, and on Tuesday the Presidential Office condemned the incident, saying in Taiwan violence like this is never permissible.

Yaita Akio
Media personality
If they sent someone here, it’s because they’re hoping to get me to shut up. It’s as if they’re saying they can sanction me from abroad. This is something akin to Lam Wing-kee’s red-paint attack or young exiled Hong Kong activists now living in Taiwan. For China, they use criminals in Hong Kong who come to Taiwan to commit crimes before fleeing. They’ve found success at creating an environment of fear, and so I think this time what happened to me is an extension of that.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
We absolutely do not condone violence. For incidences like this, I’m confident that they serve as a warning sign for Taiwan. We need to defend freedom of speech, so, going forward, we all need to work even harder.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office spokesperson
Around the world, China is stalking, harassing, and using violence in order to suppress a variety of voices. When it comes to clamping down on free speech, Taiwan is a democratic society governed by the rule of law, so, for our legal system, situations like this cross the line, and therefore this kind of behavior will not be permitted.

Police found that the Chinese man surnamed Liao had entered Taiwan with a Hong Kong passport on July 2. On July 5, Liao went to the hotel to check out the area’s surroundings. On July 6, Liao, who knew exactly when Yaita Akio’s speech would end, attacked the veteran media personality and then fled to the airport. Someone revealed that the suspect has a criminal record in Hong Kong, so it seems like he was motivated by someone else to come to Taiwan to commit this crime. Yet many questions remain unanswered, such as where did he go between July 2 and July 5? Where did he stay? And, was someone else in Taiwan offering support to him while he was here?

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

#矢板明夫 #mediapersonality #taiwan #japan #china

2026-07-07

ITRI seeks to strengthen Taiwan tech by developing drones, robots, and AI

On July 6, Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute celebrated its 53rd anniversary. During its celebration ceremony, ITRI exhibited a host of high tech developments, including advanced semiconductors, smart robots, and smart medical technology. These advancements will help bolster Taiwan’s tech resiliency, ensuring that the country remains competitive during this era of digital transformation.

This robotic arm can cook up noodles, grill a patty, and, before you know it, dinner is served.

There’s also this drone, which, when disaster strikes, can do many helpful tasks that improve disaster response efficiency, like flying to hard-to-reach mountainous areas. Celebrating its 53rd anniversary, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI exhibited seven fields of technological advancements. Ministry of Economic Affairs Deputy Minister Ho Chin-tsang and Legislator Ker Chien-ming congratulated ITRI for its good work.

Wu Tsung-tsong
ITRI Chair
Recently, it seems like everybody’s talking about drones, but we at ITRI call these machines uncrewed vehicles. Every branch from the Army and Navy to the Air Force, even the Taiwan Space Agency, is using uncrewed vehicles; robots are also a kind of uncrewed vehicle. So, what’s the point in all this? It’s that, for the most recent wave of agentic AI, the AI’s brainpower has evolved as well as its ability to communicate.

This year, ITRI’s theme is “advancing via cross-domains, breaking new ground together”. Facing the ever-present challenge of AI, ITRI is focusing on 3 key fields: uncrewed vehicles, cutting-edge semiconductors, and all the various fields of AI. The institute is also striving to connect the data and computing power of small and medium-sized enterprises to make Taiwan an even stronger competitor.

Chang Pei-zen
ITRI President
Right now, we’re primarily working towards three directions: one is AI, another is drones, and the third is robots. By utilizing these AI tools that I just mentioned along with systems engineering methods, I hope we can develop technology that industries will quickly adopt.

In its five decades of existence, ITRI has worked hard to upgrade all of Taiwan’s industries in order to help the country become a resilient global center of tech.

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

#ITRI #AI #robots #tech #drones

2026-07-07

New Taipei opens long-term care center for elderly, special needs pets

On July 3, the New Taipei City Government inaugurated the nation’s very first long-term care center for elderly animals in Zhonghe District. The state-of-the-art facility shatters the outdated stereotype of traditional animal shelters with special rehab facilities especially for elderly and disabled pets. New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi and the city’s Agriculture Bureau also launched a special medical care card for pets, ensuring that anyone who adopts a dog or cat in need of special attention can receive free veterinary care for life.

At this ceremony held on July 3, the audience applauds as New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi and other guests reveal the sign for a brand-new long-term care shelter for elderly and disabled pets. The facility is the first of its kind in Taiwan.

Turning around the stereotype of old, crowded animal shelters, this newly renovated facility in Zhonghe District has won awards for its design, including the Chinese Architectural Golden Stone Award in 2024 and the 2025 National Construction Excellence Award. But it’s not just about making the animals comfortable—their health is also a priority.

Hou You-yi
New Taipei City Mayor
To care for elderly and special-needs animals in New Taipei City, we will look after them during their old age and when they need care the most through rehab courses, health management, and long-term care.

Vets are on staff to assist elderly dogs and cats through rehab and physical therapy. Free courses on animal care and rehabilitation will also be held every month to teach owners how to care for their senior pets at home. In addition, the city is also offering a pet long-term care card to encourage adoption.

Hou You-yi
New Taipei City Mayor
We’ve launched a special card for long-term medical care. Anyone who adopts a dog or cat from a New Taipei City shelter that has special needs can receive medical care free of charge for the rest of the animal’s life from this shelter.

With significant upgrades to shelter facilities and animal welfare policies, New Taipei is taking strides to provide all pets the care they deserve, and hopefully find special needs pets a forever home.

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#pets #animalshelter #NewTaipeiCity #HouYouyi #adoptdontshop #seniorpets #animalwelfare #animalrehab

2026-07-07

Hsinchu road signs leave English readers puzzled

A driver in Hsinchu recently noticed some unusual road signage while driving around the city. In one instance, two signs for the same road had the same Chinese, but totally different English translations. Some are literal, while others use transliteration. Someone else discovered that a graphic on one sign was actually upside down. What’s even worse—it’s been that way for three years.

Vehicles on this busy thoroughfare pass a vertical green sign clearly saying the name of the street in Chinese and English: Puding Road. The sign above the road next to the traffic light also says Puding in Chinese, but the English translation for some reason starts with an N. It’s the same road, but has two different names.

People were puzzled by the difference, although it seems like the correct name might have peeled off. But this isn’t the only problematic sign in the city.

This sign indicates the way toward Zhuzhong Railway Station, but do you see what the problem is? The train icon is upside down, making it look like a monorail. The icon should look like this, with the rails on the ground. What’s more ridiculous is that this sign has been up for three years.

Lin Chun-yuan
Hsinchu Transportation Department deputy director
For the sign with an incorrect English translation, the city will ask the contractor to correct it as soon as possible.

Huang Chi
Hsinchu Transportation Department technician
As for the signboard, we will fix the issue by the end of July.

City officials promised to complete improvements by the end of the month. After all, road signs aren’t just for locals. Foreign tourists could be led astray by a confusing sign.

Aside from translation errors, people also discovered an instance in which two road signs showed different English spellings. Both refer to Zhubei City, but the bottom one reads “Zhugbed Shi” in English. Turns out that it’s the Hakka pronunciation, installed only at major intersections as part of an initiative by the Hakka Affairs Council.

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#roadsigns #Englishtranslation #translationfail #Hsinchu #Hakka #driving

2026-07-07

Multiple companies involved in bad cooking oil covered up information

The Central Union Oil carcinogenic cooking oil crisis is still boiling. An investigation has confirmed that Central Union Oil did not immediately inform the authorities about their problematic products, and that it had not been entirely forthcoming. As a result, the Ministry of Health and Welfare fined the oil company. At over NT$165 million, the fine is the largest the central government has ever given.

Local governments have also gotten involved. Central Union Oil received a NT$3 million fine from Taichung’s Health Bureau, which also gave both Fwusow and Fopco a separate NT$3 million fine for not revealing test results. Changhua’s Public Health Bureau is seeking NT$6 million from Taisun. Even Namchow Group, which tested the oil on its own behalf, is being punished for only informing companies in the upstream supply chain. Taipei’s Department of Health fined the company NT$3 million for not reporting the issue in accordance with the law.

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#foodsafety #carcinogens #cookingoil #consumersrights #soybean


2026-07-07

Coast Guard saves drowning bather with remote-controlled lifebuoy

On Monday late afternoon, the Coast Guard saved a drowning bather off the coast of Longfeng Fishing Port in Miaoli in minutes, all thanks to a high-tech device acquired in recent years. It took only three minutes to reach the victim, who was struggling to stay afloat, giving him something to grab on. Then, Coast Guard officers dragged him back onshore. The victim was conscious and was sent to hospital for treatment.

In the video, you can see someone carried by the waves. Meanwhile, another person onshore maneuvers a black object. What’s happening?

Turns out, he’s operating a remote-controlled power lifebuoy, which does not require rescuers to go out to sea. Within three minutes, the lifebuoy reached the victim, giving them something to hold on to.

Chen Wen-wei
Coast Guard
Normally, we operate it onshore if the target is visible with the naked eye, but it has a maximum range of about 100m.

While the victim grasps onto the lifebuoy, rescuers drag them back onshore.

Tsai Chong-ying
Coast Guard
We immediately deployed the power lifebuoy to rescue the individual who was drowning and reached him within three minutes. We then swiftly and safely transported him back onshore.

The Longfeng Inspection Office in Miaoli, under the Coast Guard’s Central Branch, was reported of the incident by a member of the public a little past 5 p.m. Monday. The caller said that someone was drowning off the coast of Longfeng Fishing Port, in the direction of the Lovers’ Bridge. The Coast Guard immediately rushed to the scene with the high-tech equipment, pulled the victim up and sent him to hospital on an ambulance.

Lin Tzu-chieh
Miaoli Fire Department
When we arrived on scene, Coast Guard officers had already rescued the patient from sea and assessed his level of consciousness. He was able to walk on his own. We kept him warm and gave him oxygen, then sent him to Weigong Hospital.

The victim is a 24-year-old man surnamed Chen. He and two other friends had gone out to sea, but he ended up drowning. He was conscious when rescuers pulled him back onshore, and sent to the hospital for treatment.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#tech #devices #coastguard #lifeguard #lifebuoy

2026-07-07

EVA, NTU Hospital launch on-board doctors program

More people than ever are flying abroad for travel and business, but encountering a medical emergency while in the air remains a major source of anxiety, no matter the traveler. One doctor said they’ve encountered three such emergencies in only six months. A national airline has therefore signed an MOU with National Taiwan University Hospital to launch the “Compassionate Doctors on Board” program. Interested physicians can register with the airline, enabling crew members to contact them in the event of an emergency.

When a medical emergency occurs in the air, the only thing flight attendants can do is ask if there’s a doctor on board. This isn’t just a plot for Japanese dramas—it actually happens in real life.

In this case, an Indonesian passenger on a flight from Taoyuan to Jakarta had difficulty breathing and fainted shortly after takeoff. Doctors say they frequently encounter these kinds of emergencies while flying.

Cheng Shao-yi
NTU Hospital director of family medicine
Within a span of six months, I flew three times and encountered an emergency on all three flights. Most were older people who had difficulty breathing, likely due to the cabin air pressure.

Huang Kuo-chin
NTU Hospital vice superintendent
One time when I flew to Hong Kong for a conference, a pregnant woman had a miscarriage. After rushing over to help, I discovered the medical equipment on board was extremely rudimentary.

In recent years, travel abroad for pleasure and business has become more common, while older people also have more opportunities to travel. While it’s always possible to consult a physician before flying, the unexpected can always happen. NTU Hospital and EVA Air therefore signed a memorandum of understanding to create the “Compassionate Doctors on Board” program.

Clay Sun
EVA Air president
Since launching the program, precious lives have been saved by these compassionate doctors on board. We encourage more physicians to join this deeply meaningful initiative.

Interested physicians can register with the airline, enabling flight attendants to seek their assistance in the event of a medical emergency. With their help, flying just got a little bit safer.

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#airlines #EVAAir #NTUHospital #CompassionateDoctorsonBoard #airlines #travel #medicalemergency #publichealth

2026-07-07

Tainan turkey rice shop treats customers to a side of mangoes

It’s mango season! And with an abundant harvest this year, a turkey rice shop in Tainan is treating customers to a side dish of mangoes on the house. The owner said that he tries to get fruits from his family farm and shares them with customers. Needless to say, customers are delighted.

Diner
Turkey rice eatery
I saw it on the Internet recently, and rushed to get here within a few days. I, myself, love mangoes.

Diner
Turkey rice eatery
The boss is so nice, he’s treating customers to delicious mangoes with an order of turkey rice, and he farmed the mangoes himself.

Diner
Turkey rice eatery
They go really well together. I had never imagined that turkey rice could be paired with mangoes. It’s really special. The turkey rice isn’t too greasy, and the mango makes it even less so. It’s really appetizing.

Mr. Hsiao
Owner of turkey rice eatery
Our family, mainly my father is a farmer. We have lots of mangoes. Also lots of longan, lots of fruits in general. I pick fruits whenever it’s time for harvest. I don’t sell the fruits. I serve all of them to my customers.

Many customers at the shop say they went especially for the free mangoes, and that they were surprised how well the fruit goes together with turkey rice. However, as with all free offers, availability depends.

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#delicious #taiwanesefood #turkeyrice #mangoes #tropical

2026-07-07