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Mainland ministry announces ban on government personnel attending PRC event

The PRC’s 18th Straits Forum will be held in the middle of this month. For the first time, the Mainland Affairs Council has announced a ban on central government and local government personnel from participating in any of its activities, a step up from its previous stance of “not recommending” they attend. The council says the event is the largest Chinese United Front operation targeting Taiwan. The first person to bear the brunt of the decision was Taitung County Commissioner Yao Ching-ling, of the KMT, who had put in an application to attend. Let’s hear what she and the council have to say.

Yao Ching-ling
Taitung County Commissioner
Actually, I don’t think it’s that important for me personally to be able to participate in the Straits Forum. I just feel it’s a bit of a pity. Whether problems can be solved is what I care more about. I’ve always felt my role as Taitung County Commissioner is a platform. If everyone can work together to make this platform better, that would be a very good thing. It’s a real shame.

Liang Wen-chieh
Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson
We prohibit participation in activities related to the Taiwan version of “one country, two systems,” or “democratic consultations” aimed at eliminating the ROC. We urge all sectors and political parties not to echo the CCP’s narrative on Taiwan and become tools for United Front work against Taiwan.

Chen Yu-chen
Lawmaker (KMT)
Why would you assume that they are necessarily trying to win us over? When we go and hold exchanges with them, why can’t we also win them over?

Chuang Jui-hsiung
Legislator (DPP)
The purpose of the entire Straits Forum is actually to promote unification. It’s about integration and promoting unification. There are so many forums around the world. Why do you insist on participating in this kind of forum that aims to eliminate our own country? From any government’s perspective, you would definitely express your opposition.

The Straits Forum, which is entirely conceived and guided by the PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office since 2009 has seen its main attendees primarily from the KMT, New Party and some NGOs. The DPP has explicitly prohibited its party officials from participating. Although it claims to expand cross-strait people-to-people exchanges and strengthen cooperation, the core message of this forum is to emphasize that both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same roots and that the motherland should be united peacefully.

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

#ccp #taiwan #roc #crosstrait

Time：2026-06-05

最新消息 Latest News

Shanghai’s gift of red pandas to the Taipei Zoo kicks off political storm

The Twin-City Forum held by Shanghai and Taipei last September involved the two cities signing an MOU for animal exchanges and cooperation. In practice, this meant the two cities agreed to exchange rare animals that are listed as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Taiwanese politicians are enraged – but not about whether these animals are better off in the wild or whether Taiwanese and Chinese zoos will ensure these species’ longevity. Instead, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is pointing to China’s gift of red pandas to claim the cross-strait forum was a success, while DPP politicians are saying the beasts are Chinese tools that will encourage unification. Let’s find out more.

These two adorable little red pandas strolling leisurely around on the grass are gifts from Shanghai that will arrive in Taiwan on Saturday. The Taipei City Government is promoting them extensively, calling them an outcome of Twin-City Forum exchanges.

Puma Shen
Taipei mayoral candidate (DPP)
The so-called Twin-City Forum is the bottom of the barrel, not the top of the heap. We can actually communicate with countries all over the world. We had red panda exchanges with Japan in exactly the same way. This doesn’t seem like something that can be exclusively achieved through the Twin-City Forum. There’s no need for political preconditions for such exchanges.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
Providing more genetic diversity and life education is very meaningful for our children.

The two red pandas arriving at the Taipei Zoo are from the Shanghai Zoo. This "animal exchange" at the Twin-City Forum involves Taipei sending rare white-handed gibbons to China. The Chiang administration is proud of this, but the pro-independence camp is lambasting the animal exchanges as a tool for unification. They argue that as early as March this year, Taiwan imported a female red panda called “Sensen” from Asahiyama Zoo in Japan, but the Taipei City Government did not greet this with high profile celebrations.

Lin Yen-feng
Taipei City Councilor (DPP)
The red pandas from China are considered treasures, while the red pandas from Japan are just weeds. And the key point is that Mayor Chiang Wan-an himself had to come out and say personally: this is the result of Twin-City Forum exchanges. Didn’t China also send giant pandas to Japan in the past, only to turn sour on a dime, with China then demanding: “Return them to me, I’m not letting you keep them anymore?”

The red pandas from China will undergo a month-long quarantine once they arrive in Taiwan and are expected to meet the public in early July. For the moment, the creatures are a point of contention between the KMT and DPP.

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

#redpanda #Largibbon #Chinesediplomacy #Taipeizoo #Shanghaizoo

2026-06-05

Taichung improving park facilities after mysterious rhinoceros beetles deaths

The Taichung City Government recently constructed an ecological park themed around rhinoceros beetles in Dongshi District. After its official opening in May, they held a ceremony to release beetles into the park. But now, visitors are discovering that the insects are dying off in unusual numbers. Some suspect the hot weather paired with insufficient shade is to blame, but the actual cause remains under investigation. In the meantime, the city said it would continue adding shade structures and misting machines to improve their habitat.

Visitors poke their heads around, searching high and low for rhinoceros beetles. Finally, someone spots one clinging to a tree trunk, but it appears listless.

- The environment here is too hot for them. They’re going to die from the heat.

- Rhinoceros beetles aren’t really suited to be out during the summer.

The Dongshi Rhinoceros Beetle Ecological Park is the first in Taiwan to be dedicated to the insect. It officially opened on May 11, and on May 30, a ceremony was held to introduce beetles to the park. But visitors have noticed they’re dying off for unknown reasons.

Member of public
Sad for beetles
It’s a shame the beetles are dying off. The park needs to have better facilities, or they’ll keep suffering for nothing.

Member of public
Cares for beetles
The trees haven’t grown dense enough yet. The environment over there isn’t great for them.

Member of public
Thinking about beetles
They haven’t necessarily died from heat. Their lifespan is short. It’s mating season now. After mating, the males typically die within a week.

To shed light on this mystery, experts have weighted in.

Voice of Lee Yu-hung
Beetle shop owner
Beetles have an internal circulatory system. When in direct sunlight, they can’t dissipate the heat. The thermal energy will keep building in their bodies until it kills them. The trees there are probably not big enough yet, meaning there isn’t enough shade for them to escape the sun.

Chen Chao-jen
Taichung Maintenance Office officer
The Maintenance Office promptly installed shade cover, mist machines, and other facilities to optimize the habitat.

The city said that rhinoceros beetles don’t live long and are vulnerable to injury or death due to high temperatures or after mating. Moving forward, it vowed to keep improving shade and misting facilities to keep improving their 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

#rhinocerosbeetles #beetles #Taichung #ecologicalpark #animalwelfare #insects

2026-06-05

Affordable sushi shop move to self-built 7-story building

A popular old-school eatery with rock-bottom prices and round-the clock service is about to go through a huge upgrade. The beloved “A-po Sushi” 阿婆壽司joint in New Taipei’s Yingge District has been operating for more than 40 years, selling different kinds of sushi rolls and oden dishes. Before the end of the month, its humble premises are set to get a massive revamp, as the business is moving to an enormous self-built 7-story building in the area, which experts estimate to have cost NT$130 million.

And perhaps most interestingly, none of the five co-owners of the new building have any record of taking out a loan to buy the property. All of them are related to the family that runs the restaurant. According to the operators, floors 1 to 3 will be dedicated to the restaurant, floors 4 to 6 will be offices, and the floor 7 will be residential.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#mixeduse #sushi #zoning #urbandevelopment #business #millionaire

2026-06-05

Tainan collision posts flattened by trucks three times in two weeks

To keep cars from crossing the center lines at one busy intersection in Tainan’s Rende District, the city put up five flexible collision posts down the center of the road. But after only a couple short weeks, they’ve already been flattened by trucks three times, earning them the title of the unluckiest posts in town.

Taxis and small trucks drive straight through this intersection like usual. But just behind them, this flatbed truck plows directly over the bright yellow posts separating traffic in the middle of the road.

These poor posts are bent at an angle now, all at the same 30 degrees.

Cheng Ching-erh
Chenggong Borough chief
Not long after we installed them, they got run over by a truck. We replaced them the next day, but after installing those, they were bent again by a crane truck.

Cheng said the posts were installed on May 9 and damaged on the very same day. They swapped them out for a new set and installed a surveillance camera to keep watch, capturing a cement truck speeding over them on May 20.

Then again, a truck ran over them on May 25, meaning the posts were destroyed three times in just half a month. What’s worse is that none of the drivers reported the incidents.

Cheng Ching-erh
Chenggong Borough chief
They’ve been replaced twice in 10 days. We’ve pulled the footage to review what happened and will get the police to investigate.

This is the intersection of Baosheng East and Chongde roads in Tainan’s Rende District. Since motorists often make illegal U-turns and cross the center lines here, the city put up these flexible posts to keep everyone in their lanes. While the accident rate has indeed dropped, it comes at the expense of these poor posts.

Member of public
Commenting on incident
Most of them are large trucks. But you can’t put up rigid ones. If a vehicle hit one, it would be dangerous.

The unluckiest traffic posts in the city have already been replaced twice. The borough chief has decided to involve the police to go after the drivers for compensation. He also called on motorists to pay attention while going through this intersection so these hard-working posts can catch a break.

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 #trafficsafety #bollard #Tainan #trucks #hitandrun #propertydamage #Taiwandrivers #Taiwantraffic

2026-06-05

Unattended wok causes large blaze on hawker’s truck

On Thursday, a hawker was driving his scallion pancake truck from Taoyuan to Keelung and doing business. Then, on one stop, he went to the restroom and forgot to turn off his burner, causing his deep fryer filled with oil to catch fire, emitting enormous flames. When he returned, he tried unsuccessfully to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, only to burn his hand and have the blaze grow bigger. Let’s see what happened.

Flames burn fiercely out of a hawker’s truck. The blaze originated from a deep frying wok. Impossibly black, thick smoke shot into the sky, not only burning through the entire roof, but even damaging a sign on a nearby drugstore.

When the firefighters arrived, they immediately used fire extinguishers to put out the fire, but after the entire canister was used up, the fire was still just as big. They then had to change their approach and spray water to extinguish it.

With a powerful jet of water, the fire was finally extinguished, leaving only the frame of the stand.

- The metal cover next to it got too hot and instantly caught fire.
- Your hands are burned!
- Put some ice on them.

Kao Cheng-huang
Keelung City Fire Department
The deep fryer for selling scallion pancakes caught fire, and we quickly set up water lines to put it out.

On Fuxing Road in Keelung City, the scallion pancake hawker’s truck caught fire when the owner suddenly needed to use the restroom and forgot to turn off the burner, causing hot oil to splatter and start a fire. The owner immediately grabbed a fire extinguisher to put out the fire, but the fire only intensified, and he also burned his hands. Firefighters remind the public that if a cooking oil fire occurs, do not pour water on it, and don’t rush for the fire extinguisher.

Kao Cheng-huang
Keelung City Fire Department
The correct method is to first cover the pot with a lid, then turn off the power and the range hood. After covering it, cover the pot with a damp towel and let it sit for five minutes to cool down before opening the pot lid.

In addition to covering the oil pan with its lid in order to cut off the air and extinguish the fire, fire fighters also said that a certain distance must be maintained when using a fire extinguisher to avoid high-pressure gas causing hot oil to splatter everywhere and burn even more.

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

#kitchenfires #fire #firefighting #Keelung #Taoyuan #Scallionpancakes

2026-06-05

Limited-edition bentos draw crowds for railroad bento festival

From limited-edition lunch boxes to collectible train models, Taiwan’s biggest railway food festival is back and drawing crowds once again. Dedicated rail fans lined up before sunrise despite the rain, hoping to get their hands on exclusive bentos and souvenirs that sell out fast. This year’s Formosa Railroad Bento Festival is the largest ever, featuring 15 railway companies from Japan and a host of special collaborations, turning Taipei Main Station into a paradise for train enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

The Formosa Railroad Bento Festival is back for its 11th edition, its biggest one yet. As in previous years, rail fans were up bright and early to save a spot in line.

Railway fan
Woke up early
I arrived just past 6 in the morning. I want to buy the clay pot bento, or the wooden one. The meals are different every year. I became more invested in the 8th edition.

Railway fan
Longtime participant
I’ve come so many times. This is my 10th edition. You can’t even buy this one in Japan.

This railway enthusiast nabbed a special edition Japanese golden train bento, which is not for sale in Japan, as it is reserved for gifts only. The limited-edition souvenir marks the 10th anniversary of a partnership between Taiwan Railway and Tobu Railway.

This year, there are 15 Japanese railway companies joining in the fun, including JR East, JR Hokkaido, Izuhakone Railway, Ohmi Railway, Awajiwa and Enoshima Electric Railway.

Sekuguchi Motohito
Enoshima Electric Railway
We brought over this special lunch bag in the shape of a train on the Enoshima Electric Railway. Inside, you’ll find candied apples. We hope you’ll stop by our stand and have fun with us!

Ogasawara Yui
Aomori Railway Company
The bentos we brought over contain Aomori apples, Yesso scallops and black garlic.

The Taiwan Railway also has limited-edition collectibles, such as a time-limited clay pot bento packed with seafood or a surf-and-turf meal laid in a bamboo steamer. This year they’ve collaborated with the Cosmos Hotel and Smartfish.

Lin Li
FTV reporter
Besides a party for your taste buds, also for sale is a 1:150 replica of the popular painted train on the Jiji Line.

The miniature is done in the popular N scale, and includes all the cute and colorful designs created by internationally renowned artist Hung Yi. From delectable meals to delightful models, the annual 4-day event is a must-go for railway enthusiasts.

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

#traintravel #japanesefood #japan #taiwan #railway #jr #tr

2026-06-05

Kaohsiung’s Singuang Riverside reopens with improved water park

Kaohsiung can be unbearably hot in the summer, but there are ways to beat the heat! Singuang Riverside Park is a great place for the kids to burn off some energy while also cooling down. After over half a year of renovations, it’s finally reopened to the public, featuring thrilling waterslides and all kinds of water-based activities.

Kaohsiung’s Singuang Riverside Park has officially reopened! These kids can’t wait to jump straight into the water.

Kids grab water guns, filling them with water to spray their friends. Others ran straight to the waterslide.

There’s nothing more refreshing in this heat than sliding down in the water. They never want to leave!

-That looked exciting!
-How many times have you gone?
-Two times.
-How about your brother?
-Also twice.

-We live nearby. It’s rare to find a place like this downtown. It’s beautiful.
-What will you do next?
-This, but she’s a little scared. She wanted to go at first, but lost her nerve. Stage fright.

The waterpark at the Singuang Riverside spans 1.3 hectares. Aside from the waterslides, swing, and mist machine, there’s also new safety railings, sun shades, and seats to keep cool in the summer heat.

Parent
Brought kids along
It’s way too hot out, so I brought my kids straight over here. If they didn’t have a way to cool down, we couldn’t be outdoors at all.

Lin Tsan-ming
Kaohsiung Parks Construction Office director
We made some upgrades and made the flooring more textured to help with slipping. The facilities are completely free, basically on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays.

During its three-day trial run last year, the park saw 80,000 visitors. Now that it’s been upgraded, families will have a new summer oasis to beat the blistering heat.

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

#Kaohsiung #SinguangRiversidePark #waterpark #splashzone #familyfun #kids #waterslide #beattheheat #summer

2026-06-05

Farmers breed new floral-scented "Yulan Magnolia" pineapple

Taiwan is now well into its pineapple season and farmers are showing off new exclusive varieties with unique and delicious flavors. A family of pineapple farmers in Chiayi’s Minxiong has actually created a pineapple with a faint floral perfume called the Yulan Magnolia Pineapple. In addition, another pineapple farming family has created the Honey Peach Pineapple. It’s so popular, and the crop is so small, it’s often sold out. Let’s find out more.

The staff cut the pineapple into small chunks so that people can take big satisfying bites. With just one bite, the flesh is tender and there’s a delightful fragrance of flowers. This is no ordinary pineapple, but the grower’s exclusive variety: the Yulan Magnolia Pineapple.

- It has a delicate floral fragrance and it tastes very sweet and refreshing.

- The fibers are very fine, it’s very moist and it’s quite sweet.

The fruit has a green and yellow color scheme, is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom in a teardrop shape. It has a faint floral fragrance. When cut open, it’s even more impressive, revealing small flower-shaped patterns on the flesh. This family in Minxiong, Chiayi, has been pineapple farmers for three generations. Many years ago, they spent over ten years developing this exclusive Yulan Magnolia Pineapple variety. Although the annual yield is only about 10,000 fruits and the farm-gate price reaches over NT$100 each, it remains a massive hit.

Wang Pei-ju
Pineapple shop manager
Actually, it takes a very long time to develop such a delicious variety. It’s our exclusive variety.

Besides the Yulan Magnolia Pineapple, there is also a Honey Peach Pineapple, which is quite unique. If you compare their flesh, the Yulan Magnolia Pineapple is whiter, while the Honey Peach Pineapple flesh is yellowish. Some people wanted to buy it but were left empty-handed.

Member of the public
The sweet and sour ratio is just right, so I recommend it, but it’s a rare treat. The owner said it’s only available once every three days.

Ms. Tsai
Pineapple shop owner
Because the yield is very low, we harvest them every three days so they’re just ripe. If you pick them too early, they won’t taste good.

Mr. Lan
Second generation manager in pineapple shop
The nationwide supply is very limited, so mass production has not yet commenced.

May and June are Taiwan’s pineapple season. In addition to the popular Golden Diamond Pineapple and Milk Pineapple, businesses are also launching their exclusive varieties so that people can try new flavors and experience different pineapple tastes.

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

#Taiwanpineapples #pineapple #season #uniquepineapples

2026-06-05

TSMC CEO optimistic about future Growth, as revenue hits NT$3.8T

TSMC held its annual shareholders’ meeting on Thursday. The company presented impressive figures, with consolidated revenue hitting NT$3.8 trillion in 2025, an increase of more than 31% year on year. Net profit after tax stood at NT$1.7 trillion, while earnings per share increased to NT$66.25, both record highs. But the question on many shareholders’ minds was whether cash dividends would increase this year. The company’s CEO C.C. Wei gave the answer: Dividends have increased by more than 30% as TSMC’s stock price had more than doubled since last year. Let’s hear from him.

C.C. Wei
TSMC CEO
At last year’s shareholders’ meeting on June 3, TSMC shares were trading at NT$950. As of yesterday, they had reached NT$2,425 per share. That’s a rise of 150% in 365 days. TSMC of course will share these outstanding figures with our shareholders. Employee profit-sharing bonuses increased by 30% from 2023 to 2024, and grew by another 30% from 2024 to 2025. We’re confident that from 2025 to 2026 the increase will be in excess of 30%. Our goal is to operate sustainably in the long term, which means we will fulfill our responsibilities in caring for our employees, shareholders and society. This growth rate of 30% has no ceiling, I think.

As the global AI boom continues, TSMC is facing unprecedented demand to expand production. Speaking after the shareholders meeting, Wei recalled an exchange with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang about the explosive growth of AI demand. Wei said he once complained to Huang, saying, "You’re so smart, why didn’t you tell me about the AI boom?" Huang replied, "I didn’t know either." The brief exchange goes to show just how rapidly the AI market has expanded, far exceeding everyone’s expectations.

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

#tsmc #chips #ai #nvidia #stock #shares

2026-06-04

ICDF to offer student internships in diplomatic allies Saint Lucia and Eswatini

If you’re a student who dreams of being a diplomat, take note! Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund is marking its 30th anniversary with a new campus ambassadors program. University students aged 18 to 30 can apply for summer internships that let them experience vocational training and medical missions in two of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies: Eswatini and Saint Lucia. The organizers hope that through these internships, a youthful perspective on Taiwan’s diplomatic activities will spread in the community.

President Lai Ching-te recently visited Eswatini, Taiwan’s only formal diplomatic ally in Africa. The visit took the friendship between the two countries to the next level, and Lai had to overcome considerable pressure from China, drawing the attention of the international community. Now, diplomatic outreach is not only for heads of state, ordinary college students can do it too.

Shouldering large backpacks, students depart Taoyuan Airport for Eswatini. The 20-plus hour flight sees university students brimming with enthusiasm as they step out of their comfort zones to deeply experience a different kind of life in international aid over their summer vacations. From observing and learning about vocational training programs to medical checkups, Taiwanese youth are actively involved, all thanks to the International Cooperation and Development Fund. This year marks the ICDF’s 30th anniversary, a new milestone.

Hsieh Pei-fen
ICDF deputy secretary general
In a way, a 30th anniversary is like turning 30 years old—it’s a truly special milestone. This time, we’ve made special arrangements for students to visit Eswatini, which President Lai just recently visited, or Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, one of our diplomatic allies. You could say these are countries most people might only have the chance to visit once in a lifetime

Not only can students travel to Eswatini, but also to Saint Lucia, a formal diplomatic ally in the Caribbean. For the first time the ICDF is publicly selecting campus ambassadors. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older can apply. After passing the online review and selection process, they can realize their dreams of diplomacy.

Hsieh Pei-fen
ICDF deputy secretary general
If I weren’t already over thirty, I would sign up immediately, because I truly believe this is an exceptionally good opportunity. Many of our diplomatic allies aren’t usually tourist destinations for our citizens. This is a great opportunity, as the ICDF covers all expenses, including airfare and accommodation.

With just a blink of an eye, the ICDF has turned 30. Now it will help the younger generation enter adulthood by gaining new international perspectives.

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

#Taiwaninternships #Taiwandiplomacy #Caribbeantravel #Eswatinitravel #internships

2026-06-04

Altius-600M drones achieve 100% hit rate during exercise

Taiwan’s military conducted the Tienma Exercise under the Third Theater of Operations, to demonstrate the combat effectiveness of its new weapons system. For the first time, Altius-600M attack drones were deployed to shoot maritime targets, firing more than a dozen rounds throughout the exercise. According to footage released by the military, the Altius-600M achieved a 100% hit rate, dispelling rumors that Ukraine had stopped using the American system due to poor accuracy.

Taiwan’s military previously purchased 291 Altius-600M drones from the US under Project Hunter Owl. The systems were fully delivered and commissioned in March this year, enhancing the military’s anti-armor capabilities. Weighing approximately 12 kg, the model is designed for extended loiter time and precision strikes. The military is also planning to acquire the more powerful Altius-700M drones from the US to further strengthen its strike capabilities.

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

#military #drones #loitering #munition #tianma

2026-06-04

Kaohsiung dumps stray dogs in Tainan’s Longqi, sparking fury

Residents of Longqi District in Tainan have long noticed an increase in the numbers of stray dogs in recent years. There have been many reports of attacks on protected pangolins. Chicken farmers are also worried. Now, there is widespread outrage after residents discovered that animal protection authorities in neighboring Kaohsiung were offloading their city’s stray dogs into Longqi District under the cover of night. Let’s find out more.

These stray dogs have been confirmed by the Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office to be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and then released into the wild by officials.

Hung Chen-kai
Tainan City Government
Upon investigation, three of these five animals had implanted microchips. They were transferred from shelters in other counties and cities to Longqi District.

The Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office’s explanation was guarded. However, the vehicle that released these stray dogs in Longqi District was actually an official vehicle from the Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office. Under the cover of night, they released five stray dogs into mountainous areas in Longqi and were caught red-handed by local residents.

Lu Chih-hung
Chicken farmer
We could never find the culprit before. But this time, we caught the Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office red-handed in the middle of releasing these strays.

It’s not just chicken farmers that detest stray dogs. There are also many protected pangolins in Longqi and there have been frequent reports of them attacked by stray dogs. The Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office never releases stray dogs caught in Longqi back to the area. However, officials from the office never expected that their neighboring counterparts would cross over city borders and cause trouble.

Kuo Ming-chin
Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office
The administrative boundaries at the scene were not easily discernible, causing staff to mistakenly return the dogs to a neighboring jurisdiction administered by Tainan.

However, local residents are questioning the increase in the number of stray dogs in recent years. They suspect that official vehicles have gotten lost there more than once. They are hoping that the government will take Taiwan’s stray dog problem seriously and not let the ecosystem of Longqi District, Tainan’s precious backyard, be ruined.

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

#straydogs #pangolins #Taiwanpangolins #Tainan #Kaohsiung #animalprotection

2026-06-04

Town in Nantou’s besieged by massive swarm of bees

A bizarre spectacle appeared in Nantou’s Puli township recently. A massive cloud of bees suddenly swarmed along Zhonghua Road, buzzing loudly. Shopkeepers quickly closed their doors and windows, and pedestrians ran, trying to get away from the insects. The swarm finally left after about half an hour.

Witness
Saw the bees
It was a huge swarm of bees. Passersby were quite frightened, but also found it funny, so they snapped pictures because it was the first time for them to see something like this on the street.

Shop worker
Saw the bees
At first I thought they were mosquitoes or something, but then I saw they were bees. There was a huge swarm of them around the traffic lights and the intersection, probably about a thousand of them.

Wu Tzu-hsien (phone interview)
Ministry of Agriculture, Miaoli
A new queen bee has emerged, so the old queen bee will lead some worker bees to find the next suitable location to build a hive.

Experts point out that this is a natural phenomenon. When a hive becomes overcrowded, the old queen takes half of the worker bees to scout out a new location, leaving the original hive to a new queen. While swarming is a natural part of bee reproduction, seeing it happen in the bustling downtown area of Puli is rare, giving the townsfolk quite a scare.

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

#Nantou #Puli #bees #queenbees #beeswarm

2026-06-04

Deliverer loses cool after client shows up to door in underwear

When you order food delivery, do you dress up to collect your meal? Or do you roll up to the front door in your PJs? That’s the crux of an argument that has gone viral online, involving a food deliverer who felt disrespected when the client picked up his meal wearing just a pair of boxers. The delivery worker asked him to at least put some pants on, but the client refused, saying he didn’t see a reason to do so, since he was in his own home. Both sides grabbed their phones to record the spat that followed, which has put delivery etiquette at the center of the internet’s hottest debate.

- I asked him to put some pants on
and show a little respect.
I even brought the food up.

The food deliverer lost his cool after a young man came to the door to pick up his order in his underwear. He says it’s a form of harassment.

- I warned you to put on some pants.
- Why should I?
- Because I don’t know you.
We’re strangers.
Show some respect!

But the client refused to change clothes, and instead pulled out his own phone and recorded the shouting match about whether clothes are necessary or optional.

- I picked up the order in underwear.
He said I didn’t respect it.
He even asked if I wanted to fight.

The spat happened in New Taipei’s Banqiao District. Though neither party sued the other, they both posted videos of the incident on social media, accusing each other of vulgarity. The client says he saw nothing wrong with collecting his food wearing just a pair of boxers, adding that he ended up putting on a pair of trousers. He pledged to file a complaint on the delivery platform. Meanwhile, the deliverer feels violated, and says it’s not the first time it’s happened.

Mr. Wang
Food deliverer
He thinks I shouldn’t ask him to wear pants. But I think everyone should be treated with respect, no matter our jobs. It’s his home and he can wear whatever he wants in there as long as he’s not interacting with me. It’s none of my business. But when you’re meeting a stranger, you should show basic manners.

So, who’s wrong and who’s right? People are of two minds.

Member of public
Would wear pants
Just wear some shorts or something. Just boxers is not OK.

Member of public
Thinks deliverer is overreacting
Out of politeness, you would put on some trousers. But my first thought was that it doesn’t really matter. I think the deliverer is making a mountain out of a molehill.

A legal expert says that since the client was at home, it would be difficult to prosecute him for public indecency or nuisance. Legally, it’s fine to be underdressed, but civically perhaps it’s better to put on some clothes.

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

#aita #clothes #delivery #food #uber #foodpanda

2026-06-04

Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung director shares family’s night market favorites

Neil Gibson, head of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung branch, has reached the end of his three-year tenure. Before leaving for his next post in Tokyo, Gibson invited FTV to tag along as he visits his favorite place in town: Ruifeng Night Market. In an unexpected twist, it turns out that his family’s favorite night market food is none other than stinky tofu!

- Hello everyone, I’m thrilled to have the chance to show you what I consider to be the best night market in all of Taiwan: Ruifeng Night Market.

We followed Neil, outgoing chief of the AIT’s Kaohsiung branch, to his favorite stomping ground during his three-year posting.

The first stop is for a cup of taro sago. The fresh taro blended into a velvety puree is certainly a Taiwanese classic. In a blink, he’s already finished most of it.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
I forget who first told me about it, but my son and I both love it. I’m almost finished!

Continuing on, Neil next stops for some diced steak.

Big chunks of beef sizzle on the griddle before they’re seared to perfection with a hand torch. The scent already has Neil’s son impatient to dig in.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
This is American beef, but made the Taiwanese way. It symbolizes how the US and Taiwan are good friends. Best friends!

Hearing that Neil was headed to the night market, the whole family put in their orders.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
Since Ruifeng Night Market always has new vendors, you can wander around and take your time. When my family heard I was coming, I got a huge list on Line of things to order.

This next stall is his wife’s go-to Taiwanese food.

Neil and the owner are good friends. They start chatting away as soon as he walks up.

Stinky tofu stall owner
Surprised by Gibson’s Mandarin
At first, before he started talking, I didn’t know his Mandarin was so good. He’s been here many times with his wife. They’ve brought their kids, too.

By ordering stinky tofu and asking for extra chili sauce, Neil breaks the stereotype that foreigners can’t stand the pungent dish.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
Cheese is made from fermented milk, right? It’s the same concept. I went to Shenkeng once and bought raw stinky tofu to surprise my wife. I brought it home, got a pot of oil, heat it up boiling hot, and put the raw Shenkeng tofu in. Immediately, my wife shouted, “What are you doing!” Our carpet, couch, clothes, everything smelled so bad.

Time really does fly. By fully immersing himself in daily life here, this outgoing foreign officer forged lasting bonds with the people of Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#AIT #NeilGibson #Kaohsiung #nightmarket #stinkytofu #RuifengNightMarket #AITKaohsiung #TaiwanUS #USbeef

2026-06-04

Market for zongzi picks up as Dragon Boat Festival approaches

Dragon Boat Festival is still a few weeks away, but zongzi are already selling fast. These sticky rice dumplings, usually filled with meat, are the festival’s signature food. One traditional zongzi store in Changhua’s Lukang Township already received an order of 400, while the Changhua Fisherman’s Association’s eel zongzi are also rising to the challenge.

There is so many flavors! Which one to pick? You gotta buy ’em all.

- It’s delicious. The ingredients are fresh.

- There ae lots of thin bamboo shoots, and lots of mushrooms too.

- I bought 30. I’ve had these ones for over 40 years. My hair has turned from black to white.

This sticky rice dumpling is packed with filling, including bamboo shoots, pork, mushrooms, and egg yolk. These famous zongzi bring smiles to people’s faces after one bite.

- The owner is really thoughtful, she never raises the price.

This zongzi stand in Changhua’s Lukang Township has been running for 54 years. Even as the cost of ingredients has risen these past few years, its zongzi have remained the same price for the last three. This year, one company has already ordered 400.

Ms. Hsiu-chen
Zongzi stand owner
I haven’t raised my prices in three years. I make about NT$5 on each zongzi, earning slowly but benefitting the customers. We usually sell over 30,000 leading up to the Dragon Boat Festival, it’s the same every year.

The Changhua Fisherman’s Association is selling their very own braised eel zongzi, which is popular among people who like seafood. Its price also remains unchanged.

Chen Wei-ku
Changhua Fisherman’s Association director
This year the Changhua Fisherman’s Association froze the price, giving it cheaply to our customers.

With both traditional stands and the fisherman’s association freezing the price of their zongzi, this year’s market is sure to be competitive leading up to the Dragon Boat Festival.

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

#DragonBoatFestival #ricedumpling #stickyriceball #zongzi #eel #pork #bamboo #tradition #price #cheap

2026-06-04

Stall keeps traditions alive with classic desserts like starch jelly

There are endless options for desserts these days, but sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics. Back when resources were scarce, satisfying a kid’s sweet tooth took some creativity. In New Taipei there’s a shop that sells traditional starch jelly ice just like what the owner enjoyed as a kid. The starch is stirred in cold, and then hot water until it forms a clear, slippery jelly. One taste and it’ll take you straight back to childhood.

Traditional starch jelly is slippery and pleasantly chewy. When eaten with brown sugar, it coats your mouth in a delightful sweetness.

First, add cold water to the starch and stir until dissolves.

Adding hot water gradually turns the white starch clear.

Using a chopstick, the owner cuts the jelly into pieces.

Add some homemade brown sugar syrup and mix in a little ice to bring the temperature down, and it’s ready to serve.

Pan Wen-hsien
Owner
My mother used to make this for me when I was very young. People used to eat it when they were overheating. It can bring your body temperature down. It’s a very nostalgic flavor.

But that’s not all. When you hear this familiar whistling sound, you know it’s time for roasted flour tea.

The roasted flour tea, or mian cha, is slowly cooked over a low flame, then served with a peng bing bun cake, like a sweet version of a puff pastry soup.

Pan Wen-hsien
Owner
I spent over a decade going around to different markets with my wife. Getting my own stall back home was more stable. We didn’t have to move around anymore.

To give his wife more stability as they entered their 40s, Pan decided to come back home and take over an old dessert stall.

Pan Wen-hsien
Owner
Many people know about these classic things. It’s just the younger people these days who have never had it.

By selling the flavors of his childhood, Pan hopes to make sure that these classic tastes don’t disappear.

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

#classic #traditional #shavedice #starchjelly #tapioca #jelly #dessert #miancha #NewTaipei #restaurant

2026-06-04

Free Ebola tests for arrivals with travel history in DRC and Uganda

Taiwan is ramping up efforts to keep Ebola out of the country. Last month, the WHO declared the disease a public health emergency. Starting Wednesday, Taiwan’s four international airports are offering free testing for asymptomatic travelers with a travel history to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The free tests will be available until June 30. In addition, travelers will receive notices with instructions on how to monitor their health.

The Ebola epidemic in Central Africa is showing no signs of relenting, and concerns abound regarding unreported deaths. Earlier this week, Taiwan enforeced an entry ban for residents of the DRC and Uganda. Just three days later, more measures have been put in place, to prevent the disease from entering the country.

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

#ebola #drc #uganda #taiwan #diseasecontrol #epidemic

2026-06-03

KMT leader boasts of Xi meeting at event with Taiwan expats in US

Opposition leader Cheng Li-wun is continuing to spark controversy during her US tour. She suggested she would not be taken seriously by Washington if she did not first obtained the full trust of China’s leader Xi Jinping. Furthermore, her entourage includes Vivi Chin, a KMT member who is a mainland Chinese spouse. Reports say Chin both works for China’s United Front Department and is financially backing Cheng’s trip. There are worries about the impact this will have in Washington and the implications for Taiwan. Let’s find out more.

The drum performance on stage is deafening. The expatriate Taiwanese community in San Francisco warmly welcomes KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun but it seems she’s very hungry. She eats bite after bite, seeming to ignore the energetic performance from the overseas Taiwanese community members behind her.

Host
Event host
Among all the foreign guests we’ve received, and all the chairs we’ve hosted, this chair is the first who dared to start eating. It’s remarkable, considering she usually doesn’t eat much.

As soon as Cheng took the stage, she sang the praises of her meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Cheng Li-wun
KMT chair
Without the Cheng-Xi summit in Beijing, frankly speaking, I would just be an ordinary chair. Even if I came to the US. I wouldn’t be able to change a thing. I need to obtain the full sincerity and goodwill from General Secretary Xi Jinping, the top leader in Beijing. Only in this way, my visit to the US takes on a different meaning.

Cheng’s pro-China rhetoric remains unchanged in the US. Vivi Chin, a member of the KMT Central Standing Committee who has loudly advocated for unification with China, also attended the banquet. Reports say she did not only pay for her attendance on this US trip, but was also one of its financial backers. However one scholar thinks Cheng will only attract more criticism, as she is simultaneously promoting peace while bringing along a financial backer who advocates for unification with China.

Dennis Weng (June 2)
US-based scholar
I’m afraid it will really have an impact, and there might be complications. People in Washington don’t know that among the so-called delegation members, there is a Chinese spouse. The KMT historically never ever did this before. Vivi Chin belongs to a branch of the United Front Work Department, so I think any Taiwanese person with a little sense would probably feel that this arrangement seems a little suss.

According to the latest poll by MyFormosa, Cheng’s trust rating has dwindled from 31% just after the Cheng-Xi summit to 23%. Cheng may think that meeting with Xi has brought results, but in the end public opinion will deliver the verdict.

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

#KMT #Taiwanpolitics #Unitedfront #Chinapolitics

2026-06-03