A second volunteer soldier from Taiwan dies on the battlefield in Ukraine

A second volunteer soldier from Taiwan dies on the battlefield in Ukraine

2024-11-03

It’s been over two years since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, and international volunteers have been pouring in from many countries, including Taiwan. In November 2022, one of those Taiwanese volunteers, Tseng Sheng-kuang, met an unfortunate fate on the battlefield. Now, there is the sad news that another volunteer soldier Wu Chung-ta also lost his life while fighting in defense of Ukraine’s freedom. Taiwan’s foreign ministry says the situation on the battlefield where Wu’s unit was attacked remains precarious, but that it will assist Wu’s family with follow-up matters as things progress.

In a video made by members of the International Legion for the Defense of Ukraine – a military unit of the Ukrainian Ground Forces composed of foreign volunteers – Taiwanese volunteer Wu Chung-ta can be seen among his cohorts. On Friday, Wu was reported to have died on the battlefield.

Voice of Lu Tzu-hao
Volunteer soldier
He was in the same unit as two other Taiwanese, and they told me that he was hit by a mortar shell and died in front of them. They were crying when I called them yesterday.

A friend of Wu’s confirmed the news that, at the time of his death, Wu had been part of a special operations unit that went to perform a mission in an area controlled by Russian troops. It was suspected that there was an intelligence error, and the unit encountered the Russians head-on and were outnumbered. During the retreat, the unit was attacked by Russian mortars and Wu was killed. Other Taiwanese volunteers who were with him at the time witnessed the whole process.

Voice of Lu Tzu-hao
Volunteer soldier
Before he went out, he told friends that he and the others were already digging trenches, which meant that they could not hold the frontline, and it seemed that more than 20 Ukrainians were killed there. They were still on the frontline, and used drones to confirm the situation. I’m very worried about this. Many people will be listed as missing because their bodies can’t be found, and family members can’t go there to confirm their deaths.

Wu had sent images of battles on the frontline to friends, showing how dangerous the situation was. In November two years ago, fellow Taiwanese volunteer Tseng Sheng-kuang – a 25-year-old man from Hualien – became the first Taiwanese to die on the battlefield in Ukraine. Now, Wu’s family are grappling with the same sad news.

Puma Shen
Legislator (DPP)
The war is still ongoing. Although drones have confirmed the location where the attack took place, there is no way to handle matters immediately. In any case, we will continue to track developments. Once the facts are confirmed, we will wait until relevant rituals are held in Ukraine, and then we will see how we can provide assistance.

It’s a solemn day in Taiwan as news breaks of a second death of a Taiwanese volunteer in Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legislator Puma Shen have confirmed that they are going through appropriate channels to help Wu’s family deal with funeral arrangements.

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

助烏克蘭抗俄遭俄軍迫擊砲襲擊台籍特戰士兵吳忠達喪命

2024-11-03

烏俄戰事持續進行，但在1號的時候傳出不幸憾事，一名台灣籍的特戰士兵吳忠達，在前往俄國控制的區域執行任務時，遇到俄軍部隊，雙方激戰過程，遭到迫擊砲正面攻擊，當場不幸犧牲，消息傳回台灣，讓吳忠達的友人都十分難過，而立委沈伯洋也透過管道，協助家屬處理後續事宜。

跟其他國際兵團成員，一起拍片募資，站在後方的就是台灣籍的吳忠達，到加入烏克蘭正規軍前線作戰，但傳出1日在烏東戰場，不幸身亡。

[[聲源：前台籍烏克蘭志願兵呂子豪]]
“因為他跟其他兩個人是同一隊，其他台灣人跟我說是被迫擊砲炸到，在他們面前死掉的，因為昨天打給他們也是在哭。”

友人證實這項消息，當時吳忠達所屬的特戰小隊，前往俄國控制的區域執行任務，疑似情報錯誤，與俄國部隊正面遭遇，寡不敵眾，在撤退過程中，遭到俄軍迫擊砲襲擊犧牲，當時其他同行的台籍成員，全程目睹。

[[聲源：前台籍烏克蘭志願兵呂子豪]]
“他(吳忠達)出去前還跟他(其他友人)說，他們這邊已經在挖戰壕了，就是代表前面守不住了，那邊好像死了20幾個烏克蘭人。(大體)還在前線，他們有用無人機去確認。我很擔心這一點，很多會被定義為失蹤，因為你找不到屍體，家人也沒辦法過去確認。”

吳忠達曾用通訊軟體，發送前線作戰的影像給朋友，看得出第一線有多危險。2年前11月，花蓮的25歲青年曾聖光，也在烏東戰場身亡，成為第一位在烏克蘭戰場犧牲的我國國民，如今再傳憾事，吳忠達的家人得知消息，也十分悲痛。

[[立委(民) 沈伯洋]]
“現在戰火還在持續當中，雖然有無人機已經確認了相關的位置，但是並沒有辦法做一個即時的處理。那無論如何，我們會持續追蹤這件事情，先等到事實確認之後，等到烏克蘭舉行相關的儀式，我們再看要怎麼來協助這整件事情。”

烏克蘭戰場再度傳出台籍士兵犧牲，外交部與立委沈伯洋也透過管道，希望能協助家屬處理後事。

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Global tensions see people rush to Keelung River in search of gold

Geopolitical turbulence has led to a surge in gold prices, resulting in a gold rush in Ruifang, located along the upper reaches of the Keelung River. Many people have been gathering near the Yuanshantzu Flood Diversion Channel in Ruifang to try their luck at gold panning.

A man squats down, digging in the water, and stands up holding a blue basin. Next to a rock, he shakes the pan staring intently, carefully searching for any glimmer of gold.

Member of public
They are panning for gold, sifting through the golden sand, to later melt it down.

Some people say the Yuanshantzu section of the Keelung River in Ruifang is loaded with gold washed down from the mountains, leading to a recent gold rush. Groups of friends are gathering to try their luck at gold panning near the Yuanshantzu Flood Diversion Channel.

Wu jen-yu
FTV reporter
Recently, as gold prices have surged, many people have flocked to the banks of the Keelung River to try their luck at gold panning. However, it’s evident that the river’s currents are strong, and there’s a risk of slipping or facing dangers from flash floods coming down from the mountains.

Concerned authorities worry that fluctuating water levels of the Keelung River combined with unstable soil and rocks in the mountainous areas raise the risk of accidents. Currently, they can only offer gentle advice to caution people against potential dangers.

Wang Chao-hsun
Yuanshantzu Flood Management Center
Recently, some people have been flocking to the area to pan for gold. We’re unsure of the reasons behind this, and for now, we can only offer gentle guidance to caution them.

However, experts say it’s time to wake up from the gold-panning dream.

Shih Wen-hsin
Taipei Jewelers’ Association
Generally speaking, it’s possible that there are more copper elements in the area. Gold is found deep within the geological layers, and once extracted, it still needs to be washed and refined before it can be utilized.

Various sectors are optimistic that gold prices could soar past US$3,000 next year. Both gold savers and prospectors are eager to hop on this bullish gold train.

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

2024-11-03

40 cancer patients embark on a round-the-island cycling journey

The "undefeatable cyclists" are a group of cancer patients who circumnavigate the island on bicycle every year. Now in its 12th edition, the event this year saw the group set out from Taipei’s MacKay Memorial Hospital Sunday morning, embarking on an 1,100-kilometer ride, which they intend to complete in 10 days. They say they want to show the world that cancer can be overcome.

At the sound of air horns, 40 cancer patients, together with a team of volunteers and doctors, set out from MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taipei. They have 1,100 kilometers of road ahead of them, which they plan to cover in 10 days. Cycling around the island is a feat that people would normally find challenging, let alone doing so while battling cancer. But these cyclists have resolved to take on the challenge, despite their condition.

Chen Su-chen
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I’ve had eight rounds of chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiotherapy. I went through the whole process. I participated in three-days of the 10th round-the-island tour, and that felt pretty good. So this year, I overcame many difficulties to do the 10-day ride. Let’s realize our dreams together.

With the advancement of medicine today, the survival rate for cancer has now reached 70%. Doctors believe that building self-confidence and facing the disease with an optimistic and calm outlook can effectively help patients regain health.

Shih Shou-chuan
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“Undefeatable Cyclists” is part of the cultural tradition and virtue of MacKay Memorial Hospital. It has an inspiring effect that turns people around from adversity, so it should be actively promoted.

Chiu Tai-yuan
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The Undefeatable Cyclists are highlighting life through cycling, and they use their lives to make life more exciting. I think this is the strength that all patients should have. This strength, combined with Taiwan’s high quality medicine, will definitely make our country a truly healthy nation.

Many doctors say these undefeatable cyclists are role models for their own cancer patients, showing them that a lifestyle of healthy routines, a nutritious diet, and moderate exercise can help in the fight against cancer.

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

2024-11-03

Meet the excellent teachers recognized by the education ministry

Perhaps you’ve had a few teachers for whom you’re still grateful to this day. Tonight we’re meeting two teachers who have won the 2024 Ministry of Education’s National Excellent Teacher Award. One of them is Wu Hsiao-ching, a dance teacher at Taichung’s Wen-Hua Senior High School. The other is Hsieh Shih-tsung , who’s just retired as the principal of Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School. What makes them great educators is not just their knowledge or skills, but the fact that they’ve gone out of their way to help students overcome life’s challenges. Here’s our Sunday special report.

Dancers move elegantly with the music. This is a ballet rehearsal at Wen-Hua Senior High School’s dance class. The teacher Wu Hsiao-ching looks on and oversees every move — with a smile and nods, to support the students.

Wu Hsiao-ching
Wen-Hua Senior High School
Even right before they go onstage, if they turn their head back, a gaze and a nod from you would really warm their heart. They’d think, the teacher’s right behind us and supporting us, we can do this.

Wu learned ballet as a young child. Following the footsteps of her father, teaching became her vocation. She’s taught dance at Wen Hua Senior High School for almost 30 years now. For the students, she’s like a doting mother.

Wu Hsiao-ching
Wen-Hua Senior High School
I think when it comes to students, when you see a longing gaze from them, you need to immediately be able to decipher what it is that they need. So when that happens I’ll ask, “Is everything alright? Do you need to talk?” If you see them holding back tears, then something must be going on.

And the class really is like a second family. Dance students have to live in the dorms for all three years of high school. Teachers and students spend most of their hours together.

Like a mother would do, sometimes there are unexpected locker checks. She also makes sure they’re always well-dressed and put together.

Wu Hsiao-ching
Wen-Hua Senior High School
I think learning art, dance or sports is very different from conventional school subjects. It’s a bit like the master-apprentice model, so the relationship between teacher and students is quite different.

Leafing through the yearbook, Chung Pei-chin was transported back in time. Twenty years ago, she was a dance student at Wen Hua’s , and had the nickname Niu Niu. After 20 years, she’s returned to her alma mater to teach the next generation of dancers.

Wu looks on with pride as Chung leads the class. Their close relationship started 25 years ago, during the Jiji Earthquake. Chung was in her third year then. Classes were suspended in its aftermath, but Chung, whose family was in Puli could not go home. At the tender age of 18, she cried all alone in the dorms.

Wu Hsiao-ching
Wen-Hua Senior High School
She was alone. She needed me, so I thought I’d take her with me. I said to Niu Niu, “Come stay at my place, it’s not a problem. Stay as long as you want.”

Chung Pei-chin
Wen-Hua Senior High School alumnus
It’s great that she was there for me at that time. It was really heartwarming, and that’s an understatement. It was more like, I was struggling to keep my head above water, and someone extended a helping hand. She’s not just a distant lighthouse showing you the direction. She’ll actually always be there with us every step on the way.

He’s all smiles as he greets students. It’s hard to believe he’s the principal of this other school.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
The ages between 15 and 18 are a time when they have the most energy in life. As educators, our job is to ignite their passion.

Sixty-five-year-old Hsieh Shih-tsung had been a teacher for 41 years, and was the principal when he retired mid-2024. He pays extra attention to underprivileged students, having been one himself.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
I grew up in an economically underprivileged family myself. My father was a carpenter, so his income was seasonal. But registration usually falls around the Lunar New Year. So my mother had to ask relatives and neighbors to borrow money. Looking on as she heads out to do that every year during the Lunar New Year really left an impression on me.

At noon, students take out leftover school lunch. Shortly after, volunteers start packing it up storing it in the refrigerator. Instead of the food going to waste, it can now be dinner for underprivileged students. Other initiatives Hsieh introduced included organizing giveaways of secondhand school uniform and textbooks, greatly alleviating the financial burden for these students’ families.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
In my entire teaching career, I’ve been a homeroom teacher for 19 years, so I was the very first point of contact for students. As soon as they enter the classroom, just by looking at their facial expression, I’d know if there’s something on their mind.

Chang Yu-chieh, a recent graduate of Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School, lost his father this year, arguably the most crucial period of time for highschoolers.

Chang Yu-chieh
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School alumnus
I felt the most helpless when my father passed away. It was two weeks before the technical university entrance exam. My father passed away two hours after I went to see him at the hospital, so I didn’t feel like taking the exam.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
For trade students, if they’ve won in skills competitions, then they have a better chance of entering a public university. He’s participated in many competitions, so from there I went on to check on him and ask him if he needed any help.

Hsieh, who went to a trades school himself, knew just how to turn the students’ lives for the better. He helped Chang with handling his late father’s affairs, and encouraged him not to give up on skills competitions and the technical university entrance exam. With Hsieh’s mentorship, Chang pushed on.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
Children who grew up in adverse situations are more mature and determined. After results for the technical university entrance exam came out. Chang Yu-chieh had the highest score in the chemical engineering cohort. It’s really quite an achievement.

Chang Yu-chieh
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School alumnus
It wasn’t only the principal. The homeroom teacher and department head also encouraged me. I really struggled to move on then, though in some ways I still am.

At the time of recording, Chang’s father had only passed away for five months. It’s hard to imagine how much he’s gone through, yet he still got into the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, his top choice. Hsieh witnessed this just before he retired at the end of July, 2024, after 41 years as a teacher.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
He not only gave me a present when he graduated. On July 31, my last day at Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School, he came all the way from home and waited to see me at the office. It really touched my heart.

It’s often said that education is a thankless job. Sometimes even the simplest gestures of kindness could make their days.

Wu Hsiao-ching
Wen-Hua Senior High School
She makes bento boxes from scratch, and would come to the classroom to share them with me. When I think about it, I still think it’s all worth it. Even when you’re not feeling so well, the students and parents still have your back.

Chung Pei-chin
Wen-Hua Senior High School alumnus
Because of her, now as a teacher, I try to be like her, be a rock for students.

Now that she’s on the other side of the classroom, Chung can really appreciate all that a teacher does. The most important thing is to make sure no one is left behind and build every student up.

Hsieh Shih-tsung
Miaoli Agricultural and Industrial Vocational High School
Perhaps to our trade students, if we give them a ladder to reach the heights of their trade, they will.

It’s the greatest feeling in the world for these teachers to see how far students can go. But it’s even better when they get to witness students’ growth no matter how long it’s been since graduation.

Wu Hsiao-ching
Wen-Hua Senior High School
If you need me, as long as you’re willing to come back, I’ll always be here. That’s all really.

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

2024-11-03