Environmental assessment underway for potential HSR extension to Yilan

Environmental assessment underway for potential HSR extension to Yilan

2025-07-09

It remains uncertain whether the High Speed Rail will be extended east to Yilan. The Ministry of Environment on Wednesday held a second preliminary environmental impact assessment of such an extension. More than 200 Yilan residents came to the capital on charter buses, to voice their support for the project, which would drastically shorten the travel time between Taipei and Yilan. Let’s hear more.

Shen Ching-shan
Zhuangwei mayor
The bad state of transport in Yilan has forced young people to leave and work in Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. That’s caused a significant population decline in Yilan.

Chen Shih-yu
Sanxing Township representative
If Yilan is to develop, the key arteries must be opened. Right now, we essentially are only connected by the Hsuehshan Tunnel. The transport situation is as if half of our body were paralyzed.

Chang Sheng-hsiung
Retired transportation management professor
Many people used to go stay overnight in Jiaoxi for the hot springs and hotels. But the opening of National Freeway 5 marked a decline in overnight stays.

Though some groups are in support of the extension, it will ultimately depend on the outcome of the EIA and an evaluation of the benefits of such a project. Some say that only people living within 2.5km of the new station would be benefitted. On the other hand, the new transport link would reduce the travel time, and save travelers expenditures on accommodations.

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

#hsr #bullettrain #highspeedrail #yilan #taipei #travel #train #transport

高鐵延伸宜蘭再開初審會議! 若完工"台北-宜蘭"只要28分鐘

2025-07-09

環境部針對高鐵延伸宜蘭計畫環評，召開第2次初審會議，週三一早，宜蘭縣超過兩百位鄉親包車北上，希望中央能盡速通過，讓台北到宜蘭這段距離能更縮短。

[[宜蘭縣壯圍鄉長沈清山]]
“宜蘭縣的交通不便，造成我們宜蘭的年輕人，都得要外出到北北基桃竹苗就業，造成我們宜蘭的人口嚴重減少”

[[宜蘭縣三星鄉代表主席陳世玉]]
“宜蘭要發展，任督二脈一定要先打通，目前只開雪隧，等同於半身不遂的交通道路”

[[淡江大學運管系退休教授張勝雄]]
“其實造成原來很多人會去礁溪泡湯、住宿，但是國5通車以後，礁溪的住宿是下降了”

不過也有民團到場，認為高鐵要延伸不是不行，但環評、整體效益還是得再評估，像是新站如果落成，只有週邊2.5公里受惠，而且交通便利了，旅行時間縮短，反而能省住宿費。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Two firefighters die in rescue mission for man who drowned in restricted waters

A failed rescue mission on the Xindian River in New Taipei’s Guangxing has led to the death of two firefighters, who were in a coma for over 24 hours. The two were part of a team of five rescuers on a dinghy that capsized while trying to save a 58-year-old paddle boarder surnamed Chen. The paddle boarder had fallen into the water near a weir in an area where water activities are forbidden.

In the turbulent water, a man can be seen on a stand-up paddleboard. Then, the board gets overturned by the strong current. He reaches over to the board to try to get back up, but the current is too strong and carries him down.

Firefighters and volunteers arrive for a search-and-rescue mission. But the rescue dinghy appears to get caught in the backwash. It shakes and goes under too. All five people on the boat fell in the water.

Witness
After the boat fell under, it stayed down there and kept spiraling. The dinghy was trapped, and so were the people on it.

Kelly Wang
FTV reporter
Mr. Chen’s friend revealed that they actually got into the water from Xiangyu Beach, and that they did not expect to be carried upstream to Guangxing Bridge. The reservoir nearby was releasing water, which added to the strength of the currents and caused the accident.

The incident was allegedly caused by water being released from a reservoir. But the Taipei Feitsui Reservoir Administration clarified that only a small volume of water was being released at the time, and that it wasn’t overflowing.

Chou Po-kai
Taipei Feitsui Reservoir Administration
Yesterday water was being released for water supply and not to get rid of overflows. The volume released yesterday from Feitsui Reservoir was 80 cubic meters per second, which is a weak flow.

Member of public
They must have notified the public that water was being released, because they’d do an hour-long announcement before releasing water.

In the afternoon of the 8th, a group of five friends, which included 58-year-old Mr. Chen got together to do standup paddleboarding. They entered the river from Xiangyu Beach, where water activities are prohibited, and then paddled all the way upstream to Guangxing Bridge. Then, Mr. Chen disappeared after getting caught in the backwash of a weir. The rescue boat being sent out for him also went under. Three of the five rescuers were found without vital signs. Two firefighters were later pronounced dead, while a volunteer was resuscitated and was in a coma. Mr. Chen also lost his life.

Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei mayor
I will also launch an investigation in accordance with firefighting procedures to determine the cause of this incident. Apart from signage in place indicating that all water activities are prohibited, we must also fully deter people and even penalize those who violate relevant rules and get into prohibited water zones regardless.

The paddle boarders violated the rules, which in turn resulted in two firefighters losing their lives.

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

#newtaipei #wateractivities #SUP #standuppaddleboarding #dangerous

2025-07-09

Storms batter Central Taiwan, with flooding in many areas

2025-07-09

10-day, longest ever Han Kuang live-fire exercises begin

The annual live-fire Han Kuang exercises kicked off on Wednesday. Scheduled to last ten days, it’s the longest Han Kuang drills ever. On Day One, the exercises focused on responding to China’s grey-zone harassments. This year, 20,000 reservists are taking part, making for the largest number ever in a Han Kuang drill. In the coming days, anti-landing and joint response exercises will be carried out by all three branches of the military.

At daybreak on the 9th, a Ching Chiang-class patrol ship, the ROCS Jin Chiang returns to harbor after completing its mission.

Meanwhile, at Yilan’s Su’ao Harbor, a Chih Yang-class frigate, the ROCN Fen Yang has received an order and makes an emergency exit out of the port.

National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology’s Glorius Star test platform tows an unmanned surface vessel out of the port for testing. The first day of the 10-day Han Kuang exercises focuses on China’s attack via grey-zone tactics. The Army, Navy and Air Force are all responding to the mock emergency, via preservation of naval and air force combat power, emergency departure of warships, and the Penghu Navy and Air Force staying alert on the enemy’s movements on the outer islands. The Army’s 206th and 302nd Brigades conducted combat readiness training and specialty artillery drills, respectively.

Reservists are listening intently as an officer explains how to operate a squad automatic weapon and a platoon machine gun. This round of Han Kuang exercises are being held jointly with the 35th Tung Hsin exercises for 20,000 reservists, the largest number ever.

Su Tzu-yun
Institute for National Defense and Security Research
What makes this year’s Han Kuang exercises different from years past is that it simulates the transitional period between peace time and war time. From July 9 to July 11, we’re training for medium- to high-power grey-zone harassments. On July 12 we’ll proceed to the second item, which are the CCP’s confrontational drills, which may turn into joint live-fire drills from then to July 13. After July 13 and July 14, it’s anti-landing via sea and air, among others. National defense, civil defense and psychological defense can all be integrated.

Apart from drills on responding to grey-zone harassments, in-depth multi-layered defense and military-and-civil integration and coordination, the Ministry of National Defense also published an animation for the general public, so that people in the country are more aware of what goes on in the Han Kuang drills and be more supportive of the military.

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

#crossstrait #defense #taiwan #china #military

2025-07-09

China bans exports to eight ‘pro-independence’ Taiwan entities

China has forbidden its exporters from selling dual-use military-civilian products to eight Taiwanese manufacturers. They include the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology, the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation, CSBC Corporation Taiwan and Lung Teh Shipbuilding. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office says the organizations targeted are promoting Taiwanese independence, and that the ban aims to defend China’s national sovereignty and ensure stability in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense says China’s ban actually aligns with a policy in Taiwan to not use Chinese components in key technologies. Let’s hear more.

News anchor
China Central Television
The Ministry of Commerce announced today that eight entities in the Taiwan area have been added to an export control list. The export of dual-use items to these entities is now prohibited and violations of this rule will not be tolerated.

News anchor
China Central Television
Since Lai Ching-te took office, he has doubled down on his pro-independence stance, spreading separatist rhetoric and attempting to achieve independence by cooperating with foreign forces and building up the military and some entities in the Taiwan area have joined and assisted in the effort. The new regulation is a necessary measure to defend China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Chiao Fu-chun
Ministry of National Defense
The use of Mainland China-made components is absolutely prohibited in all weapon systems produced by the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. We support domestic and foreign manufacturers in localizing production, so the new policy from the CCP’s Ministry of Commerce is actually in line with our policy to create non-red supply chains at the institute.

The Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation has stated that it does not use any Chinese components in its military aircraft, adding that adjustments will be made as needed for civilian aircraft. CSBC, meanwhile, has said that impact from the ban will be minimal. It says the components for its submarines and coast guard vessels mainly come from Europe and the US, while commercial ships are made with parts from Japanese and South Korean manufacturers. Lungteh says the blacklist will have no impact on its military operations, and that components in civilian ships can be easily replaced.

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

#crossstrait #ccp #china #taiwan #military #exportban

2025-07-09

High-end audio equipment could become cheaper due to strong NTD

What does the sharp rise of the New Taiwan Dollar mean for consumers? Experts say the NT’s appreciation is actually helping to reduce some import costs for audio equipment. They say that if the exchange rate remains stable, prices for certain products could drop by around 5%. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the details.

What does a million-dollar sound system sound like? One of the latest trends in the high-end audio market are subwoofers that create rich and immersive soundscapes.

Mr. Wu
Audio collector
It’s made from a solid block of metal. That’s how it achieves such full, rich bass and efficient speed.

Other companies are incorporating AI technology, pushing the boundaries of sound design. Even with a limited space and budget, they are creating audio effects that rival large-scale systems.

Huang Kuang-hsiung
Audio brand CEO
If we have a low-frequency system that can connect to the main system, then by adding just a little bit of budget to the existing system, you can turn your small system into a large one. The listening experience becomes very pleasant. Many consumers are hesitant to step into the high-end audio world because they don’t know how to choose. I suggest going to different venues to listen to different sounds. For example, if you like live music, go to a concert. If you enjoy classical music, visit the National Concert Hall. Remember those sounds—then you’ll have a great reference when selecting audio equipment.

With the NTD appreciating sharply, what’s the effect on consumers in the high-end audio market?

Huang Kuang-hsiung
Audio brand CEO
The NT dollar’s appreciation is great news for consumers. I believe we will have better prices.

Recent exchange rate fluctuations—particularly the appreciation of the New Taiwan Dollar have had a notable impact on the high-end audio market. Experts reveal that the strengthening of the NTD has made imported components and audio products more affordable for Taiwanese consumers. If the exchange rate remains stable, prices for some high-end audio products could decrease by approximately 5%, making equipment more accessible to 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

#highendaudio #audio #sound #music #匯率 #appreciation #NTD

2025-07-09

Students from Yilan have a blast visiting FTV headquarters in Linkou

A group of students from Yilan had a blast during a visit to the FTV headquarters in New Taipei’s Linkou this week. Some 30 students and teachers from Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High in Su’ao experienced what it’s like to work at a TV station. They visited FTV’s cutting-edge virtual LED studio, toured the newsroom, and even put on a performance of singing and dancing.

Wearing Hawaiian grass skirts and standing barefoot on stage, the kids dance and sing against a spotless beach backdrop. These pint-sized performers are not from a tropical island, but from M & Ocean, a band from Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School in Yilan. They’re here at FTV’s LED virtual studio to put on an unforgettable show.

Student
Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School
When we stepped onto the green area, it felt like we had entered a whole new reality.

Student
Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School
It’s so cool. It’s a huge screen, and even the floor changes colors. I was afraid I would break it when we were dancing.

The kids are all in awe at the cutting-edge audiovisual technology, which made them feel as if they were in outer space. Having watched reports from FTV’s English-language news program “Formosa News” they were thrilled to visit the studio.

Student
Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School
The reporters’ English is really great, and clear. Their accents are really like what you’d hear abroad. It’s good for learning. You can listen and improve your own skills.

Parent of student
Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School
If you want to learn English properly in Taiwan, there are barely any opportunities to hear English or have conversations in English. So we keep up with the Formosa News Facebook page every day, and we learn expressions used all around the world.

Some 30 students and teachers joined the trip to the FTV headquarters. Besides checking out Asia’s most advanced LED virtual studio, historical archives and the news studio, they also got to watch the shooting of Chen Mei-feng’s iconic show. It all left a deep impression on them.

Lee Ping-chien
Yue-Ming Elementary and Junior High School
I think these experiences about the evolution of TV media and the advances in technology will be deeply rooted in the hearts of the kids. That could give them the courage to pursue their dreams in this field in the future.

Dorothy Wang
FTV president
These kids are so small, but they can speak and sing in English. They even are their own presenters and they have a band. It’s really incredible. It’s the first time that we open the doors to our studio to kids, and it’s the first time that anyone puts on a performance here. Not a professional troupe, but a civic group performing. It’s the first time, and we are so very pleased.

Students and teachers were toured around the headquarters, and they even put on a show at the digital studio. This experience getting close with the world of TV could be the beginning for a new generation of talented individuals in the industry.

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

#taiwannews #ftv #tvstation #television #tvshow #studio

2025-07-09

Businesses are using AI to power car washes for scooters

You’ve heard of self-service car washes, but have you ever heard of an AI-powered car wash for motorcycles? With the rise of AI, more and more industries are turning to automation. One business has turned to the technology to run 24-hour unmanned motorcycle wash stations. Curious customers are flooding in to try it out. With 50 branches across Taiwan, these shops can wash a scooter squeaky clean in just 3 minutes!

Scooters are wheeled into the parking bay. With a press of a button and just a few coins, each bike gets washed automatically!

After three minutes, the scooter is spotless—80% to 90% of the grime that was on it is now gone. The system even dries the scooter automatically—and it’s all hands-free. So, is it reasonable to charge NT$50 per wash for this service?

Customer
I think this price is acceptable. I don’t think it is particularly expensive. All that matters is the quality of the wash.

Customer
It’s close to what I would pay to wash it myself. If it does a good job, then maybe this is an even better deal.

Owners have a new convenient option to wash their scooters. The newest trend in AI, this car wash offers scooter owners a quick and easy way to wash up.
The unmanned wash stations operate 24 hours, and there are 50 branches across Taiwan – and sales are booming! Statistics show that a single location can make up to NT$13,000 per day in revenue.

Yang Tsai-chen
AI-powered scooter wash owner
At our more popular locations, we wash about 50 to 70 scooters per day, sometimes even more.

Tsai Meng-wu
AI-powered scooter wash owner
In the past, if you needed four staff members at a car wash, and each earned around NT$35,000 to NT$40,000 per month, that would be about NT$130,000 to NT$150,000 in monthly labor costs. But with this unmanned store, even if you bring in just over NT$100,000 monthly, you’re still left with a NT$50,000–60,000 in profit.

As AI grows increasingly prevalent, businesses are rushing to cash in—and even car washes are no exception. With Taiwan having over 14.66 million registered scooters, it’s a golden opportunity that can’t be missed!

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

#ai #carwash #squeakyclean #cleaning

2025-07-09

Looking for extra cash this summer? Become a professional mourner!

2025-07-09