Taiwan mully X-raying all carry-on luggage for pork

Taiwan mully X-raying all carry-on luggage for pork

2025-10-30

Airport checks for pork products could be about to become stricter for all travelers to Taiwan. Currently, only passengers flying in from countries with risk of African swine fever had their carry-on luggage put through an X-ray machine. In the future, all arrivals may have to get their bags X-rayed.

The current screening system was put in place in February of 2019. Travelers handed a “red card” have to go through the X-ray checks, while passengers from low-risk areas are handed a “green card” and can pass straight through immigration. Travelers caught smuggling pork products face fines ranging from NT$200,000 to NT$1 million.

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#africanswinefever #pork #airport #travel #taiwantravel

嚴防豬瘟研議入境取消免檢疫通道所有行李都過X光機

2025-10-30

非洲豬瘟疫情拉警報，機場檢疫將更嚴格! 衛福部長石崇良預告，未來機場入境旅客不再區分疫區、非疫區，一律通過X光查核，防檢署正研議中。

現行入境防疫規定自2019年2月開始，分為紅線疫區表示來自高風險國家，綠線非疫區來自非高風險國家，之後將改為一律等同查核。旅客出關後一旦被發現違規攜帶肉品，會被罰20萬到100萬。

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Lawmaker slammed after saying lonely soldiers could go gay

Is loneliness turning soldiers gay in Matsu? That’s apparently what KMT Lawmaker Chen Hsueh-sheng thinks. The legislator was trying to make an argument for opening Gaodeng Island to tourism, saying that the soldiers stationed there were bound to be lonely. His comments have sparked sharp backlash online. Taoyuan City Councilor Yu Pei-chen, who is a retired major general, has also labeled his remarks as insulting to sexual minorities.

“What’s the point to have only 20, 30 soldiers stationed there? We should allow tourists there too.”

Lawmaker for Matsu, Chen Hsueh-sheng of the KMT wants the Tourism Administration to ask the Ministry of Defense to allow tourism on Gaodeng Island. He tries to crack a joke next, but it did not land well.

Chen Hsueh-sheng
Lawmaker (KMT)
The soldiers on Gaodeng Island are very lonely. It’s just the 20, 30 of them. After a while, they could even turn gay.

The Tourism Administration head Chen Yu-hsiu could only laugh awkwardly. The footage quickly began to circulate online, and netizens were furious. They said that Chen’s level of gender awareness was abysmal and that it was highly inappropriate to even make a joke like this, let alone at the legislature.

Yu Pei-chen
Taoyuan city councilor (independent)
It’s insulting to different subcultures and sexual orientations. Moreover, it’s discrimination. Of course the soldiers endure loneliness and hardship, but it’s a responsibility and an honor to serve. If he’s using this as an excuse to allow tourism on Gaodeng Island, and if tourists actually were allowed there, that still wouldn’t mean that the soldiers would have it any easier.

Gaodeng Island is located right across Chinese-controlled Huangqi Peninsula, and was a critical location during the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis. There’s even a television series on the events at the time.

Yu Pei-chen
Taoyuan city councilor (independent)
They must be able to mobilize anytime something happens there. The CCP also has a lot of military radar and fine instruments on Huangqi Peninsula. If one were to overlook the military significance of Gaodeng Island and try to make it a tourist destination, the northernmost gateway to the ROC would then become wide open.

Whether Gaodeng Island could open to visitors could be debated, but the consensus seems to be that Chen’s remarks were wholly inappropriate.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taiwanpolitics #taiwantourism #matsu #陳雪生 #unbelievable

2025-10-30

Tanks emitting black smoke during drill raise eyebrows in Yunlin

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Filipino artist Michael Manalo chases dreams in new solo exhibition

Filipino visual artist Michael Vincent Manalo is now holding his latest solo exhibition, inspired by the process of chasing one’s dreams. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us into the exhibition to find out more about the stories behind each work.

Manalo’s works examine the complex journey of pursuing one’s dreams, showcasing both the struggle and serenity within that pursuit. Many pieces depict female figures with clouds drifting over or concealing their eyes, symbolizing the waiting process, uncertainty, and anticipation in the pursuit of dreams. In some works, faces are replaced by waves.

Michael Manalo
Artist
Some people or for example, a lot of people have a lot of dreams that we want to chase, but sometimes because life comes in the way. For example, this girl, I think she works in an office. She is working in an office or probably working as a person in a barista, for example. Maybe she has a dream as an artist, but because her money and time isn’t enough so it is almost impossible for her to chase her dreams. Still, she lifts her head above the strong waves as to show that that dream is still achievable.

This work, Home, explores the theme of hope, inspired by Manalo’s own story of moving from Taichung to Taipei to pursue his dream as an artist.

Artist
I feel like sometimes when we do these things. When we chase our dreams, for example, we always have this hope inside ourselves. I want to show this raincoat kind of represents that hope. I was living in Taichung for almost eight years. This represents me leaving that city. As you can see here, it’s kind of like I regret leaving that place because I am so used to it, but I feel like maybe the grass is greener in Taipei. Now I moved to Taipei and I feel like it was the best decision in my life. I am not saying that Taichung is that bad, but Taipei is more suitable for me.

What am I doing? Chasing Dreams, Flowing Moments" is a solo exhibit by Manalo. Hailing from the Philippines, Manalo originally trained in nursing before shifting to visual art. His works span digital art, painting, and installation, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the human condition through surreal, dreamlike imagery. Since moving to Taiwan in 2014, Manalo has taught art and continued pursuing his dream as an artist. He hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams no matter how tough the journey may be.

Michael Vincent Manalo
Artist
If we have a dream, we still have to try our best to achieve that. We should not give up. I mean, this exhibition is about that moment when we think we have to give up-but actually we should still try to push further.

His art exhibition is on view at +wò Cultural Practice in Hsinchu until Nov. 8.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#art #artexhibition #dream #chaseyourdream #hsinchu

2025-10-30

Japanese high-school graduates among foreigners praying at Taipei city god temple

2025-10-30

Yilan seniors win big in creative international food challenge

The International Food and Beverage Challenge was held in Tainan this year, drawing competitors from 13 countries. A team of eight older women from Yilan shone in the Creative Wagashi category, winning three gold, four silver, and a bronze. They were all surprised at their stellar result, saying it was a rewarding experience just to compete.

Specialty desserts are out on display, resembling lotus flowers, sunflowers, a scroll, and a pond. With these adorable designs, eight older women from Yilan won big at this year’s International Food and Beverage Challenge in Tainan.

Voice of Chen Yen-feng
Yilan senior
Lilies and orchids are representative of Tainan. We used a traditional scroll to hold them inside.

Chang Hui-chih
Senior education association director
After getting together a team, we went to Tainan to compete in the International Food and Beverage Challenge. Our organization aims to help seniors realize their dreams.

One of the competitors, Chou Huang Wen-chi, is originally from Tainan, but left nearly 50 years ago. Participating in this challenge was like a homecoming for her.

Chou Huang Wen-chi
Yilan senior team leader
Every team discussed our work with us and gave suggestion for improvements, so this trip has really been a great learning experience for us.

The Taiwan Senior Education and Future Industry Development Association organizes classes for seniors starting from scratch. They worked on their submissions for over half a year. After much discussion and iteration, they’re all very proud of their creations.

Chen Yen-feng
Yilan senior
For us older folks, doing something with our hands and working our brains is a good way to stay sharp.

The competition gave these seniors a goal for their class, but now with their stellar result, it has truly been a rewarding experience.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#baking #cooking #competition #seniors #Tainan #Yilan #wagashi #desserts #lifetimelearning #seniorclass

2025-10-30

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2025-10-30

Chiayi tourism bureau plans migratory bird-watching tours

Every fall and winter, hundreds of migratory birds flock to Chiayi’s Dongshi and Budai townships, including the popular black-faced spoonbill and black-winged stilt, making this an ideal place for bird-watching. Chiayi’s Culture and Tourism Bureau is organizing bird-watching experiences, inviting families from around Taiwan to experience nature’s wonder through wetland tours and educational activities.

Using a special flute, a performer perfectly imitates different birdsongs, surprising even Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang at this press conference.

"You even imitated Donald Duck at the end, right? It’s so realistic. It’s incredible. "

As many migratory birds come to Chiayi in fall and winter, the county’s Culture and Tourism Bureau is organizing bird-watching tours. At a press conference introducing the tours, the county taught five bird-watching strategies, and the county commissioner even tested the actress Orange Hsieh’s knowledge of bird names in Taiwanese.

The shores of Chiayi’s Dongshi and Budai townships are important habitats for migratory birds, making the area’s wetlands prime for bird-watching. Flocks of popular birds gather here, including the black-faced spoonbill, cute northern shoveler, and long-legged black-winged stilt, enticing bird lovers year after year.

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
At the moment, 1,138 black-faced spoonbills have already arrived, and as many as 1,500 have come before. From the beginning of October to April next year, Chiayi is basically a migratory bird paradise.

The bureau is planning three types of migratory bird tours, including both free and paid experiences, and even designed a bird stamp booklet. Starting on Nov. 1, visitors need only collect three bird stamps to redeem a bird-shaped pendant. Chiayi is inviting people of all ages to come learn from bird experts and connect with nature.

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

#birdwatching #migratorybird #tours #Chiayi #nature #familyfriendly #birdparadise #birdsong #birdwatchingtour

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Goth ghost girl creeps out driver in spooky tunnel

A “ghost sighting” inside a Tunnel in Keelung has gone viral this week. A startled motorist caught what looked like a long-haired woman in black standing motionless by the roadside. The eerie image sparked panic, and even a police investigation before the truth finally came to light. Turns out, the so-called gothic ghost wasn’t supernatural at all, but part of a Halloween-themed video shoot.

Is this tunnel cursed? Keelung’s Zhongshan Tunnel has become infamous after a motorist caught a snap of a creepy long-haired lanky figure in black standing at the side of the road. The specter-like apparition freaked him out, prompting police to investigate.

Security camera footage shows the gothy ghoul had been dropped off at the location in a white sedan. After walking for a bit, the specter then stood still until the car returned. It turns out, they were real people filming a video.

Chiang Shun-chih
Police officer
The parties involved have been notified to give statements and the case is being investigated in accordance with the Social Order Maintenance Act. A ticket will be issued for illegal parking in accordance with the relevant traffic regulations.

Mystery solved. The dark spirit was spotted by Mr. Lai, who works as an aide to a city councilor. He was so disturbed that, after a fall on his scooter the next day, he rushed to a temple to pray.

Mr. Lai
Got a scare
Even the next day, the image was still in my mind. I didn’t get a good night’s sleep. The scene would leave an impression on anybody, be they in a car or on a scooter. I hope that people would pay more attention to warnings if they want to take a video or do a photoshoot. It would be better that way.

Shih Wei-cheng
Keelung City Councilor (DPP)
When we met, his face was pale, and he looked unsettled. I asked him what happened, and he told me he’d seen a ghost in the tunnel. There are a lot uniquely charming spots in Keelung. But I hope that when filming or taking photos in public, people will obtain permission and respect local customs and traditions. Or at least put up clear signs in both directions.

There’s nothing wrong with filming a spooky video for Halloween, but if you do so, make sure you don’t inadvertently break the law, or worse, give someone 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

#halloween #goth #creepy #spooky #festive #tunnel

2025-10-30