African swine fever virus in Taichung 99% similar to China, Vietnam

African swine fever virus in Taichung 99% similar to China, Vietnam

2025-10-31

Results are in for the genetic sequencing of the African swine fever cases in Taiwan. The virus has been found to be closely related to strains found in China and Vietnam. That’s 99.95% similarity for China and 99.92% similarity for Vietnam. The data will be submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health.

But despite the similarity, veterinarians say it is still difficult to determine the origin of the disease, as viruses mutate over time. The problem lies in lacking recent references in existing genetic databases. As such, authorities can only indicate an approximate source based on correlation.

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#africanswinefever #asf #pig #pork #animalhealth #veterinarian

非洲豬瘟基因定序出爐! 與"中國.越南"相似度逾99%

2025-10-31

台中梧棲養豬場爆發非洲豬瘟之後，病毒基因定序今天(31日)出爐，中央災害病變中心說，經過比對，發現跟中國、越南的病毒株相似度分別為99.95%及 99.92%，之後會將序列提供給世界動物衛生組織。

但獸醫說，這樣還是難判定帶源者到底哪來，因為病毒會演化。如果可以比對到來源國的最新序列，就能確定瘟疫哪來，但如果來源國沒有提供，也只能以關聯性、以大概的範圍來推估。

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KMT Chair-elect says Putin is ‘not a dictator’ during interview

KMT Chair-elect Cheng Li-wun has come under heavy criticism from the DPP, after saying that Russia’s Vladimir Putin is “not a dictator.” She made the comment during an interview with a Deutshe Welle reporter. The exchange started off rather rigid, and things heated up further after the interviewer tried to draw a parallel between the Russia-Ukraine war and cross-strait relations.

KMT Chair-elect Cheng Li-wun recently gave an interview with Deutsche Welle’s Taipei office head Tsou Tsung-han, and from the start, it was tense.

– How much do you think military expenditure should be as a percentage of GDP?
- Do you know how much Japan’s military budget is this year?
- Well, China’s military expenditures continue to rise.
– If you want to look at cross-strait security purely by the numbers…
– Of course I don’t!

In barely three minutes, the interaction turns hostile. The two obviously disagree over their views on Taiwan’s military expenditures and Taiwan’s agency in cross-strait conflict.

- Whether Taiwan becomes like Ukraine or not is not for Taiwan to decide, but Xi Jinping. I’ll let you know…

– I completely disagree.
– It’s just you who disagrees.
– Aren’t you interviewing me? If you’re not willing to listen to me, why bother interviewing me?
– I’m not done with my question.

Tsou says he’s not done with his question, while Cheng feels like he’s cutting her off. Soon, Cheng dropped what’s arguably the biggest bombshell.

- It’s up to the dictators to make that decision, not to other democratic regimes.
- Putin is not a dictator. He was democratically elected.
- Putin’s not a dictator? You’ve just come up with a new international theory.

Netizens say the interview was more like getting Cheng into a debate.

Cheng Li-wun
KMT Chair-elect
People may hold certain presumptions or misunderstandings against us. Through opportunities for conversation, we hope that more people will get to understand the KMT. Putin also went through democratic elections and was elected with votes for him, so I was surprised he was called a dictator.

Wang Ting-yu
Lawmaker (DPP)
That kind of reasoning will leave anyone with the barest amount of common sense on international affairs gasping, whether in laughter or shock. Those who oppose Putin are either in jail or in heaven. This view of the universe is completely the same as the worldview created by the CCP.

KMT politicians never seem to have good experiences with the media outlet. Some may still remember how outgoing Chair Eric Chu called the end of an interview when time was up, also with Deutsche Welle.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taiwanpolitics #kmt #dpp #DW #鄭麗文 #鄒宗翰

2025-10-31

Enoch Wu to vie for DPP candidacy in Taipei mayoral race

2025-10-31

Taiwan and Australia strengthen circular economy Ties

Dr. Anya Phelan, Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Griffith Business School, visited Taiwan to foster academic and cultural exchange. During her visit to Taiwan, Dr. Phelan delivered talks at NTNU and spoke in a forum focused about circular economy, sustainable innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship. As part of her cultural exploration, she also visited Taiwan’s largest Indigenous brand platform where she learned about community-led enterprises that are empowering Indigenous artisans across the island. FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with Dr. Phelan to find out more.

One of the highlights of Dr. Phelan’s trip was a visit to Taiwan’s largest Indigenous brand platform. The brand showcases original products from 16 Indigenous groups, including handcrafted textiles, jewelry, teas, and leather goods. Dr. Phelan met with the store owner to learn how Indigenous entrepreneurs are preserving cultural heritage while building global connections.

Dr. Anya Phelan
Griffith Business School senior lecturer
This particular store I find so inspiring and so uplifting. There is so much richness of the culture, but also the fact that these are hand-made, lovingly crafted products that are not mass produced, but they represent cultural strength and pride and connection to this land. The legacy of the indigenous people of Taiwan is incredibly significant because it has led to so many unique countries and cultures throughout the Pacific and has had a huge impact and is continuing to have a huge impact.

Lin Jing-xuan
Store owner
From our food to weaving and the utensils we use, everything is sourced locally and crafted using natural methods. The concept of sustainability begins with eco-friendly production, followed by low-carbon practices. When it comes to cultivation, our environment is absolutely friendly. Most importantly, we focus on cultural preservation-our crafts are made using locally sourced materials from Taiwan, transforming them into meaningful products.

Dr. Anya Phelan is a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Lead in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Griffith Business School in Australia. Her work focuses on circular innovation, circular economy, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. During her visit, Dr. Phelan gave lectures at a university and spoke at a forum about circular economy, sustainable innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship.Her speeches emphasized the importance of the circular economy and empowering marginalized communities through business models that honor tradition while embracing modern markets.

Dr. Anya Phelan
Griffith Business School senior lecturer
I do research around circular innovation, particularly place-based circular innovation. So, innovation that emerges from communities and local people who truly understand how to address the problem. Circular economy is an economic model and policy that is becoming more popular throughout the world but it is not necessarily implemented. It is very tricky to implement within the current economic systems that we have. It is also misunderstood and associated with only recycling but is so much. Taiwan is a leader in a lot of ways, a global leader in resource recovery, partly by necessity, partly because there is a lot of talent here. And, because it is a technological powerhouse. A lot of effort has gone to become as efficient as possible and stay competitive globally. The world has a lot to learn from Taiwan.

Dr. Phelan says that Taiwan stands out as a global leader in resource recovery and technological efficiency. She believes the world has much to learn from Taiwan’s innovative and sustainable practices.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#circulareconomy #indigenous #Australia #Taiwan #exchange #forum #entrepreneurship

2025-10-31

Unclear regulations cause liability issues in motorized scooter accidents

An increasing number of people are using motorized electric scooters to get around, but according to current laws, they are technically not allowed on the road. Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan only allow them to be used in private spaces, but other cities and counties lack clear regulations. The Consumers’ Foundation said that without clear rules, it’s unclear who is liable when accidents occur, and without proper insurance, compensation is also an issue.

After stepping on the scooter and kicking off, the rider can activate its motor and swiftly move forward without any physical effort. In recent years, motorized electric scooters have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation.

Unfortunately, there have also been an increasing number of collisions between motorized scooters, motorcycles, and cars. According to current regulations, these scooters are classified as personal mobility devices and are not allowed to take passengers or go over 25kph. They’re restricted from going on the road and may only be used where local governments stipulate. But so far, only Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan have announced regulations, restricting scooters to private or enclosed spaces.

Lee Ko-tsung
Consumers’ Foundation transportation committee chair
They might use the sidewalk, since it’s hard to define right-of-way. If there’s no sidewalk, they have to use the slow lane, which creates serious problems when mixing with road traffic.

Chen Ju-yin
Consumers’ Foundation vice chair
They can’t go on the road, so why can so many stores sell them?And they’re even quite expensive. Stores usually tell customers they can legally be used on the road, but won’t say which roads.

The foundation says regulations are unclear, so users are in a gray area both in terms of their right to use the road and liability insurance and compensation.

Chen Ya-ping
Consumers’ Foundation secretary-general
After an accident occurs, people start asking if this kind of vehicle can even be driven here. If it causes injuries or damages, and isn’t registered or licensed, then there might not be any insurance coverage or legal framework to handle the aftermath.

Motorized scooters, electric bicycles, and electric two-wheelers are all classified as “slow vehicles.” About 10 to 20% of accidents involve these new forms of transportation, but regulations have fallen behind.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#scooters #motorizedscooter #electricscooter #bicycle #electricbicycle #rightofway #roaduse #roadrights #transportation #accident #liability #ConsumersFoundation #regulations #legislation

2025-10-31

Taipei MRT removes seats, replaces with handrails

The Taipei MRT has been carrying out a carriage optimization scheme for peak hours on the Blue Line, aiming to improve traffic flow by removing some seats and poles, and adding handrails. In addition, for the first time, portions of the family-friendly carriage have been modified to give more space for wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage.

For the many commuters who take the MRT every day, their worst nightmare is to be pushed off of a packed train. The Taipei Metro has heard their complaints and is making changes to some of its carriages, removing seats, barriers, and poles to optimize the space for more passengers.

Passenger
Increasing the capacity would be helpful to these passengers. After all, some people would like to get to work earlier.

Passenger
Of course it’s busy during rush hour. Nowadays, many buses have low floors. Compared to the older buses, there are a lot fewer seats. But I think you just get used to it. It’s actually pretty good.

Passenger
Sometimes I can’t find a place to sit, so I end up leaning against the railing.

In its Blue Line optimization plan, the Metro is removing the center poles from cars 2 through 5, as well as some of the seats and barriers to make more space. It’s also encouraging passengers to move toward the center of the car. But some worry that the lack of seating will be tough on older folks.

Passenger
There are more older people these days. If you remove the seats, they can’t stand for very long. So I think the original design wasn’t bad. Removing them is better for commuters.

Passenger
I think it makes no difference for short trips. Just a few stops, no big deal. Just stand for a bit and you’ll get there in no time.

Voice of Chou Chih-lung
Taipei Metro operations deputy director
One big benefit is that from the fourth door of the third carriage to the first door of the fourth carriage, the three-person seat was removed to allow more space for strollers and improve traffic flow.

The Taipei MRT is continually optimizing its train cars to enhance capacity and accelerate passenger flow, as well as make them more accessible for passengers with strollers and wheelchairs.

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

#Taipei #TaipeiMRT #commuters #publictransport #train #accessibility #redesign #trainseats #optimization #wheelchairs #strollers

2025-10-31

Frugal diners line up for value lunchbox in Keelung

There’s a lunchbox restaurant in Keelung that specializes in affordable meals. Diners only need to pay $50 to eat their fill. Such a good deal has made it a local favorite, with people lining up well before mealtimes. The long line even entices some passersby to join in, saying that you could never find a deal this good in Taipei.

It’s well before lunchtime, and the line for this lunchbox restaurant is already trailing down the sidewalk. If you get there at 1, you might be too late. Their traditional meals haven’t changed for decades. There are locals who have been eating here since they were kids, as well as visitors who are trying it for the first time after seeing the long line.

Customer
This is the first time I’m walking over here and saw it. It’s ridiculously cheap. It would easily be twice as expensive in Taipei.

Local customer
Ever since I was little, I’ve always found them to be affordable. The owner has been very generous these past few years.

This spot is a favorite among locals for being affordable. The owner doesn’t skimp on the sides, and the taste is comparable to any five-star restaurant for a fraction of the cost. The sign on the wall isn’t a lie. Each box really is just NT$50. For just a few coins, you can eat your fill. But due to its popularity, it’s getting harder to buy, and some patrons don’t want it to be publicized anymore.

Local customer
Don’t film here. If you show such a long line, it’ll make it harder to get. For just NT$50, you get a pork chop, egg, and three sides. It’s so cheap.

And it’s not just Keelung. People online have also shared spots in Taipei, Chiayi, and Tainan where you can get quality eats at affordable prices. People looking to keep a full belly as well as wallet don’t need to chase supermarket deals. There are still some places you can get generous portions for a fraction of the cost elsewhere.

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

#cheapeats #costofliving #Keelung #taiwanfood

2025-10-31

Baishatun Mazu visits New Taipei on iconic ‘pink supercar’

After years away, the Baishatun Mazu has returned to New Taipei on her iconic “pink supercar,” bringing hundreds of devoted followers out to the street. She was invited by two temples in Tucheng and Banqiao for a centennial joint procession. From early morning, crowds staked out their spots and broke out in cheers. Worshippers say they hope to pray for peace, health, and good fortune.

The street is packed with lively worshippers ready to chase after Mazu’s “pink supercar.”

After many years the Baishatun Mazu is back in New Taipei, at the invitation of the Beichen temple in Tucheng and the Cihui Temple in Banqiao. Over her three-day visit, she’ll follow a fixed route through the two districts. Her followers came nice and early to save a good spot.

Worshipper
Ready for Mazu
I got here at 7 in the morning, and it’s almost 10 now. There are so many people, especially here along Yumin Road, which is the front line. I’ll be praying for everyone’s business to flourish and everyone to be healthy and content.

Worshipper
Ready for Mazu
I’ve been waiting here for more than an hour. I’ll pray for everyone’s safety, for peace and prosperity. And for no more typhoons.

The Baishatun Mazu set off from Beichen Temple on Friday morning and will make two stops at the Wuyun and Sanyuan temples before reaching the Cihui Temple on Sunday for a historic centennial joint pilgrimage ceremony.

Wang Shih-chiao
Beichen Temple volunteer
Three years ago, the Baishatun Mazu came for a procession, but without her “pink supercar.” They brought it over this time, which is why everyone is so excited.

Hung Wen-hua
Gongtian Temple head
Mazu’s “pink supercar” draws huge crowds whenever it comes out. They previously invited Mazu privately, but this is her first time coming to Taipei on an official temple visit.

Mazu and her pink supercar brought out hundreds of believers out to the streets, bringing blessings to New Taipei.

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

#mazu #religion #folkreligion #newtaipei #racecar

2025-10-31

Textile company turns pineapple leaves into fabric and leather alternative

Pineapples are delicious, and now you can wear them too! A textile company has turned pineapple leaves into silky knits and supple leather. Their fabrics are much more environmentally friendly than cotton or linen, let alone their leather compared to conventional plastic alternatives. The company truly has you covered, from head to toe!

Here are some clothing, shoes and hats made out of a leather-like material, which is actually derived from pineapple leaves.

Gary Hsieh
Textile company EVP
The fibers can be turned into leather and made into hats, and even furniture such as couches. It has a wide range of applications.

There’s an average of 1.45 tons of pineapple leaves for every ton of pineapple harvested. The textile company turns these leaves into fibers to produce an eco-friendly leather alternative. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, this plant-based material is less carbon-intensive and uses less water to produce.

Gary Hsieh
Textile company EVP
Last year, our product was certified by the BSI to have a carbon equivalence of 0.784, around one-tenth of linen and half of cotton. Any cash crop with fiber-based by-products can be reused by us.

This is a T-shirt the company designed for a Circular Taiwan Network event, featuring the main visuals. The pineapple fiber material was an apt choice for this souvenir T-shirt.

Gary Hsieh
Textile company EVP
The Ministry of Environment established a great platform, which is the 8+N resource circulation alliance. I think what’s even better is that the platform allows us to learn from other industries regarding how they implement circular economy principles.

As a member of the resource circulation alliance, the company has an opportunity to learn about others with a circular business model. The Ministry of Environment hopes to raise the profile of these green businesses and encourage more companies to get on board with a more sustainable future.

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

#sustainability #circulareconomy #recycling #enviromentalism #netzero #fashion

2025-10-31

18-year-old escapes police check, gets slapped with 43 traffic fines

2025-10-31