Stolen NT$6 million statue found, 3 suspects arrested

Stolen NT$6 million statue found, 3 suspects arrested

2025-11-26

You’ve probably heard of the recent heist at the Louvre, but did you know there was a similar incident in Tainan earlier this month? Three thieves broke into the Jiulong Taizi Temple on Nov. 14 and stole a statue of a deity valued at NT$6 million. The good news is the statue has been recovered, and the three suspects have been arrested in Kaohsiung and Taichung.

The statue was made by woodcarving master Chen Chi-tsun, a national treasure himself. He and members of the temple staff went to the police station Wednesday afternoon to retrieve the statue. The statue will now be sent for repairs, as it suffered some damage on the back of the chair and the front edge of the headpiece. But the body of the deity came out unscathed.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#statue #theft #heist #tainan

找到了! 九龍太子宮"卯兔星君"失竊警逮3賊送辦

2025-11-26

台南市下營區九龍太子宮，一尊市價約600萬元的卯兔星君神像，14號遭到竊賊闖入宮廟偷走，警方成立專案小組，兵分多路，終於在高雄、台中等地，抓到3名竊賊，並追回神像。

宮廟人員和神像的作者，國寶級木雕大師陳啟村，週三下午來到警局，喜迎神像回家。陳啟村確認損壞約占一成，慶幸神像手部、身體未損壞，損壞的部分，像是椅背、帽冠前緣等處，後續將進行相關修復工作。

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German and Taiwanese couple runs cafe to share German food and slow lifestyle

For those looking for a taste of Germany in Tainan, there is a charming café run by a German man and his Taiwanese wife. Using handwritten recipes passed down from his mother, he prepares authentic German desserts and dishes. His wife, also a talented baker, makes sourdough bread by hand for the café’s patrons. Together, they share German culture and cuisine with their customers, while promoting a lifestyle rooted in the philosophy of slow living.

Butter, sugar, eggs, and flour are mixed into a batter, topped with thinly sliced apples, and sprinkled with handmade streusel. For the streusel, cold butter chunks are a must—an important detail from his mother’s recipe.

Jo
Café owner
Every time I make a cake, the cake reminds me strongly of my youth, and of my childhood. Back then it was very nice.

Jo, now 72, was once an engineer. He met his wife Ko Chuan by chance while both were on business trips in Shanghai. After taking several trips together, the couple settled down in Ko’s hometown of Tainan, where they opened a cafe to sell German dishes and sweets. The cafe enabled them to realize their lifestyle philosophy of slow living.

Ko Chuan
Café owner
We’re really far from Germany, so being able to share German food and culture with people here makes us truly happy.

While Jo bakes cakes following his mother’s recipes, Ko prepares sourdough bread that she taught herself how to bake. From fermentation to baking, each loaf takes three days to make.

Ko Chuan
Café owner
This kind of bread is to Germans what rice is to Taiwanese—it’s a staple. So I make sure it’s firm and hearty inside, but crispy on the outside, and full of fragrance.

They treat every customer like a friend, taking the time to explain the bread and pastries and share their life philosophy. The café, set in an old house that’s been renovated, exudes a warm atmosphere.

Ko Chuan
Café owner
If my husband can stay healthy, and our customers can stay healthy, then this café will continue to have meaning.

With more and more customers coming in, the couple has gotten increasingly busy. But they never forget that the purpose of their retirement café is not just to make money—it’s about sharing life, and living it slowly.

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

#cafe #café #slowdown #slowlife #slowfood #german #germanpastries #pastries #sourdough

2025-11-26

Soldier that went missing for 6 days while hiking found

A soldier in the Army surnamed Chiang who went missing for six days while on a hike was found and rescued on Wednesday morning. He had gone hiking on Taichung’s Batong Trail on his own last Friday, and went missing when he was close to finishing his trip. When he was found this morning, he was mostly fine, save for a few minor injuries.

This is Mr. Chiang, a soldier in the Army who went missing for 6 days. He waves at the drone camera to let rescuers know he’s safe, and even gives a thumbs-up.

Rescuer
Taichung City Fire Department
In the beginning, someone heard him yell “Help me!” It’s clear that it came from a human, so we sent out a drone to take a look.

The soldier kept blowing a whistle and crying for help to get rescuers to come. Firefighters heard him and set out a camera drone to confirm his location. Mr. Chiang had been at this location in the valley for six days by then. He was still fully conscious and mobile, only sustaining a few minor injuries.

Rescuer
Taichung City Fire Department
He was fine when we found him. He also had access to water. It’s clever of him to stay put. If he couldn’t get water, he’d be in great trouble by day two or three.

How did he manage despite the cold and hunger? Rescuers say he happened to slip down a river valley and so he had water, which allowed him to live. He also remained calm and stayed put to preserve stamina.

Chao Kuan-fei
Taichung City Fire Department
When we saw him from the camera, he was able to stand up and wave to us through the drone camera. It looked like he had traces of blood on his face, likely from getting scratched.

Even though Mr. Chiang is in the Army and physically active, he rarely went on hikes. Around 7:30 in the morning last Friday, he went alone to hike the Batong Trail, shared his location near Dream Valley at around noon and made it to the summit at around 4:30 in the afternoon. By 7:11 p.m., he texted his girlfriend he had just 1km left back to the trailhead, but was unreachable soon after that. His family made a social media post asking for help, before rescuers finally found him on Wednesday morning past 9 in the valley near the Eight Immortals Mountain.

-They really went all out helping to find him. We’re really thankful.
-Does he usually carry a whistle with him? Why else would he have one?
-It’s taught to them by his higher-ups. They’ve done a great job.

Mr. Chiang’s family and friends can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Taichung City Fire Department had sent out 100 rescuers, and the Armed Forces supported the mission with 24 soldiers on the Special Forces. It’s a miracle that he was unharmed when found after 6 days.

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

#rescue #miracle #hiking #mountains #taiwantravel

2025-11-26

Hikers tie ribbons, ropes on Shenku Mountain in memory of late friend

While attempting to summit Shenku Mountain in March, a hiker surnamed Tseng slipped on an icy ledge and fell to his death. As the path is rarely traveled, his friends only recently hiked up the trail to tie ribbons along the way in his memory. They also tied ropes along the steeper parts of the trail to help other hikers climb more securely and return home safely.

Fully equipped hikers make their way toward Shenku Mountain, tying blue ribbons along the way to help their fellow hikers identify the route.

They also secure ropes along the steep slope. But it’s not just to help other hikers ascend safely. There’s a story behind it.

In March, a friend of theirs surnamed Tseng was summiting Shenku Mountain when he slipped on ice and fell down the ravine to his death. In his memory, the group decided to blaze a trail using ribbons to mark the way.

Su Kuo-hao
Hiker
We’re fulfilling a wish—his wish, our wish—to have no more accidents.

Wang Ming-hung
Hiker
It’s for safety. The rain can sometimes be very dangerous, or the snow.

The hikers said that because this trail is relatively off the beaten path, it doesn’t get many visitors. But with recent collapses in other sections, there are more people coming here. By securing ropes, they hope to provide a lifeline that could save someone’s life during a critical moment, while also fulfilling their friend’s wish.

Chuang Kuo-pin
Hiker
I deeply regret that day. Here at the site of the accident on Shenku Mountain, I’m taking it upon myself to complete the part he didn’t get to finish that day. He should forever remain among his favorite scenery. We hope he can rest in peace. We’ll all be fine.

With thoughts of their dear friend in mind, the hikers secured ropes along the steep slope, hoping that every climber after him could return home safe and sound.

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

#hiking #mountaineering #climbing #accident #nature #trail #safety #trailblazing #memorial #Shenkushan #ShenkuMountain

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Chiayi holding vote, raffle to promote tourism ahead of Lantern Festival

Next year’s Lantern Festival is to be held in Chiayi. Ahead of the festivities in March, the Chiayi County Government is hosting an event in which the public is invited to vote for the best restaurants and scenic spots in the county. From Dec. 3 to Jan. 16, those who cast a vote will have the chance to win an iPhone, 4K TV, hotel stays, and other prizes.

After having a pineapple cake here, you can go right next door to get a steamed bun.

It’s impossible to try everything—there are too many delicious things to eat in Chiayi County. It’s a tough choice to make, but which is your favorite? The county is holding a vote to find out.

- I recommend the mutton hot pot from Zhuqi Township. There’s a lot. Also fresh oysters from Dongshi. Budai, too. They’re all good spots.
- You have to get the Dongshi oysters.

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
It’s for the Taiwan Lantern Festival next March 3rd to the 15th. Over these 12 days, we hope to compile all the top spots from around Chiayi, so when you come to see the festival, you can also see other attractions across the county.

The Taiwan Lantern Festival next March is to be held in Chiayi County. To help visitors see more of Chiayi, the county government is holding a vote for the top spots to visit. The public is invited to cast a ballot for the best foods and scenic spots among a total of 68 restaurants and 136 locations. Just by casting a vote, you’re entered to win a new iPhone, 4K TV, hotel stay, and other prizes.

At the press event, restaurants were showing off their wares to canvass for votes. Entertainers Dora Hsieh and Tseng Tzu-yu also introduced some favorites. Chiayi covers vast tracts of land over both the mountains and seashore. With this voting system, visitors can follow the map to explore Chiayi to their hearts’ content.

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

#Chiayi #ChiayiCounty #tourism #LanternFestival #vote #scenicspots #food #prizes #raffle #giveaway

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Pickleball charity tournament raises funds for Hualien disaster relief

Pickleball has surged in popularity in recent years. A special tournament was organized to raise funds for the disaster recovery efforts in Hualien. The event brought together entertainers, public figures, and coaches, all competing to support reconstruction projects and communities hit by the Hualien flood. FTV reporter Stephany Yang played in the tournament and gives us this report.

The Chinese Taipei Pickleball Federation chair Sandy Chou, New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi, and chair of the U-Life Association, Chen Mei-feng performed the opening serve of the tournament.

This is the first Let Star Pickleball Charity Tournament. All proceeds from the event will be directed to low-income households and elderly residents living alone in Hualien, providing support for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction along the Matai’an Creek.

Chen Mei-feng
Taiwan U-Life Association chair
I practiced a little. Through this charity event, we can take care of the elderly who need support, let them watch some programs, relax a bit, and bring them some joy.

Sports broadcaster Ryan Chen and I joined 17 other groups of entertainers and coaches in a thrilling competition. Through a random draw, we were split into red and white teams and played two matches.

Taipei 101 Chair Janet Chia and her husband also took part in the tournament. The pair has been playing pickleball for several months. Before discovering the sport, their main passion was competing in triathlons.

Janet Chia
Taipei 101 chair
People might think I’m very athletic. But pickleball requires quick reactions, which is different from the longer-distance, aerobic exercises I used to do.

Other celebrities who played in the tournament were TV hosts Fang Fang-fang and Sam Tseng.

Sam Tseng
TV host
After playing pickleball for a while and combining it with some weight-loss methods, I’ve slimmed down like lightening-losing 8kg and nearly 10cm off my waistline.

Fang Fang-fang
TV host
I started playing because I noticed that many friends I play badminton with have switched to playing pickleball.

The Chinese Taipei Pickleball Federation and the Taiwan U-Life Association aims to establish the celebrity charity tournament as an annual event-raising funds for disaster relief and social causes while promoting the growth of pickleball in 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

#Pickleball #Charity #Disaster Relief #Hualien #PickleballCharityTournament #TeamCompetition #CelebrityNews

2025-11-26

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Presidential Office announces US$40B military budget plan for coming years

The Presidential Office held a press conference Wednesday morning to announce a supplementary military budget proposal worth an unprecedented NT$1.25 trillion, or around US$40 billion, for the upcoming years until 2033. President Lai Ching-te urged lawmakers of all parties to approve the budget, and made a case for why even those in favor of cross-strait reconciliation should support it.

Lai Ching-te
President
The Beijing authorities have set a target of forceful unification by 2027, and are rapidly building up their military forces so as to invade Taiwan. They’ve continued to ratchet up military exercises and grey-zone activities in the vicinity of Taiwan. Their intention, through military means, is to force cross-strait unification and for us to surrender, and to annex Taiwan.

The Presidential Office is holding a press conference to announce a historic supplementary military budget of NT$1.25 trillion, or US$40 billion, in the coming years to defend Taiwan’s democracy.

Lai Ching-te
President
The Ministry of National Defense has already laid out a plan to bolster defensive resilience and asymmetric warfare capabilities, and made a special budget plan for arms procurement. It plans to invest NT$1.25 trillion between 2026 and 2033 in national defense, including the construction of the T-Dome.

President Lai reiterated the importance of “peace through strength,” emphasizing that investing in national defense is to invest in security and peace, and that this demonstrates Taiwan’s resolve against multi-layered threats from China.

Lai Ching-te
President
In each and every scenario of China’s annexation of Taiwan, the most threatening thing isn’t an increase in arms, but for us to give up. History proves that compromising with an aggressor only results in endless wars and enslavement.

Some believe that the historic military budget plan was a result of pressure from the US. The administration worries it could have a hard time getting it passed at the opposition-dominated legislature, as many opposition lawmakers have questioned the viability of raising the defense budget to account for 5% of the GDP by 2030. The president also made a case for those on the opposite end of the political spectrum.

Lai Ching-te
President
Even if we were to reconcile, it must be backed up with strength. Reconciling without strength would not protect our national interest. Moreover, reconciling without strength would easily result in us to have no other choice but to surrender. So I hope that opposition parties, no matter their position, would fully support national security. The pressure mainly comes from China, which threatens to annex us. It’s like installing security cameras in one’s home. It wouldn’t be because of a neighbor’s pressure, but because that would make one’s home more secure. That’s the reason for spending money to install security cameras.

The president also says that it’s paramount that Taiwan increases its defense capabilities facing threats from China.

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

#defense #military #geopolitics #crossstrait #taiwan #china

2025-11-26