President Lai to visit diplomatic ally Eswatini for first time in office

President Lai to visit diplomatic ally Eswatini for first time in office

2026-04-13

President Lai Ching-te has confirmed that he will visit Taiwan’s diplomatic ally Eswatini this month. He’ll be making the trip to Africa to attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession to the throne and his 58th birthday. Lai will be in the country from April 22 to April 26, flying directly to Eswatini without transiting through a third country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this will be Lai’s first visit to Eswatini since taking office, making it especially significant, and his second overseas trip overall. Let’s hear more.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office spokesperson
King Mswati visited Taiwan in 2024 to attend President Lai’s inauguration at our invitation. This year, he personally signed a letter inviting President Lai to attend the celebration. We have responded proactively and positively to the invitation, and showing how important our diplomatic allies are for our country.

Wu Chih-chung
Deputy Foreign Minister
It will be President Lai’s first visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini since taking office. He’ll be attending a historic celebration of the king’s 40th anniversary on the throne. It is an extremely significant event. Lai will take a direct flight without any transits, and the flight path will not pass through the Middle East. If you look at the map, it goes straight to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Eswatini is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa. It’s also an important member of the Southern African Customs Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Experts say the visit will highlight the fruitful cooperation between Taiwan and Eswatini, showcasing their successful partnership to neighboring African countries, as an example of Taiwan’s contributions.

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

#taiwan #eswatini #africa #diplomacy

上任後第二次出訪賴總統4/22訪史瓦帝尼"參與國王慶典"

2026-04-13

總統賴清德確定出訪非洲友邦史瓦帝尼，參加史瓦帝尼國王，登基40周年和58歲生日慶典，賴清德將在4/22到4/26號出訪，將直飛史瓦帝尼，不會過境第三國，外交部表示，這是總統上任後第一次出訪史瓦帝尼，參加國王慶典，意義非凡，也是賴清德上任後第二次出訪。

[[總統府發言人郭雅慧]]
“由於史王在2024年曾經應邀到台灣，來參加賴總統的就職大典，再加上今年他是以親簽信函，誠摯邀請賴總統，在史國重要時刻出席相關的慶典，因此為了要積極的，正面回應史王的熱情邀約，同時也要展現對邦交國的重視”

[[外交部次長吳志中]]
“此次是賴總統上任後，第一次出訪史瓦帝尼王國，並參加史國極具歷史意義的，史王登基四十週年的相關慶典，意義非凡，這次直飛所以沒有過境，是不會飛越中東地區的這樣的一個狀況，就直接看那地圖，往史瓦帝尼王國那邊飛就是”

史瓦帝尼則是台灣在非洲唯一的友邦，同時也是「非南關稅同盟」以及「非洲大陸自由貿易區」的重要成員。專家分析，此行將彰顯台史雙方豐碩的合作成果，以台史邦誼的成功合作經驗，讓非洲周邊國家看見台灣能夠做出的貢獻。

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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Engineer foregoes high salary to grow cantaloupe in hometown

Cantaloupe season in Tainan’s Houbi District has officially begun! Over the past few years, the local farmers’ association has found that many young farmers are attracted to growing the fruit. Chang Wei-teng is one of them. Despite holding a master’s in electrical engineering, he decided to return to his hometown to grow cantaloupe instead. His wife is a nurse who was attracted by Chang’s dedication. She decided to remain a nurse, but moonlights by supporting her husband’s dream.

In a warehouse, workers tidy up freshly harvested cantaloupe. Many of them are younger than you’d expect for the industry.

This is Chang Wei-teng, who holds a master’s in electrical engineering from Taiwan Tech. But he gave up an enviable salary to return to his hometown in Tainan’s Houbi, determined to grow cantaloupe.

Chang Wei-teng
Farmer
A career in electrical engineering is a dream to most people, but looking back, I realized there are many things we can do in this life. I wanted to do what I feel most confident about doing.

Yu Chin-feng
Chang’s mother
It’s what he’s interested in. His dad wanted him to go elsewhere for work, but he didn’t want to. Doing this, you’re at the mercy of nature.

Chang’s wife, Huang Tzu-hui, is a practicing nurse. It was actually Chang’s grandmother who brought them together.

Chang Wei-teng
Farmer
You could say my grandmother was matchmaker. She was sick at the time. I noticed how patient the nurse was and thought she had a wonderful personality. After getting to know her, she didn’t look down on me for becoming a farmer. It was meant to be.

Huang Tzu-hui
Nurse
It seemed like he became a farmer just because he wanted to be one. I thought he was so cool. Who would want this job? Especially when he has such an advanced degree. Then eventually, as we got to know each other, I wanted to support him in doing what he loves.

Huang was moved by Chang’s determination, but fearing they might struggle financially, she decided to keep her job as a nurse while also supporting her husband’s dream.

Huang Tzu-hui
Nurse
I believe that people shine when they’re committed to something. By staying the course, he’s carved his own path in life. He’s also overcome many setbacks. The natural disasters we’ve experienced were pretty terrifying. But I thought, that’s OK. He can keep doing this, and I’ll keep nursing. At least I’ll have a steady monthly salary.

Working hand-in-hand, this couple is building more than a cantaloupe brand. They remain standing tall through rain or shine, supporting each other in enjoying the fruits of their labors.

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

#farmers #youngfarmer #cantaloupe #Tainan #couplegoals #engineer #nurse #careerchange

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Baishatun Mazu shares her palanquin with two others, to worshippers’ delight

The famous pink race car is back in action. The Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage officially kicked off midnight Monday, and will take nine days as the sea goddess travels south. This year’s event is especially significant, for the procession is carrying two other Mazus, making for a formidable trio on the same palanquin. Triple the blessings. FTV anchor Ariel Wang did not miss out on the action. Let’s take a look.

Worshippers at Gongtian Temple are cheering as the Censer Master Mazu and the Baishatun Mazu are successfully taken into the palanquin.

They’re joined by the Houlong Shanbian Mazu in a palanquin conjoining ceremony. Then, the trio sets off together, for the first time in history.

The pilgrimage officially kicked off on midnight Monday. Worshippers all tried to get as close as possible as they sent off the holy trinity. Tongxiao Township was restless that night.

The pink race car charged ahead, arriving in Dajia District, Taichung in the morning. The three Mazus couldn’t wait to meet with a fourth, their Jenn Lann Temple counterpart.

- Were you worried that people wouldn’t have anything to eat here at noon?
- Yes. Here, this is for you.
- Thank you so much.
- It’s on Mazu.

Throughout the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage, worshippers stood ready with offerings of refreshments for pilgrims. The woman offering sticky rice had come all the way to Taichung from Taoyuan.

Worshipper
Offered sticky rice
We come every year. There’s only 144kg. We didn’t prepare a lot this year.

Worshippers are always readily welcoming the Baishatun Mazu and her friends wherever she goes. Among those waiting, some are returnees to say thanks after their wishes came true. Many more are seeking blessings from her.

Worshipper
Moved by procession
I’m so moved. I hope Mazu can bless me and help me get better. I’ve had three unsuccessful surgeries in a row. I hope Mazu can offer me the way and point me to a good doctor, and get me back on my feet.

This rice cake shop in Qingshui District has a snack corner ready for Mazu and her pilgrims every year. The owner says that Mazu always returns, year after year.

Owner
Rice cake shop
We seek advice from Mazu for all matters, big and small. She always points us in the right direction. The holy mother really takes great care of us, so we’re always at the ready for her.

Tens of thousands of worshippers kept on charging ahead with the pink race car. Our team was also lucky to get a spot among a crowd waiting for the palanquin to pass over and receive blessings.

Ariel Wang
FTV anchor
We’ve kept up with the pink race car and we’ll continue to charge ahead. We’ve sprinted ahead in her footsteps. I even failed to hold back tears twice. I’m not exaggerating. It’s really so moving.

Together with her videographer, the FTV reporter had kept up with the Baishatun Mazu on foot for almost 14 hours. The two will follow her all the way southward, to her destination.

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 #baishatun #pilgrimage #religion #miaoli #tourism #culture

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A day in the life of a Taiwanese weather forecaster

In typhoon-prone Taiwan, everyone needs to check the weather forecast before heading to work or travel. These short weather forecasts seem simple but behind them brilliant forecasters who have trained for years are putting in a lot of hard work. Let’s meet Liu Yu-chi, a forecaster at Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.

Whether it’s strong winds or heavy rain, this man stands on the frontlines all year round, keeping the public updated on the latest weather information. He’s Liu Yu-chi, a forecaster at the Central Weather Administration. He’s been full of enthusiasm since childhood.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
Once, when a typhoon came, I could hear extremely strong wind outside. At first, I felt that the sound was so powerful that I could feel the force of nature. So I was very curious about these situations. When I was a child, I would watch the weather anchors broadcasting, and sometimes I would deliberately try to imitate their tones and voices.

From the competitive pressure during his school years to working at the Central Weather Administration, Liu’s abilities speak for themselves. However, before appearing in front of the camera, he still had to undergo a long period of behind-the-scenes training.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
When forecasters first start out, they usually begin by drawing weather maps. Once we’ve confirmed their ability to analyze current conditions, we then have them prepare weather forecasts for the coming week. Only after they are competent in monitoring and forecasting do we train them to gradually present and explain their work to the public

During his 12 years at the administration, he often felt a strong sense of being needed — and the phone never stopped ringing.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
I remember receiving a call from a member of the public. The person on the other end said they knew the forecasters were very busy but their home really was without power and the internet, so they were relying on the phone for information. They said hearing my response made them feel more at ease. The call made us realize that they had very urgent and concrete needs.

Liu Yu-chi also reveals that every accurate prediction he makes comes with complex emotions.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
We predicted very heavy rainfall in the eastern half of the island, but truthfully, when we made the forecast, we already knew the amount of rainfall would easily cause disasters. Even if the prediction is accurate, we can’t say we’re particularly happy.

Faced with the trend for AI, Liu is not threatened. On the contrary, he believes the addition of AI can be a great help.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
The introduction of AI technology of course can make computer simulations more accurate, increase forecasters’ efficiency, and allow them to make forecasts more accurate in a shorter time.

As the Chinese saying goes, one minute on stage takes ten years of practice offstage. Before every storm, there are people quietly watching over the weather, like Liu, unseen by the public.

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

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A near-fatal crash Kaohsiung turned into a remarkable rescue late last night. A collision between a car and a motorcycle left a 19-year-old motorcyclist with no vital signs. Authorities say the driver may have made a right turn in violation of the traffic signal, which sent the oncoming motorcyclist crashing onto the roof of the vehicle. As bystanders looked on, a local traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and a friend who were dining nearby rushed out of the restaurant to perform CPR on the young man. Moments the rider regained a heartbeat before emergency crews arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

A motorbike rammed against a black car turning right, sending the rider flying onto the roof of the vehicle before falling to the ground. The loud crash drew people over.

- He doesn’t have a pulse!
- Call an ambulance! Quick!
- Call an ambulance!
- I called already!

The rider had no heartbeat, so a man in blue and another in black immediately began CPR.

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- I need tissues!
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The two men took turns to perform CPR, trying to bring the young man back to life.

- Relax, relax!
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After 2 minutes, the rider’s legs finally began to move.

- He woke up! He’s awake!

Firefighters and paramedics took over as soon as they arrived and saved the man’s life. It turns out the man in blue is a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Yu Neng-hung
TCM practitioner
We were having dinner with several groups at the restaurant at the intersection. We heard the crash, it was really loud. There was blood on his mouth and nose, so we took care of that first. We were very afraid he might choke. We tried to not move him in case he had internal injuries, but the top priority was to begin CPR and get his heart beating again.

The incident happened in Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen District. The driver of the car is 68-year-old Mr. Hung who was heading home with his wife. The biker is 19-year-old Mr. Chen, who crashed into the car as it was making a right turn. The car’s rear right tire burst, the window was damaged and the side panels got dented. The motorbike was severely damaged, with the front almost completely destroyed and the wheel rim broken.

Chen Hung-en
Police officer
We suspect that the car driver, Mr. Hung did not follow the traffic signals. We’re still investigating the responsibility of the incident, which will be determined by the traffic division.

By the time paramedics took over, the rider had regained consciousness and was able to speak. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

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

#miracle #good #goodsamaritan #hope #biker #motorbike

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Ruling and opposition trade barbs on Indian migrant worker scheme

The Minister of Labor, Hung Shen-han recently announced that Taiwan will introduce 1,000 migrant workers from India, a decision that was met with fierce opposition from the public. By late afternoon Monday, almost 35,000 signed a petition urging the labor minister to reconsider the policy, which is based on an MOU signed two years ago between Taiwan and India. In the face of intense public backlash, ruling and opposition parties have started trading barbs on the issue.

Wang Hung-wei
Lawmaker (KMT)
The entirety of DPP-affiliated Bluebirds is going all out to shift the blame onto opposition parties. But allow me to ask, back when the Executive Yuan’s labor and foreign ministries signed the MOU, were the Legislative Yuan’s opposition parties the ones that made you sign it?

The KMT legislative caucus held a press conference on Monday morning to oppose the introduction of migrant workers from India. The administration plans to introduce 1,000 Indian workers from the northeastern state of Mizoram by year-end.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
Lawmaker (DPP)
Protecting the rights and interests of local workers, solving Taiwan’s industry-wide labor shortage, and ensuring the rights and interests of migrant workers—these three aspects were the center of discussions then at the Legislative Yuan. But now the KMT is throwing us another question, asking us how we plan to deal with the issue of public security. Well, speaking of which, it’s on all three political parties to urge the public to rationally discuss this issue.

The DPP retorts that the KMT has backpedalled on its support for the policy. They also urge the opposition to foster constructive discussions on the issue.

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Our labor shortage is a serious problem. Just now, when the minister answered questions from other legislators, she mentioned that we’ll start with 1,000 people. We also hope that she’ll implement this as soon as possible.

Jonathan Lin
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Back then, we were referring to India’s highly skilled engineers, like those in Silicon Valley. They would actually be beneficial to our science parks. I think that’s a good thing. But we now know that it’s entry-level workers we’re speaking of.

Many Taiwanese citizens also oppose the policy. Within five days, more than 30,000 have signed an online petition for the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Labor to immediately terminate plans to introduce Indian workers. The Ministry of Labor responded by saying that they will fully consider and assess the impact of the scheme on the wider society and that they won’t move the scheme forward hastily.

Lin Yueh-chin
Lawmaker (DPP)
What you’re mentioning now is definitely not what KMT lawmakers were saying. Our discussions then were on how we should introduce the workers, and how soon. I also hope that the KMT will remember what they’ve said.

Though there are currently Indian workers living in Taiwan, their jobs are mostly in the tech and engineering sectors. But the new policy aims to bring in Indian nationals as migrant workers in entry-level manufacturing.

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

#migrantworkers #international #labor #migration #印度移工

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