China blocks Taiwan’s participation in WHA for 10th year in a row

China blocks Taiwan’s participation in WHA for 10th year in a row

2026-05-11

The 79th World Health Assembly, or WHA will begin next Monday in Geneva, Switzerland. And once again, Taiwan has not been invited to take part, marking the 10th consecutive year of exclusion due to Chinese pressure. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement claiming that without Beijing’s consent the so-called “Taiwan region of China has no basis, reason, or right to participate.”

Amid the pressure from China, Taiwan is taking a more proactive approach. The Ministry of Health and Welfare will be hosting four international forums on the sidelines of the event. In addition, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung confirmed that plans are underway for him to personally lead a delegation. Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang said that the number of countries supporting Taiwan’s participation in the WHA as an observer has actually increased year by year. He added that international support hadn’t weakened despite the US’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#wha #who #health #geneva #china

連10年未受邀WHA! 林佳龍擬親自率團:有在規畫中

2026-05-11

第79屆世界衛生大會（WHA）將於下週一在瑞士日內瓦登場，但台灣已第10年沒受邀，中國外交部還聲稱：「中國台灣地區在未經中央政府同意的前提，沒有任何根據、理由和權利，參加世衛大會。」

面對中國打壓，我國今年化被動為主動，除了衛福部將在場邊舉辦4場國際論壇，外交部長林佳龍還證實，有在規畫要親自率團。衛福部長石崇良則說，歷年支持台灣參與WHA成為觀察員的國家，其實一年比一年增加，國際支持的力道並沒有因為美國不出席WHA的大會而有減弱。

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民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
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Cabinet pledges to remedy slashed items on original special defense budget bill

Last Friday, the opposition-controlled legislature passed a smaller NT$780 billion special defense budget, a NT$470 billion decrease from the Cabinet’s original proposal. Items slashed from the NT$1.25 trillion proposal included Direct Commercial Sales from US companies and local contract manufacturing. It also added a provision for annual review by the legislature. Critics said the final budget came at the expense of 90,000 job opportunities, and that the annual review stipulation could risk missing payment deadlines. Meanwhile, Premier Cho Jung-tai pledged to make up for the slashed items and programs, whether to be included into the general budget, or in a new legislative bill.

- You posted that you wish there wasn’t a special defense budget in the first place. Do you really believe that the listed procurements aren’t urgent at all?
- Huh? Hold on, let me check in first.

KMT legislator and co-convener of the Foreign and National Defense Committee Ma Wen-chun refused to elaborate on her personal opposition against a special defense budget on top of the regular annual budget.

Ma Wen-chun
Legislator (KMT)
We do support having a national defense budget, but not to have it all earmarked under the special budget.

The approved budget bill has a cap of NT$780 billion—down from the cabinet’s proposed NT$1.25 trillion. The ruling DPP expressed regret over the decision, saying that it comes at the expense of an estimated 90,000 job opportunities and the local drone industry. An unnamed US White House official was reportedly disappointed by the smaller budget. In response, Premier Cho Jung-tai pledged to deliver on the slashed items and programs.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The necessity of national defense is more than the budget itself. We must regain the people’s confidence and international partners’ trust. The government will definitely deliver on these promises. The fragmented special budget comes as a huge blow to national defense and security, and so we must cooperate more closely with international partners. I hope that ruling and opposition parties alike can have a clear understanding of the reality.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Taiwan plays a key role in the face of the US’ Indo-Pacific strategy, especially regarding the First Island Chain. I also hope that Taiwan’s legislature can make amends and that ruling and opposition parties can work together.

Cabinet officials are calling on opposition parties to cooperate for the greater national interest. Meanwhile, the ruling party also points out that the annual review stipulation in the approved special defense budget bill could risk missing the May 31 deadline for US-made HIMARS system and threaten future procurements. The Cabinet is considering adding that and other slashed items either to the general budget or by proposing a new legislative bill for approval. That could be feasible, according to the DPP’s co-convener of the Foreign and National Defense Committee, Chen Kuan-ting.

Chen Kuan-ting
Legislator (DPP)
It’s true that some opposition party legislators seem to be more conservative and rational. They are not so quick to oppose our proposals. I hope that the KMT will support their more rational legislators, because otherwise, they’ll lose swing voters’ support.

Thirty-eight civic groups are organizing a rally on May 23 in support of the original special defense budget bill, and to protest against KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun and Legislator Fu Kun-chi, who were behind an even paltrier NT$38 million budget proposal.

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

#國防特別條例 #defense #taiwanpolitics #drones #defensebudget

2026-05-11

4 British tourists suffer CO poisoning at Jiufen guesthouse

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Taichung bus driver helps four passengers in wheelchairs

While Taichung’s buses are certainly not known for their punctuality, sometimes the drivers have a good reason for being late. When four passengers in wheelchairs were boarding a bus at once, the compassionate driver helped them one by one. Although it made the bus late for its next stop, passengers praised the driver’s kindness and consideration.

Four people in wheelchairs were getting on a bus at the same stop. Before picking them up, the bus driver let other passengers know the situation.

- I’m very sorry, but because there are people in wheelchairs who need the driver’s assistance, it may hold us up for about five minutes.

The driver helps push the wheelchairs onto the bus one at a time. Two were able to get into seats and store their chairs, while two others settled in the wheelchair area. Thanks to the driver’s help, they all found a comfortable spot on board.

Chan Chih-kai
Bus driver
The other two couldn’t get up, so they stopped in this area.

When they reached their stop, the driver helped them safely get off the bus, making sure they had a smooth journey. Now 47 years old, Chan Chih-kai has been driving buses for 21 years. He’s always had a passion and enthusiasm for service.

Chan Chih-kai
Bus driver
Because people with disabilities face many difficulties when going out, they’re always worrying about something. So, I encourage them to be brave and go out.

Passenger
Finds delay OK
I can understand that feeling. The delay wasn’t long. It’s within the acceptable range.

Passenger
Appreciates driver’s kindness
Everyone should show kindness and help the disadvantaged.

Assisting these four passengers delayed the bus by about five minutes, so how can they make up the time?

Chan Chih-kai
Bus driver
We have to shorten our own rest time, giving that time to the passengers. For example, spend less time using the restroom.

Mr. Chan has won four Golden Driver Awards and even hosted the awards ceremony, showing his talent for spreading joy and compassion.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#bus #driver #busdriver #wheelchair #disabled #Taichung #kindness #compassion #GoldenDriverAwards

2026-05-11

Accomplished chef reconnects with old mentors through Threads

Recently, many people have been posting on Threads looking for old friends or teachers they’ve lost touch with. The owner of a Spanish restaurant posted a list of his former mentors on Threads, hoping to get back in touch with the chefs who inspired him 20 years ago. With the help of others online, he tracked down and reconnected with one of his most cherished mentors. Thanks to the power of the internet, these two chefs were able to renew their student-teacher bond.

From pan-fried pork chops to barbequed chicken thighs, Rex is an expert chef. Next he adds homemade chorizo sauce, orange zest, a squeeze of lemon, and Spanish paprika.

- We first cook it slowly at a low temperature, then sear it over high heat, so you can see the Maillard reaction forming on the surface.

Rex started working in the restaurant industry at age 16, and now he runs his own Spanish restaurant. He’s always cherished the teachers and mentors who guided him along the way.

Rex
Restaurant owner
All the chefs at Chinese restaurants had really short tempers and spoke really loudly. For me at 16, it was kind of... I had to be really careful and meticulous every day. It was really scary, but they were willing to teach me a lot, which has made my Western cooking more solid than others, with more elements and ideas.

He hopes to get back in touch with his old mentors so he can cook for them and thank them. He put this hope out into the world, posting it on Threads.

Rex
Restaurant owner
There were lots of people willing to help, and one of my old mentors reached out to me. When he contacted me, I was really moved.

With the help of the online community, Rex was able to reconnect with his old mentor and share just how far he’s come. Although working in a restaurant was intense as a 16-year-old, he’s grateful for the teachers who gave him a chance.

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

#restaurant #chef #Spanish #cooking #kitchen #mentor #teacher #student #reconnect #Threads

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NCHU researchers discover nerve repair benefits of citrus oil

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Owners gather to let trained macaws fly free

Having pets is very common, with many families welcoming cats and dogs into their home. Birds are also an increasingly popular choice, especially intelligent, colorful ones like macaws. Owners usually keep a chain on their leg to prevent them from flying away and to keep them safe. But some train their parrots to fly free and return home on command.

Dozens of pet macaws take to the skies, seizing a rare chance to fly free. When the whistle sounds, they fly back. Keeping pet birds is increasingly popular, especially macaws, which are highly intelligent, affectionate, and interactive. They can even learn simple words and phrases. Considering their birds’ well-being, these owners took advantage of the good weather to go outdoors and let them fly.

Mr. Fu
Macaw owner
Let them move around! They used to be free, and if we just keep them at home chained up like this, it’s mistreating them. That’s not okay.

But before these birds can be allowed to fly free, they must first be trained to return on command and adjust to the environment, which can take more than a month. As macaws can be quite expensive, ranging from NT$60,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, many owners put tracking devices on them so they don’t get lost.

Mr. Huang
Macaw owner
My bird can fly free. It has a GPS. It’s great at charming people and very smart. It understands what you say and is even good at talking.

Forming a community, these owners come together to let their birds fly free and talk about their shared experiences.

Ms. Liu
Macaw owner
There’s no way to enjoy the sun at home. You have to train them, make sure they’re stable, and only release them in a safe location. My macaw hasn’t been trained properly, so I won’t let it fly free.

Soaring through the sky is a parrot’s natural instinct. When done safely, letting them fly helps them exercise and stay healthy, and can even make their feathers more vibrant.

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

#macaw #parrot #bird #pets #petbird #flyfree #training #birdtraining #talkingbird

2026-05-11

Biker straps dog to back while speeding down highway

Pet lovers are outraged about a video posted online of a fluffy dog dangling from its owner’s back while riding a motorbike speeding down the highway. The video was taken on Provincial Highway 74 and shows the pup strapped up, swinging in the strong wind as the heavy bike zips by. Police say that the precarious pet transport didn’t actually break any rules, while a veterinarian says the set-up could cause the dog to suffer severe injuries.

A biker on a large motorcycle zooms by, but look at the back of the driver! It’s not a plushy, but a real dog with four legs dangling in the wind, head shaking left and right and fur flying in the wind. Many have taken issue with the pup transport.

Member of public
Disapproves of biker
The dog looks terrified. It’s just strapped there with a belt. It’s so dangerous.

Member of public
Disapproves of biker
It looks quite dangerous. Why not put the dog in a backpack, or in a transport cage?

The video was captured on Provincial Highway 74 in Taichung, in the stretch from Wuri to Changhua. The biker strapped the doggy to his back to go out for a fast ride. A veterinarian says he shouldn’t carry the dog like that.

Lee Wei-min
National Chung Hsing University
The dog could get a spinal injury. And if the straps aren’t secure enough, the ribcage and sternum will get shaken around. The four limbs are dangling in the air, and not touching anything, which makes the dog feel unsafe and stressed.

The veterinarian couldn’t help but shake his head at the video. The setup wouldn’t be able to withstand an emergency brake at such high speeds. What’s worse, the vibration of traveling at high speeds could be lethal to small dogs.

Lee Wei-min
National Chung Hsing University
It’s a small dog, so just take it out in a transport cage.

The Wuri Precinct reviewed footage of the incident, but stated that it did not seem like the dog was strapped on too loosely. As such, the biker had not violated any regulations. Still, for extra safety, it would be best to use a pet carrier.

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

#petcarrier #dog #puppy #biker #motorbike

2026-05-11

Biker shocked seeing police wave gun at traffic checkpoint

A biker traveling in Taichung got quite the shock at a traffic control checkpoint, where he found himself up against a police officer with a gun in his hand. The motorist says the police officer was standing in the middle of the road, and waved the gun at him in order to pull him over for a routine inspection. A video of the exchange has sparked much debate online about whether the police officer should be handling a gun in such a situation. Let’s hear from the biker involved.

Voice of Mr. Tang
Biker
I think it’s fine that I got pulled over, but raising the gun like that… did that comply with regulations on when and how to use firearms? Especially the way that he pointed the gun at me and waved to the side. It’s crazy. Is pointing a gun at someone like that OK? He was just standing in the middle of the road when he stopped me. What if I hadn’t been able to brake in time and we had an accident?

Biker
Commenting on incident
It’s overkill. I’d be OK if they use a baton. But a gun… is almost as if they were dealing with a criminal committing an offence. It’s beyond reason.

Lin Chung-sheng
Police officer
At the time, one officer was taking notes, while another was maintaining order. Considering the situation, the officer drew this weapon and signaled the biker to stop, which is in line with the principle of proportionality.

The road where the incident took place is on mountainous terrain and is full of hairpin bends, which makes it popular with motorcyclists. But the loud noise of the motorbikes has been a headache for nearby residents, especially on weekends. On the day of the incident, the police had been dispatched to the area after a noise-related report. The precinct in change of the operation says that the handling of firearms was justified, as there was a large number of people and vehicles at the scene. At the same time, the precinct says it will further train officers to prevent similar incidents in the 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

#firearm #gun #policecheck #biker #motorbike

2026-05-11

Escape room worker almost dies in scary hanging act with real rope

An escape room actor playing a ghost that died by hanging nearly actually died during her work shift this past Sunday. The incident happened at Rostart Games’s Xinyi branch in Taipei, where 29-year-old Ms. Wu tied a real rope around her neck instead of a prop. After performing for the players, she did not come out of the escape room with the rest of the team, which is when she was found to have actually strangled and in a coma. Fortunately, she regained vital signs later at the hospital. Ms. Wu’s family alleged that Rostart Games fail to adhere to safety standards, which was later found to be true by the city’s labor department. As a result, the branch was forced to suspend operations and could be fined up to NT$300,000.

Police inspect Rostart Games’s Xinyi branch in Taipei, where an employee stumbles while answering questions one day after another employee suffered a near-fatal accident at work.

Wu Wen-yi
FTV reporter
We’re at the location of the incident. The venue was supposed to open at 9:30 a.m., but it’s already been an hour, and it’s still not open.

On the evening of May 10, a 29-year-old female employee of Rostart Games Xinyi was playing the role of a ghost who had died by hanging. After the escape room game ended, she did not come out with the rest of the team. That’s when she was discovered in a coma with a real rope around her neck.

Voice of frequent escape room player (anonymized)
Familiar with employee’s act
She gave a little performance, and when players were scared enough, she performed hanging herself, which ended when an elevator appeared and we went on to the next scene. I believe the hanging scene lasted one minute at most. She of course, showed struggling motions, but she also had the typical horror makeup, so it was hard to tell whether she really felt unwell or if it was just an act.

Following the accident, a social media user claiming to be the employee’s brother wrote that what happened wasn’t an accident, because his sister had mentioned that her workplace does not thoroughly adhere to safety standards by using only professional props, and that the rope she performed with was a real rope.

Deputy head
Sanzhangli Police Station
Our initial assessment rules out external intervention. However, Ms. Wu’s family decided to sue the business operator on her behalf for causing injury by negligence and for severe injury caused by negligence.

Fortunately, the employee was successfully resuscitated and escaped death. Prosecutors and police continue to investigate the cause of her injury.

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

#escaperoom #occupationalsafety #safetystandards #compliance #labor

2026-05-11