President Lai addresses Copenhagen Democracy Summit

President Lai addresses Copenhagen Democracy Summit

2026-05-13

President Lai Ching-te delivered a prerecorded speech at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit on Tuesday, just days before US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping set to meet in Beijing. One of the key points in the speech was China’s interference in a planned state visit to Eswatini earlier this month. He also emphasized Taiwan’s key position in the First Island Chain, at the front line of defense for democracy. He added that Taiwan is willing to share its experience in responding to authoritarian forces with the international community. Let’s hear from him.

Lai Ching-te
President
Last month, I had planned to lead a delegation to visit Eswatini. However, we had to temporarily postpone the trip due to China’s coercive act of blocking normal flight routes. These actions let the global democratic community see in no uncertain terms that authoritarian regimes are seeking to impose their own rules upon the world. Further, it made clear that these regimes will not hesitate to break established international norms and use global aviation safety and order in civil aviation as leverage for political pressure. Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation. The Taiwanese people have every right to engage with the international community and they are more than capable of contributing to it.

President Lai also reiterated in his remarks that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent country, and that no attempt to isolate Taiwan can change its determination to participate in the international community.

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#taiwan #china #us #eswatini #sovereignty

賴總統哥本哈根民主峰會談話喊:願分享應對威權經驗

2026-05-13

川習會前夕，總統賴清德以錄影方式在"哥本哈根民主高峰會"發表演說，他提及出訪友邦史瓦帝尼遭中國干擾的事件，強調台灣身處第一島鏈關鍵位置、站在民主防線最前緣，台灣願意跟國際社會分享應對威權勢力的經驗。

[[總統賴清德]]
“上個月我原訂率團訪問史瓦帝尼，卻遭遇中國阻絕正常航線的行徑，這讓全球民主社群更清楚地看見，威權政權正企圖強加他們的規則於世界，甚至不惜打破國際慣例，將全球飛航安全與民航秩序，作為政治施壓的籌碼。台灣是主權獨立的國家，台灣人民有權利走向世界，也有能力貢獻世界。”

賴總統更在致詞中重申，台灣是主權獨立國家，任何試圖孤立台灣的阻撓，都無法改變台灣參加國際社會的決心。

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DPP picks Puma Shen to run for Taipei mayor against Chiang

The DPP has finally picked a candidate for the Taipei mayoral race. Legislator Puma Shen will be running for the mayor of the capital, in an attempt to defeat incumbent Chiang Wan-an of the KMT. At the announcement presser, DPP Chair Lai Ching-te said that Shen’s qualifications, experience and personal character made him a perfect fit to lead Taipei. He also criticized the current city administration, saying that its governance was lacking, and did not set a good example to follow. Shen also pointed out the current problems plaguing Taipei, and called on citizens to give him a chance to serve his hometown. Let’s hear more.

Lai Ching-te
DPP Chair
Puma Shen is top-tier talent. He’s full of ideas and ambition, and he’s the best choice for Taipei mayor. As the capital of Taiwan, Taipei cannot fall behind or head in the wrong direction. His vision for a “limitless city” shows the shortcomings of Taipei’s current administration. The current city government is focused on cross-strait forums, and it’s failed to act as a leader, or bring added value to Taiwan.

Puma Shen
Taipei mayoral candidate (DPP)
Taipei has the best living standards, yet it can’t retain its population, which continues to decline. It has the biggest budget in Taiwan, but there’s no long-term planning. A great city should make its residents feel pride. Nobody knows what the future holds, but that’s why there are so many great possibilities. I am Puma Shen, please choose me as your mayor.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei mayor
I am focused on city administration every single day.

Already, social media accounts for his campaign have been set up, and Shen himself has gotten a makeover. Though he had previously left behind his recognizable curly hairstyle, he’s now got an ever shorter style, for a fresh and sharp look. As the race for the capital kicks off, the entire DPP is mobilizing for the campaign.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#dpp #taipei #mayor #politics #沈伯洋

2026-05-13

Kaohsiung borough chief’s billboard criticized for racism against Indians

A borough chief in Kaohsiung running for city councilor has sparked fierce backlash for his campaign. The billboard for Lee Hung-yi李紘毅, a TPP member running as an independent candidate, has a “no sign” over a man in a turban next to an upside-down flag of India, which he said means that he’s opposed to introducing Indian migrant workers. Indian-born residents in Taiwan decried the brazen racism of the billboard, but Lee refused to take it down. It’s also unlawfully used the DPP’s party emblem, which is protected as a collective mark under the Trademark Act.

Here it is, the controversial billboard for Lee Hung-yi, who’s running for the Kaohsiung City Council.

Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
This billboard is placed here on Shanming Road, in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District. Indian-born residents in Taiwan say the middle icon makes them uncomfortable.

Voice of Ms. V (anonymized)
Indian-born resident
It’s really unfriendly toward our people. You can’t display such a racist sign in such a public place. I hope they’ll remove the billboard.

Under the “no symbol” is a picture of a man with medium complexion in a turban and with facial hair, as well as an upside-down flag of India. Residents of Indian origin find it offensive. They also say that the turban isn’t quintessentially Indian, but rather particular to adherents of Sikhism. They add it’s wrong to discriminate against a whole group of people, not to mention that the candidate essentially reinforced stigma against migrant workers. It’s also the first time, they say, to see racism advertized so brazenly.

Lee Hung-yi
Kaohsiung City Council candidate
Clearly, it means that I oppose introducing Indian migrant workers. I won’t remove the billboard. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect everyone’s opinion.

Local resident
Disapproving
I think it’s inappropriate to display that in the public.

Amid the backlash, Lee still says he won’t remove the billboard. The racist imagery isn’t the only controversy here. He’s also using the DPP’s emblem, which could confuse voters, and in fact does infringe upon trademark rights of the DPP.

Hwang Wen-yi
Head of DPP Kaohsiung City Chapter
It’s already caused confusion among many people, who’ve called us for clarification. He used our party emblem in his campaign. It’s really unethical. He’s not campaigning his own policy platform, but rather smearing another political party’s policies.

The candidate is currently the chief of Gangming Borough in Xiaogang. He’s running as an independent, despite being a member of the TPP. In addition to infringing upon the rights of the DPP, he may also have to explain himself to the TPP.

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

#taiwanpolitics #elections #racism #trademark

2026-05-13

NT$667 million lottery prize forfeited after months unclaimed

2026-05-13

Scat coin purse from Hualien black bear center goes viral in South Korea

A Formosan black bear-themed souvenir is making waves abroad! A South Korean fan recently posted online showing off a bear poop keychain that a friend helped them buy from the Taiwan Black Bear Education Center in Hualien, praising it as both cute and ugly at the same time. But the keychain also holds a secret: unzip it, and you’ll find acorns and seeds inside, accurately reflecting the dietary habits seen in actual bear droppings.

What is this long dark object? It’s a keychain made to look like Formosan black bear scat, sold as a souvenir by the Taiwan Black Bear Education Center in Yuli, Hualien. It not only sold out locally, but has even become an international sensation.

Posting online, a South Korean fan said they finally managed to get their hands on the center-exclusive keychain as the perfect ugly-cute addition to their bag. The outside is certainly unique, but the inside also holds a surprise: meticulously handcrafted acorns and seeds.

Member of public
Commenting on design
It’s designed in a way that’s appealing to both adults and children. It’s not off-putting to kids. My child just agreed it was very cute.

Member of public
Commenting on design
I think the poop design is really eye-catching. When you unzip it, there are oak acorns and other nuts and seeds inside. It shows the kinds of things that black bears eat.

Most people mistakenly believe that Formosan black bears only eat meat, but they’re actually omnivores, with over 80% of their diet consisting of plants. The center originally created it as an educational item to sell at markets. It never expected the keychain to go viral, sparking a buying rush that led to a shortage back in February.

Ms. Huang
Black Bear Education Center
We recently noticed that thanks to the internet, there’s been an enthusiastic response. Even people abroad have shown interest. We’re truly delighted that a product like this can get people to care about this issue, even outside of Taiwan.

This unexpected hit has captured the attention of fans at home and abroad, leaving the center in shock. They hope that this “poop keychain” can help inspire greater attention for the importance of black bear conservation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Formosanblackbear #keychain #souvenir #viral #scat #wildlifeconservation

2026-05-13

Man fulfills promise made in tragedy to donate ambulance to Argentina

Back in 1988, a family was involved in a car accident while on vacation in Argentina, killing the wife before she could reach the hospital. But throughout the entire ordeal, the hospital staff showed them such compassion that the husband vowed to one day return the favor. Now, 38 years later, he was finally able to donate an ambulance to the community. In recognition of his kindness, the Argentine government put Taiwanese flags on the outside of the vehicle as a reminder of where it came from.

Hsu Wen-ming
Ambulance donor
My wife passed away because there was no ambulance. This has been weighing on my heart for over 30 years. This has been the driving force behind all my efforts.

A wish held for 38 years has finally been fulfilled. Mr. Hsu, who raised his daughter as a single father, lived frugally for decades to save up NT$1.8 million, all to donate to strangers who live on the other side of the world as thanks for helping him through his darkest hour.

Hsu Wen-ming
Ambulance donor
I owe the Argentinian people. The afternoon my wife passed away, my daughter didn’t have any milk to drink, and she wouldn’t take a bottle. She was hungry and crying. But a nurse who had just given birth herself took my daughter and breastfed her. Seeing that... I just broke down. I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

On the day of the donation, the hospital invited the doctors and nurses who were there at the time of the accident. In 1988 while traveling in Argentina with his wife and six-month-old daughter, Mr. Hsu and his family were in a serious car accident. Since there was no ambulance, his wife passed away on the long journey to the hospital. The father and daughter were sent to a second hospital, where these “angels in white” stepped in to help at their most vulnerable. Mr. Hsu left that day with a solemn vow to repay their kindness.

Hsu Wen-ming
Ambulance donor
I told my wife I’d make sure that her sacrifice wouldn’t be for nothing. I donated an ambulance so that no one else has to suffer the way we did.

As one of the furthest countries from Taiwan, sending an ambulance to Argentina was no easy task. International shipping logistics and regulations were complicated, and the pandemic put a halt to the plan for six years. But the vehicle finally arrived, giving what’s essentially a mobile ICU to this community. In a rare gesture, the Argentine government placed both Mr. Hsu’s and his wife’s names on the ambulance and displayed Taiwanese flags to the outside.

Hsu Wen-ming
Ambulance donor
This is the first ambulance in all of Argentina to display a foreign flag. There’s no other. Since they put it on, it’s had a huge response from the Taiwanese community in Argentina.

Mr. Hsu’s story deeply moved the local community and garnered widespread media coverage, serving as a shining example of the friendship between the people of Taiwan and Argentina. Now, this ambulance—bearing the flag of the person who sent it—begins its mission to save lives in the place where his story first began.

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

#Argentina #tragedy #tragicstory #ambulance #donation #kindness #movingstory #Taiwanflag #inspiring

2026-05-13

Ultrasonic repeller backfires to worsen Keelung station’s bird problem

Since the Keelung Transit Station has an open-aired design, it’s appealing as a nesting place for birds. But while it may be great for them, it leaves behind a mess of difficult-to-clean droppings. The city installed an ultrasonic repeller to drive them away, but it seems to have backfired. The pigeons left, only to be replaced by the more aggressive myna bird, making the situation even worse.

As far as the eye can see, there are white spots dotting the pavement at Keelung Transit Station—all bird droppings. The cleaners stay busy with mops and scrapers to clear it away, because if they miss just three days, it’ll start to corrode the pavement.

Cleaner
Keelung Transit Station
It sticks, so to get it off, you have to scrape it or use a wet mop to soak it first so it’s easier to clean. By the time I get here in the morning, it’s usually already hardened.

Cleaner
Keelung Transit Station
It’s like this every day. We’ve been cleaning it for nearly three years now. Like this. It won’t come off now.

Since the station plaza is open to the air, it’s become a haven for birds. Travelers have to be careful when passing through, or they may get an unwelcome gift from above.

Huang Shih-han
Keelung transportation official
We installed ultrasonic bird repellers at the transit station, but found out that some birds still fly into the station to roost in the evening or at night.

The city originally set up these ultrasonic repellers hoping that the high-frequency sound would make the birds uncomfortable. While it did drive off the pigeons, it inadvertently cleared the way for a far more stubborn species: the invasive myna bird.

Cheng Wei
Wild Bird Society of Keelung chair
The device plays generic bird sounds, so it’s not specific to any species. The aim is to drive away anything nesting up there. Apart from the invasive mynas, like the common myna or Javan myna, there are also native pigeon species nesting up in the large station roof. But the invasive species account for at least 90%.

With invasive mynas proving both highly adaptable and fast-breeding, the city said it would enlist the help of the Wild Bird Society and Animal Protection Office to find a better solution, hopefully clearing the way for a cleaner commute.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Keelung #birds #myna #pigeon #ultrasonicrepeller #birddroppings #KeelungTransitStation #invasivespecies #wildlife

2026-05-13

Taiwan gov-affiliated institutes win 12 Edison Awards in 2026

The Ministry of Economic Affairs on Tuesday held a press conference on Taiwan’s results at the 2026 Edison Awards. This years, Taiwanese businesses and three government-affiliated institutes bagged 16 awards in total, making for the third largest medal haul by country worldwide. These winning innovations are readily applicable to both industrial and consumer levels.

Growing computing power at AI data centers requires ever more efficient cooling solutions. ITRI’s 3D Aluminum-Microchannel Thermosyphon Heat Sink is pushing the envelope on this front, efficiently supporting heat loads just under 1.6 kW and increasing cooling efficiency by 33%. The aluminum structure is also 40% cheaper than conventional modules in material and manufacturing costs.

Vance Zhang
ITRI green energy research labs
Heat quickly dissipates when air passes through these fins. This is also why our product has a lower thermal resistance, and in turn lowers the temperature of AI chips in operation.

There’s also the Smart Energy-efficiency Combustion System from the Metal Industries Research and Development Center, or MIRDC, used in industrial-level metal thermal processing. Compared with traditional combustion furnaces, MIRDC’s solution incorporates an AI self-learning mechanism and delivers on exceptional waste-heat recovery. The modular design can also be efficiently deployed at-scale, offering a quick solution for energy savings and emissions reduction.

Liu Chia-ju
MIRDC Chair
The MIRDC has won almost 20 titles ever since we began participating in the Edison Awards. This year we won two silvers and two bronzes. I hope that the MIRDC not only gets its research implemented in industries, but that it can also be a key think tank for the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

This year, 16 Taiwanese innovations were recognized by the Edison Awards, 12 of which—for three golds, six silvers and three bronzes—were developed by institutes affiliated with the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In addition to industrial technologies, such as the heat sink and smart combustion system, the institutes also won awards for consumer-level and healthcare-related solutions. Honorable mentions include a Hybrid Regenerative Ligament Technology and running shoes made from a single piece of 3D fabric. The economics minister has high hopes for next year, too.

Kung Ming-hsin
Incoming Minister of Economic Affairs
I believe these projects and results are testament to our tireless efforts over the years. These fruitful results prove that hard work pays off. Let’s all persist and keep going. We’ll continue to deliver great results next year.

Taiwan’s stellar results in the “Oscars of Innovation” year after year demonstrates the country’s innovative prowess and industrial applicability of these award-winning solutions.

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

#tech #innovation #edisonawards #netzero #AI

2026-05-13

Thousands celebrate arrival of guests for Ong Yah’s birthday

A breathtaking display of faith and tradition took place on Wednesday in Xinwen, Chiayi, as hundreds of deities were carried into the water by devotees. The event was a ceremony at Jiaying Temple celebrating the birthday of the most revered resident deity, known as Ong Yah of the Yin Mansion. With a history spanning 188 years, this spectacular religious event drew more than 4,000 worshippers and visitors to welcome dozens of guest Ong Yahs, who are believed to arrive aboard an invisible royal boat.

A large crowd of worshippers follow the palanquins to the wharf. When the auspicious time arrives, a thunder of gongs, drums and firecrackers fills the air, as carriers rush with palanquins into the water and welcome dozens of guest Ong Yahs travelling on an invisible royal boat.

Dozens of palanquins and hundreds of deity figurines in the water create a spectacular scene. This annual ritual has been held for 188 years. It’s hosted by the Xinwen Jiaying Temple in Chiayi to celebrate the birthday of Ong Yah of the Yin Mansion. This year, more than 4,000 worshipers joined in, along with Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang and Legislator Tsai Yi-yu.

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
This centenary tradition is making Xinwen here in Budai be at its liveliest. The warmth and hospitality of the people of Taiwan created this solemn ceremony to welcome the guest Ong Yahs.

Tsai Yi-yu
Legislator (DPP)
I’d like to thank everyone for visiting my hometown, Xinwen, to join this special ceremony.

The ceremony takes place on Ong Yah’s birthday, on the 27th day of the 3rd month of the traditional lunisolar calendar. According to the legend, the Ong Yahs patrolling other areas travel back to Xinwen on an invisible boat with the high tide. They follow the stream until reaching the Royal Boat Wharf, where they disembark and visit Jiaying temple to be worshipped by devotees. It is a major date on the religious calendar locally.

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

#culture #taiwanculture #folkreligion #chiayi #taiwantravel #taiwanevents

2026-05-13