Government activates budget law to make HIMARS payment on time

Government activates budget law to make HIMARS payment on time

2026-05-25

And there is new progress on the special defense procurement budget. On Monday the Legislative Yuan reviewed a NT$8.8 billion special defense budget, which included provisions for the purchase of US-made HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems. But with the first installment payment for the HIMARS due at the end of May, the government has activated a mechanism in the Budget Act to prevent delays. Defense Minister Wellington Koo confirmed that the government had activated Article 84, which allows for the payment to be made in advance once approved by the Executive Yuan. Let’s hear more.

Wellington Koo
Defense Minister
We have activated Article 84 of the Budget Act, which allows for the first installment to be paid once it is approved by the Executive Yuan. We should be able to make it on time.

Chen Kuo-ming
Military analyst
It can also launch Army Tactical Missiles, which generally have a range of 300km and, in wartime, could target frontline airports, ports, and troop assembly areas in Fujian.

The HIMARS multiple launch rocket system features a wheeled, highly mobile design and modular launch pods capable of firing six rockets per minute. It can launch Army Tactical Missiles for a range of up to 300km. Future plans call for forward deployment to outlying islands such as Penghu and Dongyin to strengthen Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taiwan #military #nationaldefense #himars #tactical

海馬士保住了! 顧立雄:首期款支付時程沒有問題

2026-05-25

軍購特別預算有新進度，立法院今天(5/25)聯席會審查88億的國防特別預算，其中對美採購的海馬士多管火箭案，首期款將在5月底到期，為了不讓建軍時程受到延誤，國防部長顧立雄證實，目前已經透過啟動預算法84條，行政院核定後就可以先行支付首期款，強調付款時間絕對來得及。

[[國防部長顧立雄]]
“啟動預算法第84條，然後就由行政院核定之後，就可以來付這個首期款，時間上應該來得及。”

[[軍事專家陳國銘]]
“(海馬士)還可以發射一枚陸軍戰術飛彈，那陸軍戰術飛彈一般射程是300公里，戰時可以對付福建的第一線的機場港口跟兵源集結地。”

海馬士多管火箭系統，輪車化設計高機動性，模組化彈箱每分鐘科發射六枚火箭彈，其中戰術飛彈最遠射程可達300公里遠，未來規劃前推到澎湖東引等外島部署，提升國軍不對稱戰力。

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Related News

Nvidia CEO in Taiwan to meet business partners, Taipei mayor

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is back in Taiwan. The tech tychoon arrived on Saturday, and by Sunday night, he had already begun a foodie tour around Taipei. But more than fun, he’s in Taipei for business. He’s expected to meet with the CEOs of TSMC and Quanta, and attend a company-wide convention on Wednesday, to which Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an was also invited.

For Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, a night market trip is a must every time he’s in Taiwan. Netizens shared pictures of Huang at Raohe Night Market on Sunday night. In one post, he’s sneaking a bite from a fan’s corn-on-a-cob. In another, he’s guarding his bowl of shaved ice. More foodie trips followed on Monday.

Stepping out of the hotel at noon, Huang and his family headed straight to Wangji Fucheng Zongzi, which serves Tainan-style rice dumplings. The shop served the Huangs watermelon on the house. Huang let on he’ll be meeting with business partners over meals soon, including Quanta CEO Barry Lam.

Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
We have a big partnership with Quanta, and they’re doing excellent with Vera Rubin.

He doesn’t say when though. After zongzi, the Huangs stocked up on candied fruit from Siping Street. It’s time for business. On Tuesday, he’ll meet with TSMC CEO C. C. Wei, and on Wednesday, there’s a company-wide convention at the site of Nvidia’s Taipei headquarters at the Beitou-Shilin Technology Park.

Jensen Huang (May 24)
Nvidia CEO
I will see a lot of our partners, and I hope to see Barry (Lam). I’m gonna see C. C. (Wei), I think on Tuesday night. I think on Wednesday morning, we are going to have a site opening for our new building, and I think the mayor might be there, and maybe some other people will be there, but I’m looking forward to seeing them.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
Indeed, I’ve received an invitation from Nvidia for May 27, to attend a company-wide convention at their T17 and T18 plots in Shilin-Beitou Technology Park. That’s when I’ll be attending the function. I’m happy to be meeting with Nvidia CEO Mr. Jensen Huang.

The Taipei mayor confirmed that he’ll be attending Nvidia’s company event. Earlier, it was believed that Nvidia will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony, but it seems that it won’t happen just yet.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#nvidia #business #investment #AI #technews

2026-05-25

Signal system malfunction causes THSR’s worst delays in 13 years

2026-05-25

Northern Taiwan’s last dragon boat artisan prepares for retirement

With Dragon Boat Festival just around the corner, excitement is building for this year’s races. But making one of these boats is not an easy feat. Taipei master artisan Liu Ching-cheng still insists on making everything by hand, even at 85 years old. From selecting the timber, to carving and painting, Liu stands alone as the last traditional dragon boat artisan in northern Taiwan.

Rows of dragon boats sit docked at Taipei’s Sanjiaodu Pier, waiting for the day of the Dragon Boat Festival to cut through the waves. Their majestically carved heads are a point of particular pride for their maker.

From picking the right timber, to carving and painting, each boat requires dozens of steps. With his lifetime of experience, Master Liu doesn’t need a blueprint.

-Woah woah, be careful!
-I’m old now. Before, I could lift it all up in one go.

At 85 years old, Liu Ching-cheng is northern Taiwan’s last traditional dragon boat craftsman. Each one costs NT$800,000. Aside from its look, each boat must handle heavy loads and be race-ready, requiring expert engineering.

Liu Ching-cheng
Dragon boat artisan
There’s no one to help out. I did everything myself, from the head to the stern. I even haul the lumber by myself. I started learning from my dad when I was 18. I’m 85 now, so I’ve been doing this for over 60 years.

Born into a family of boat makers, Liu initially learned how to make river-faring junks from his father before transitioning to handcrafting wooden dragon boats. Over the course of his career, he’s built hundreds of boats and earned international acclaim. He even knows how to race them.

Liu Ching-cheng
Dragon boat artisan
Back then, they were called the Seventh Security Corps. Now they’re the coast guard. Before they went to compete in the US, I coached them on their starting strokes for four days, and they ended up winning. I’ll probably stop after this year. I’m old. It hurts my back.

Yang Yue-li
Liu’s wife
He can’t keep doing this anymore. He’s old. It used to take him 20 or so days to make a boat, but now it takes two months.

His wife usually helps him paint the oars. They have four kids together, but they’ve all pursued their own careers. Now that he’s looking to retire, he’s concerned about passing down this swiftly vanishing skill.

Liu Ching-cheng
Dragon boat artisan
People who truly want to learn a craft can’t just listen to their teacher talk. You need to observe closely while they’re working. See what he does and ask questions. You need a quick mind.

His hands may have slowed with age, but the fire in his eyes is unchanged. It’s exactly this passion that has allowed Liu to proudly showcase Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage throughout his storied career.

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

#dragonboat #DragonBoatFestival #artisan #craftsman #Taipei #LiuChingcheng #handmade #boatmaking

2026-05-25

Food safety scare after live insects found in convenience store meals

Grabbing a quick meal from the convenience store can be a godsend when you’re busy. But be careful—even sealed store-bought meals could pose a risk. One customer was about to finish her salmon salad when she realized a live maggot crawling in the dressing at the bottom of the container. Someone else found a bunch of tiny insects scurrying around her pasta meal. One even climbed onto her hand! With quality control appearing to slip lately, customers are sounding the alarm.

There’s only one bite left of this salmon salad from a convenience store. But if you take a closer look, right there in the dressing on the bottom is a wriggling maggot.

- That’s terrifying! Don’t show me. I’m a total germophobe. I’d throw up just looking at it.

- It’s disgusting. There’s no way I’d eat it.

The customer was so repulsed she spat her food out on the spot. She called the store to report the incident, which offered her compensation and asked to take the meal back. Still reeling from the shock, she took to social media as a warning. The commenters were also disgusted, and identified the creature as a fly larvae. But that’s not all. Elsewhere, another customer found a similar problem with her garlic cream pasta.

Voice of Ms. Chen
Customer
When I was mixing it up to eat, I noticed a bunch of tiny bugs moving around. It was incredibly gross. One of them even crawled onto my hand. I called the store a bit after 9, but their response was pretty dismissive. They just said they’d give a refund.

After seeing a bunch of tiny bugs writhing around on the pasta and even climbing onto her hand, the shocked customer threw the meal away immediately.

Member of public
Hoping for improvement
I really hope the store takes a good hard look at itself and improves. They shouldn’t allow customers to eat problematic food like this ever again.

We can usually count on packaged store-bought meals to be quick, easy, and above all, safe. But that’s not always the case. Pests have a way of getting in where they aren’t welcome, so you should always look carefully before digging in.

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

#conveniencestore #microwavemeal #foodsafety #disgusting #hygiene #viral #maggot #insects #gross

2026-05-25

Bear poop keychain creators urge public to buy through official channels

A keychain coin purse that looks like realistic black bear scat has become a viral sensation, especially in South Korea. Unfortunately, their massive popularity has given rise to a market for scalpers. The creators asked the public to only buy through official channels, as part of the proceeds go toward black bear conservation. The husband-and-wife duo also made their first public appearance to explain the concept behind their design.

This is the viral keychain coin purse that looks exactly like black bear scat.

Unzipping it reveals colorful seeds inside, faithfully representing the diet of the Formosan black bear.

Voice of creator
Explaining details
The most noteworthy item is the oak tree acorn. It’s the black bear’s favorite food. The biggest one here.

They’re made entirely by hand, shown for the first time here. South Korean fans have gone wild trying to get their hands on one to hang from their luxury handbags. The massive buzz it’s created is hard to believe, considering the simple way it came about from a brainstorming session between a husband-and-wife creative duo and the Taiwan Black Bear Education Center.

Huang Yao-hui
Keychain creator
We were brainstorming how to deconstruct the droppings and analyze exactly what foods are inside. Then we got the idea to make a plush toy that you can unzip.

Different colored beads represent different foods to help people better understand the food chain and ecosystem. As they weren’t making regular orders, the item’s sudden popularity has resulted in serious backorders, and the creators are concerned about the resale market that’s popped up around it.

Hsiao Min-yuan
Keychain creator
We’ve noticed some suspicious reselling and scalping with our latest sales. We hope everyone will stick with our original philosophy of “buying their poop to save the bears” and only purchase directly from the Taiwan Black Bear Education Center. Some of the proceeds actually go back to the center to support black bear conservation.

The creators fondly recall taking a family black bear ecology tour, where they got to examine bear droppings together. The invaluable lessons they learned from a renowned black bear conservationist, Hwang Mei-hsiu, inspired them to take on the project. They hope that amid the buying frenzy, people won’t lose sight of the challenges facing Taiwan’s bears.

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

#Formosanblackbear #bear #conservation #wildlife #poopkeychain #viral #scalping #handmade #creativedesign

2026-05-25

Fines of NT$3 million for not protecting laborers from heat

A sweltering summer is almost here and for outdoor workers this is quite a dangerous time: they are at risk for both heatstroke and heat exhaustion. In July, when a newly amended version of the Occupational Safety and Health Act takes effect, employers could face fines of up to NT$3 million if they fail to protect their workers from the heat. Let’s find out more.

Under the blazing sun, outdoor workers are at risk of heatstroke and heat exhaustion if they are not careful.

Ho Kuang-wan
Assoc. for Victims of Occupational Injuries
The primary responsibility for preventing heatstroke or heat exhaustion lies with the employer. In such hot conditions, they should start suggesting measures such as providing shade, sun protection and even evacuating employees from the area.

In June, the Ministry of Labor will launch a special inspection project examining labor in high temperatures, such as construction sites, road maintenance and other high risk outdoor locations. The project will also introduce an "image upload and tracking mechanism" for the first time. However, the new system has been questioned, with concerns that AI may generate fake images

Chang Kuo-ming
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
To truly achieve 100% prevention, we will certainly allocate more resources depending on the situation. The goal is to urge these organizations to improve. In fact, some improvements are not too difficult; the key is for employers to implement them.

Ho Kuang-wan
Assoc. for Victims of Occupational Injuries
We approve of the direction of the system, but we will continue to monitor implementation of specific preventative measures for individual industries. Of course we urge employers not to adopt an opportunistic mindset. The government is paying attention, and the penalties are incredibly steep.

A newly-amended version of the Occupational Safety and Health Act that takes effect in July stipulates that if an employer fails to provide necessary protective measures, resulting in heat-related occupational injuries to workers, the employer may be fined up to NT$3 million. The act aims to reduce the risks of working in high-temperature environments by strengthening inspections and tracking.

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

#occupationalsafety #Taiwansummer #worksafety

2026-05-25

Couple holds over-the-top banquet with lavish everything

Banquets in Southern Taiwan tend to be extravagant affairs, but a wedding banquet on Sunday might just have been the swankiest one held in recent years. Guests were treated to a feast for all the senses, and not just due to the lavish servings of sashimi, shark fin soup and other staples. There were also Ferris wheels of abalone burgers, all-you-can-drink freshly squeezed juice and even one enormous tub of ice-cream per person.

A pyramid of ice cream makes its grand entrance to “oohs” and “aahs” from diners. And there’s no need to share. It’s one tub per person!

Inside the gift boxes are lavish platters of sashimi and mullet roe. On the table, a Ferris wheel of abalone burgers, and in the hot pot, ingredients carved and assembled into colorful roses. There’s even American-style ribs enveloped in a cloud of dry ice. It’s as over-the-top as it gets.

Voice of Ms. Liu
Guest at banquet
Every dish was a feast for the eyes and mouth. The most memorable one was the hot pot, which had rose-shaped ingredients.

A newlywed couple went all-out to promote Southern Taiwan’s banquet culture, hosting a massive feast for relatives, friends and 100 lucky netizens. Every dish was spectacular. What’s more, the drinks were too, with bottomless freshly-squeezed fruit juice, and exquisite desserts. After the eating was over, each guest got a large bag of fruit to take home.

Ms. Chen
Relative of newlywed
They wanted guests to feel right at home. They got this idea to get everyone together at the banquet, because the head chef is a member of the family.

Chen Chin-chien
Relative of newlywed
We started planning this banquet two weeks ago, and spared no expense. It was a resounding success.

The banquet operator is part of the family, so no detail was too much for the grand event. Guests were delighted at the abundance, mouths full of praise and delicious food.

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

#banquet #food #feast #icecream #seafood

2026-05-25

Bus driver stops to help collapsed elderly man on scorching hot day

Earlier this month a bus driver spotted an elderly man collapsing onto a traffic island near the Guiren Interchange in Tainan. With passengers’ permission, he did not hesitate to stop the bus and get the man help. The bus driver put up a warning triangle and a parasol for the elderly man, and stayed with him until an ambulance arrived. Passengers were touched by his act of kindness.

A scooter lies strewn on the innermost lane. Beside it, a man had collapsed onto the traffic island. A bus driver stops immediately seeing this.

He walks to the back to fetch a warning triangle, and places it behind the scooter. He then returns to the bus for a parasol. A passer-by asks what’s happening.

The bus driver holds up the parasol for the man, until an ambulance arrives 20 minutes later.

Hsieh Jen-te
Bus driver
I saw an elderly man lying motionless on the traffic island. I thought I’d have to get off and help him. It was so hot past midday. I was afraid he’d get sunburned. He seemed to have broken his legs, too.

The accident occurred on a surface road near the Guiren Interchange in Tainan. The scooter driver appeared to have collapsed spontaneously due to physical discomfort. By the time the bus driver had approached him, there were already a car and two scooters stopping for him and calling the police for help.

Liu Wen-chi
Guiren Precinct
The bus driver, surnamed Hsieh, helped by placing warning signs to prevent a secondary accident. He also held a parasol for the injured under the scorching sun, and only left when paramedics arrived, demonstrating his spirit of altruism.

At the time, Hsieh only had one passenger. He’d obtained her permission before stopping to help.

Hsieh Jen-te
Bus driver
It’s still a precious human life, so I asked her if I could get off to help, and she said yes.

Member of public
Thinks driver was kind
I thought it was really kind of him to help someone in need. I think he did a great thing.

The passenger not only didn’t mind that her trip was delayed, she even called the bus operator later to put a good word in for Hsieh. According to Hsieh’s employer, last year, he was honored by the Highway Bureau as an excellent driver, meaning he’s always been a thoughtful driver. This time, the bus company said that it will award Hsieh for his good deed.

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

#tainan #bus #traffic #hertwarming #actofkindness

2026-05-25

Nantou students win big a global wind energy contest

2026-05-25