Lai visits Greater Taipei troops ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

Lai visits Greater Taipei troops ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

2026-06-16

Ahead of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday visited two troops in Greater Taipei, the Navy’s Shongshan Radar Station and the Army’s Guandu Area Command, where he inspected drills and herd presentations.

In remarks, the president pledged to make remedies on slashed items in the special defense budget. He insisted that the administration will deliver on the difference, either through proposing an additional regular budget, raising the annual regular budget, or by introducing additional packages.

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 #taiwanpolitics #drones #defensebudget

端午前夕視導北部戰備賴總統:導入新興科技因應新威脅

2026-06-16

本週五就是端午節，總統賴清德今天(16號)前往北部地區的一線部隊，視導部隊戰備操演並聽取相關任務簡報，深入了解軍隊生活日常。

對於國防特別預算遭到大幅度的刪減，賴總統表示，會維持原有的預算，透過追加預算及提高年度預算等方式，確保國防裝備和建設順利推動。

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

Related News

Rent hikes hits four-year low, but tenants feel no relief

Many young people feel hopeless in the face of Taiwan’s steep property prices and high rents. The latest DGBAS statistics show that growth in rent prices has stayed below 2% over the past five months, and even slipped to a four-year low of 1.76% in May. It seems like rental pressures are easing, but does this translate to actual relief for tenants? One young professional who has been renting in Taipei’s Wanhua District for nearly a decade said he doesn’t dare sign a new contract with his landlord out of fear they’ll raise the rent.

Omo
Renter
I came to Taipei after starting college, and I’m 30 now. Before I settled in my current apartment, I moved basically once a year.

From college to now, Omo has had nearly a decade of experience renting in Taipei. He’s currently in a second-floor apartment near Wanhua Station with three bedrooms, a living room, and one bath for NT$25,000 a month. It’s convenient living near two rail lines with a bus stop 30 seconds from his door.

Omo
Renter
This place is a little bigger than where I lived before and the transport is more convenient. So even though it’s a little more expensive, I think it’s worth it.

According to DGBAS statistics, rents have grown at an average annual rate of less than 2% over the past five months. In May, it reached a four-year low of 1.76%. But to renters, it hasn’t made much of a difference.

Omo
Renter
I haven’t noticed. I have a fixed contract now. If I were to feel the effects of this trend, I’d have to sign a new contract, but there’s no way I’d renegotiate now. If I approached my landlord and said I wanted to sign a new lease, I highly doubt the rent would drop. So unless I had to move to a new place, this market cooldown doesn’t really affect me.

Tseng Ching-te
Real-estate researcher
Rental increases have already plateaued. It’s not like in the past two or three years, which was driven by inflation and rising real-estate prices, which in turn led to relatively dramatic rent hikes.

As salaries fail to keep pace with housing prices, experts recommend easing the financial burden by applying for government rental subsidies. Although rental hikes are finally subsiding, most tenants are still waiting to see any real relief in their bank accounts.

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

#rent #realestate #Taipei #DGBAS #propertymarket #costofliving #rentalsubsidies #rentindex

2026-06-16

Yilan township local expertly catches fish from sewers

2026-06-16

Yilan school gifts grads pens with misprinted proverb

Another day, another creative graduation gift! Yuan Shan Junior High School in Yilan gifted its grads pens that say “The early worm gets the bird” — quite the difference from the usual phrase. The school explained that it was a misprint by the factory 13 years ago, but later became a massive hit. It eventually morphed into an inspirational phrase, meant to tell students that although their school is small, its students have grand ambitions.

This ordinary pencil case comes with an ordinary pen with an inspirational phrase. The early bird gets the... wait a minute. It says “The early worm gets the bird!” Is it a typo?

Member of public
I was confused for a moment, but then it made me smile. I think its pretty clever. It’s like a brain teaser, using a clever way to subvert your logic.

This is one of 100 pens given to graduates of Yilan’s Yuan Shan Junior High School as a gift this year. By subverting the classic proverb “The early bird gets the worm,” it’s generated a lot of discussion and proven popular among students.

Student
It subverts tradition.

Student
Maybe the school means to encourage us to break through our limits. To become another you and achieve things you normally wouldn’t be able to do.

But make no mistake: This isn’t a cynical phrase meaning the worm will get eaten by the bird. The school clarified that 13 years ago, they asked the manufacturer to make pens in both Chinese and English. The English turned out right, but the Chinese swapped the words for bird and worm. A student noticed and reported it to the school, but since it was funny and inspirational in its own way, they decided to make it a tradition.

Chu Yung-chih
Head of student affairs
We’re a small school, meaning we’re “early worms.” But even though we’re small, our students have grand ambitions. So to us, this misprinted phrase can serve as a source of great strength.

Yilan’s Yuan Shan Junior High only has 212 students across 10 classes, averaging out to fewer than five classes per grade. Although small like the worm in the phrase, they’ve found the limelight with this creative gift.

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

#graduationseason #grads #creative #earlybird #Yilan #students #misprint #proverb #funny

2026-06-16

Boss orders pure gold chicken drumsticks to gift employees

Have you ever seen a chicken drumstick made of pure gold? A business owner in Kaohsiung custom ordered 40 of them to give to his employees, leaving onlookers envious. But the jeweler said you can get more than just drumsticks. Also popular are their burgers, excavators, and even fire trucks, all made of gold.

Golden drumsticks are lined up in neat rows, glittering in the light. But don’t eat them! They’re all made of real gold. The owner of a steel company in Kaohsiung bought 40 of these to give to his employees, leaving everyone else jealous.

- It’s great! That boss is so generous. Which company is it? Are they hiring?

- What do you think about it?
- They’re very creative.

The business owner said that one drumstick is about 3 grams, worth NT$16,000. The store also offers chicken wings and entire roast chickens, all made of gold.

Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
You can arrange these chicken wings and drumsticks on a literal golden platter to make a delicious fried chicken combo. But beyond these chicken figurines, there’s a whole world out there of eccentric collectables.

There’s also a cement mixer, fire truck, hamburger, and lighter, not to mention dogs, bears, and horses. The wheels and claws even move on the excavator and forklift.

Voice of jeweler
Sells eccentric wares
They may look large, but they only weigh about 7.5 to 11.25 grams, valued at NT$50,000 to NT$60,000 at most. Since they’re light, the entry-level price remains accessible.

Inspired by his own interests, the jeweler sources all kinds of eccentric figures to sell at his store—even a fully functioning golden straw. Every piece looks exquisite.

Voice of jeweler
Sells eccentric wares
We have a lot of clients who like to collect them to display. It’s safe to say that each younger customer of mine has two or three of these.

Traditionally, the gold market has been dominated by the sale of standard bullions, nuggets, or jewelry. But in the past few years, these intricate figures have been taking the market by storm. They not only retain their value, but also attract interest from a younger generation of buyers.

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

#gold #friedchicken #goldcollectibles #companygift #goldmarket #eccentric

2026-06-16

Wealth god shrine next to Kaohsiung mall frequented by staff

Every department store hopes for stellar sales and crowds of shoppers. Next to the parking garage for a mall in Kaohsiung’s Caoya, a shrine to the God of Wealth was built especially for the staff. Employees stop by to pray before their shifts, asking for their counters to make good sales and see an endless flow of customers. The sight has become a unique feature of the shopping center.

While on her way to work, a retail employee stops by this God of Wealth shrine for a quick prayer. Before the mall doors open, staff stop by one after another to pay their respects.

Mall employee
Prays at shrine
I’ll stop by on my way to work. It’s become a habit to pray for the day to go well.

This shrine in Kaohsiung’s Caoya is in a unique spot, right next to a department store parking garage. It’s there for the exclusive use of the retail staff to pray for sales, making it known as the “mall god shrine.” With an altar full of snacks and other offerings, it’s easy to see how effective it is.

Mall employee
Prays at shrine
I’ll go whenever I can to pray for the mall’s sales to keep improving. Everyone goes.

This tiny shrine nestled right next to the mall is frequented by employees praying for booming business, making it a quirk of the neighborhood.

Down a small alley over in Sanmin District, there’s another Wealth God temple that’s also a must-go spot among locals looking for a little pocketbook assistance.

This temple houses the Martial God of Wealth who can help with sales, as well as the Civil God of Wealth for regular income and financial wisdom. Since it’s in the city center, many people working in sales-driven jobs come here to pay their respects.

Member of staff
Temple
We’ve gotten a very positive response online. A lot of young people come here to pray for wealth.

Although tucked away in an inconspicuous alley, locals will tell their neighbors to come pray for business prosperity and wealth, becoming a pre-work ritual for many local professionals.

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

#GodofWealth #shrine #temple #prayer #mall #departmentstore #Kaohsiung #retail #religion

2026-06-16

Truck scares fellow drivers with precariously stacked scooters

2026-06-16

Wild culinary mashups at Pingtung University turn heads

The cafeteria at National Pingtung University has shot to fame on and off campus for its unusual sweet and savory combinations. They not only offer milk hot pot noodles with boba or fresh slices of strawberry, but recently even introduced a chocolate soup, essentially adding noodles to classic drinks. They’ve even put their spin on pork cutlet curry by adding a strawberry or chocolate sauce on top. You can even get a pudding on top of minced pork rice.

This steaming bowl of noodles in a milk broth is almost ready to be served. All it needs is an extra scoop of... boba? Another bowl is getting a topping of fresh strawberry. These eccentric meals can be found in the student cafeteria at National Pingtung University.

Student
Trying the food
This is my first time eating such a weird bowl of noodles. When I first saw it, I was afraid, but now that I’ve tried it, I actually think they complement each other pretty well.

Student
Trying the food
If they also add tea, I think it would be even better. It would be like a cup of bubble tea.

Pairing salty soup noodles with sweet tapioca or strawberries is strange enough, but the chef wasn’t finished there. It’s not just curry they douse their pork cutlet in. They also put strawberry jam and fresh strawberries right on top of the fried meat. Despite how bizarre it sounds, it’s become a hit among students, and has even gotten attention off-campus.

Wang Hsin-lan
Cafeteria vendor
The school asked us to make some new products to give the students more choice, so we decided to collaborate with a drink shop.

Yang Po-yuan
NPTU deputy dean of student affairs
As long as all sanitary conditions comply with guidelines, we’re on board with the vendors serving a variety of creative offerings.

These sensational dishes have sparked conversation online, prompting the vendor to double down with even more creations. Just from looking at this dark broth, can you tell what it is? That’s right—it’s chocolate. The curry didn’t escape experimentation either. That one is served with a turtle-shaped chocolate.

Student
Likes the experimental food
I’ve tried the hash brown with pudding or strawberry. They’re actually pretty good. Not too much.

But wait, there’s more! You can also get minced pork with a fried cutlet over rice, drizzled with honey and topped off with pudding. If the sight itself is too much of a shock, just wait until you taste it! As the chef’s imagination runs wild, students are looking forward to whatever bizarre combination they dream up next.

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

#weirdfood #cafeteria #Pingtung #foodmashup #creativecooking #controversy #boba #bubbletea

2026-06-16

AmCham releases 2026 Taiwan White Paper, lauds ‘golden age’ for economic relations

The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan has released the 2026 Taiwan White Paper on Tuesday. According to AmCham Taiwan President Carl Wegner, Taiwan-US economic relations could be said to have entered a golden age. Bilteral trade volume grew by at least 30% on both sides in 2025, and the US has become Taiwan’s largest trading partner, replacing China. Wegner also urged the US to pass a double taxation avoidance agreement, and called on Taiwan to continue bolstering its grid.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan has released the 2026 Taiwan White Paper, in which 221 suggestions were made to Taiwan and US authorities, including implementing the US-Taiwan trade deal and strengthening drone cooperation.

Carl Wegner
AmCham Taiwan President
Taiwan and the United States are experiencing what some are calling a golden age of economic relations. The United States became Taiwan’s No. 1 trading partner in 2025, for the first time in over 20 decades.

Taiwan and the US are becoming closer economic partners. Last year, Taiwanese exports to the US grew by almost 35%, while US imports to Taiwan, by almost 30%. Bilateral trade volume in 2025 exceeded US$246 billion. The US also became Taiwan’s largest trading partner last year, while Taiwan became the US’ fourth largest.

Carl Wegner
AmCham Taiwan President
Taiwan is one of the Top 10 trading partners with the US. Taiwan is the only country without a dual taxation agreement… for better opportunities for SMEs to go to the US, and also for American companies to come to Taiwan.

AmCham Taiwan urged US lawmakers to swiftly pass a double taxation avoidance agreement, saying that it will benefit Taiwan investors in the US, such as TSMC, and vice versa. It also lauds the progress Taiwan made on its power system, while urging long-term vision on the issue.

Carl Wegner
AmCham Taiwan President
Predictability, stability, continue to enhancing the grid. It’s not a short-term issue. It’s a long-term issue, and we continue to see that making progress.

The US had initiated Section 301 Investigations, and is expected to conclude investigations and hearings by mid-July. Regarding whether a decision will be made on Taiwan, AmCham emphasized that the investigations concern 60 economies worldwide, instead of being targeted at Taiwan. It also called on continued dialogue for closer bilateral relations.

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 #business #amcham #trade #investment

2026-06-16

Retiree builds electric miniature railway park

A retired civil servant in Pingtung built a miniature railway park that takes up his entire living room, with high-speed and normal train models running along the tracks. While helping his grandson assemble a toy train set, he unexpectedly developed a passion for building miniatures. Using cardboard and wood, he made a mini railway park entirely by hand, scaled to less than one hundredth of the real size, complete with lifelike scenery.

A train runs down a track, winding around houses and trees, passing platforms, and crossing bridges. This miniature railway park was built entirely by hand and takes up the whole room.

With the flip of a switch, the trains slow to a stop. This miniature railway was created by 62-year-old Lan Wen-hsien. After retiring from the Jiadong Township Office in Pingtung, Lan went with his grandson to a train exhibition and was inspired to start building his own railway models.

Lan Wen-hsien
Railway enthusiast
At first it was just for my grandson, but as I built it, I found it really interesting. Beyond the trains themselves, you can create any scene you want, like railway bridges and farms, and even rivers.

Now there are four railway parks assembled in his living room, with lifelike stations, bridges, and fields.

Lan Wen-hsien
Railway enthusiast
There are two types of turf. One is more lifelike, and the other is made of paper. I buy scrap wood from a lumberyard, so it’s very cheap.

Lan built the model with recycled materials, assembling the tracks piece by piece. He even connected electricity to the tracks so that the trains can move.

Lan Wen-hsien
Railway enthusiast
I knew nothing about electricity before. It looks like a toy, but it’s kind of complicated. I didn’t understand how positive and negative currents worked, but if they collided, the trains wouldn’t move.

Lan taught himself about electricity, installing remote controls that can change the train’s speed and direction. His friends were astonished at what he built.

Chang Meng-wei
Friend
It’s incredible. I’ve never seen a railway model of this scale or with this kind of scenery. Everyone is asking where the model is and if they can see it.

Lan has collected hundreds of different model trains and set them up along tracks in his home, each section with its own unique scenery. With his newfound hobby, Lan has found a way to enjoy retired life to the fullest.

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

#modeltrain #railway #trains #tracks #electricity #miniature #model #Pingtung #retired

2026-06-16