Attack on political commentator linked to Chinese government

2026-07-15

The recent assault on a Japanese pro-Taiwan political commentator is raising concerns about Beijing’s coordinated intimidation tactics targeting critics overseas. Earlier this month, Akio Yaita, the executive director of the Indo-Pacific Think Tank, was attacked in broad daylight in Taiwan. The perpetrator was Liu Kong-faat, a Hong Kong national, who’s been linked to the Hong Kong triad Wo Shing Wo. But as the investigation progresses, suspicion has extended to Hong Kong’s national security office. The office’s current director was previously the vice minister of China’s Ministry of State Security, and is a close ally of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Let’s hear more.

Chen Kuan-ting
DPP Lawmaker
We strongly condemn this act of violence. We need to pursue every lead, and collect evidence to determine whether there was an organized group orchestrating the assault.

Lai Shyh-bao
KMT Lawmaker
This is an incident against public security. Whether it should be elevated to a national security issue requires more supporting evidence.

Wang Ting-yu
DPP Lawmaker
It should be clear to Taiwanese society that KMT legislators who become accomplices to these kinds of crimes and refuse to wake up are supporters of the CCP and its violent actions, not supporters of Taiwan.

Akio Yaita
Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank
That fist was not aimed at me personally. If they had really wanted to teach me a lesson, they wouldn’t have stopped after one punch. The assault was meant to intimidate and silence people. They wanted Taiwan and the world to see it.

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

#politics #china #taiwan #ccp #triads #mafia

矢板明夫攻擊案另有目標? 蕭美琴原定出席因行程取消

2026-07-15

印太戰略智庫執行長矢板明夫日前遭中國港籍男子廖港發襲擊，整起事件傳出不只與香港黑幫有關，背後指向香港國安公署、習近平的人馬。根據週刊報導，廖港發新被查出有香港黑幫「和勝和」人員協同犯案，相關線索向上追查，香港國安公署脫不了關係，而現任國安公署署長曾任中國國安部副部長，是習近平的親兵。

[[立委(民) 陳冠廷]]
“這就是一個暴力行為，我們全力來譴責，並且要把他後面的各種線索，還有以及證據走向，是不是有背後集團在操作，那這些都是，我們必須要釐清的狀況”

[[立委(國) 賴士葆]]
“這個是一個治安事件，治安事件那是不是上升到國安，我覺得需要更多證據來支持這樣的論點”

[[立委(民)王定宇]]
“如果國民黨的立委還執意要成為這樣子的犯行的協作者，執迷不悟的話，那台灣社會應該要看清楚，國民黨這些委員是站在，動手中共暴行的這一方，不是台灣這一邊”

[[印太戰略智庫執行長矢板明夫]]
“這一拳絕對不是針對我個人，而是如果他想教訓我的話，不可能只打一拳，他就是想通過這種恐嚇威懾，讓大家噤聲，他是打給全世界全台灣人看”

這起事件成了中共民族團結進步促進法上路後，跨國鎮壓第一槍，令人擔憂的是，其實副總統蕭美琴原定當天下午也要出席同場活動的成發環節，只是最後因為行程安排取消，外界質疑，蕭美琴也是這次的攻擊目標。

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

Licensed ‘cabin scooter’ drivers allowed on road, banned from highways

Have you ever heard of cabin scooters? The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has officially allowed these three-wheeled, fully enclosed motorbikes with a steering wheel on the roads. Although they look like a scooter, since they have gas and brake pedals, they will be regulated like cars. This means drivers must have a car driver’s license, and they must be parked in car parking spaces, although they can’t go on highways or expressways. Still, one of these would set you back more than NT$300,000.

Packed into a streamlined, rounded frame, this vehicle has both a windshield and doors, even though it’s standing on just three wheels. It’s an example of a new, fully electric “cabin scooter.”

People lined up at the Taichung International Auto Show to give one of these a test drive. It’s built to be compact and lightweight, without sacrificing on functionality. Inside there are two seats, a steering wheel, air conditioning, and even a touchscreen dashboard. A single vehicle costs more than NT$300,000.

Member of public
NT$300,000? No way. It’s too expensive. At that point, I may as well just buy a car.

Member of public
It’s pretty cool! At least it’s fully enclosed, so it’s a little safer.

Delivery driver
It’s inconvenient. If you’re looking for efficiency, it might not be fast enough, since we have to weave through traffic.

The motorbike is 2.4m long and less than 1m wide, with speeds of up to 80km per hour. Unlike a scooter, you won’t need a helmet, but this three-wheeled vehicle will be regulated like a car. Drivers need a car driver’s license, and can only park in spots designated for larger vehicles. There’s no need to do two-stage left turns, but they can’t go on dedicated scooter lanes or highways. Driving one with only a motorbike license will be punishable by a fine of up to NT$12,000, while driving without any license at all could be up to NT$36,000.

Yang Hsin-ju
Car expert
It won’t fit inside a regular motorbike parking space, so it will be used and regulated entirely different from motorbikes. Unless you travel long distances and have a parking space, the typical convenience afforded by a regular motorbike simply would not be possible with this type of vehicle.

Back in 2013, a Japanese carmaker came out with a three-seater “micro” concept car. Limited by regulations and cost, it was only trialed for a short while in limited areas. Now that Taiwan has given the green light, you might see some of these unusual vehicles on the roads—looking like a motorbike, but governed by automobile regulations.

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

#driving #motorbike #cabinmotorbike #threewheeler #TaichungAutoShow #electricvehicles #MOTC

2026-07-15

Mother-of-pearl inlay artisan teaches craft to inmates

Mother-of-pearl inlay is a centuries-old craft that involves shaping thin pieces of iridescent shell and embedding them into objects. This traditional art is in danger of disappearing as artisans age without apprentices to take over. But one artisan has been teaching at Hsinchu Prison, inspiring many inmates to take an interest. Chen Fu-chiang hopes this beautiful art can help them regain a sense of purpose and hope in life.

Using a grinding wheel, an artist carefully sculpts seashells into a flower and inlays it onto a wooden board, creating a beautiful work of art.

A master at this kind of mother-of-pearl inlay work, artisan Chen Fu-chiang is also an attentive teacher. The art form involves shaping thin pieces of shells and embedding them into objects. But this highly delicate and intricate craft is in danger of disappearing. Now that he’s found more interested students, Mr. Chen sees hope for the future.

Chen Fu-chiang
Shell inlay artisan
The warden really values this tradition, so he invited me to the prison to teach it. They exceeded my expectations. They selected people who had artistic backgrounds or were skilled with their hands, and they learned very quickly.

Invited to teach at Hsinchu Prison, Mr. Chen does not treat these students any differently just because they’re inmates. He gives each one an equal opportunity to learn.

Chen Fu-chiang
Shell inlay artisan
I often tell him, that student, if you don’t know, then just ask.

Han Chih-hsiang
Hsinchu Prison officer
It’s important that those who come are willing to learn and can sit still. Of course, during the process, some students discover that it’s too tiring and challenging, so they might choose to leave the class.

Under Mr. Chen’s patient tutelage, many inmates have found a sense of accomplishment from learning a beautiful art form they never thought they would have the chance to try.

Inmate
I’ve learned to focus and work diligently, and it’s helped me manage my bad temper and negative thoughts.

Inmate
We have to do each step very meticulously and carefully, to the best of our ability, before we can move on to the next one. I think the same principle should apply to life in the future as well.

Studying mother-of-pearl inlay helps these inmates find a sense of accomplishment and unlearn bad habits, giving them and their teacher new hope for 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

#prison #art #teacher #artist #motherofpearlinlay #tradition #motherofpearl #shellinlay

2026-07-15

Unseasonal mass butterfly migration closes freeway lane

2026-07-15

Food delivery could get pricier with new law protecting workers’ rights

Ordering food in Taiwan is about to get more expensive. Ahead of a new food delivery law taking effect on July 21, Uber Eats has announced major fee increases, with Uber One’s monthly subscription jumping more than 60% from NT$120 to NT$199, while merchant service fees are also rising. Foodpanda says the costs of each order could increase by 30% to 50%. While some restaurant owners accept commissions of nearly 40% as the price of advertising and reaching new customers, many diners and small businesses worry the extra costs will ultimately be passed on to them, making takeout an even pricier convenience.

It’s not even noon yet, but there’s already tall piles of bentos on every table. Everyone at this shop in Shilin District is rushing to get everything ready, after receiving an order for 500 lunch boxes from seven or eight tour buses. Delivery platforms have brought them customers from outside the neighborhood.

Wang Cheng-wei
Bento shop owner
We’ve been on delivery platforms for four or five years. We split the revenue based on a commission rate we agreed on. They’ve helped us reach new customers, people who aren’t nearby.

But the commission rate can be steep.

Wang Cheng-wei
Bento shop owner
The commission can be close to 40%. Delivery isn’t our main source of income, our regulars are. But we consider it a form of advertising to increase our visibility.

With a new food delivery law that’s taking effect on July 21, Uber Eats has announced it will hike service fees to partner vendors by 2.5 to 3 percentage points. And customers paying for Uber One memberships will have to shell out 66% more in fees, as monthly plans will rise from NT$120 to NT$199, and annual plans from NT$1,200 to NT$1,990. Foodpanda says it will also make adjustments, as it estimates the cost of each order will increase by 30% to 50%.

Customer
Uses food delivery apps
My credit card is charged automatically, so I don’t really pay attention. But I might check whether other platforms are cheaper, and consider switching.

Cheng Li-chia
Union chair
I think the platforms aren’t being transparent about their profit figures. We think they’re using the law as an excuse to raise prices. This matter should be discussed rationally and based on the facts.

The new law aims to protect the rights of delivery workers, vendors and consumers. But if it ends up being used as a scapegoat to raise prices, for some restaurants and consumers it could be the final straw.

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

#fooddelivery #deliverer #ubereats #foodpanda #food #yum #convenience

2026-07-15

Puma Shen says he’ll leave nothing unsaid during 8-day US visit

2026-07-15

Express trains stop at Tainan’s Longtian Station for first time

A century-old train station is welcoming Tze-Chiang Limited Express trains for the first time. Only local and Juguang Express trains have stopped in Tainan’s Longtian Station since it opened in 1902. As Taiwan Railways plans to phase out the Juguang service, the Tze-Chiang Limited Express will now stop at the station twice a day.

A Tze-Chiang Limited Express train pulls into Longtian Station in Tainan. It’s the first time in the station’s history that this type of train has stopped here.

Only local and Juguang Express trains have stopped at the station since it opened in 1902. As Taiwan Railways is phasing out the Juguang service, the small station is set to welcome Tze-Chiang Limited Express trains for the first time.

Member of public
Likes the convenience
It’s very convenient. To take a reserved-seat train from my house, I used to have to go to Xinying Station, 20 to 30 minutes away by scooter.

Member of public
Likes the convenience
Catching the train from Longtian Station will be more convenient than before.

The new service will make it much more convenient to travel to urban areas. Compared with local trains, the Tze-Chiang cuts travel time by at least half. But while stopping at smaller stations is convenient, it could also extend the overall travel time for reserved-seat trains.

Member of public
Concerned about slower service
It’s an express train, so if it’s always stopping at small stations like this, then it won’t be as fast as originally intended.

The new express trains may be more convenient for passengers, but taxi drivers say it might not help them much.

Taxi driver
Not keen on change
It’s more convenient for travelers. But for us taxi drivers, we still get a limited number of passengers.

The Tze-Chiang express will now stop at Longtian Station twice a day, making traveling more convenient for people living near the small station.

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

#TaiwanRailways #train #TzeChiang #expresstrain #commute #station #LongtianStation

2026-07-15

China’s ethnic unity law escalates transnational repression

China’s new ethnic unity law took effect on July 1, sparking concerns that Beijing could use the legislation to extend its reach overseas. The law could be used to target people accused by China of promoting “ethnic division” anywhere, adding to concerns over China’s growing use of legal tools to escalate transnational repression.

- Putting it simply, this law is a cross-border repression law.

China’s “ethnic unity” law took effect on July 1. The preamble alone is over 800 words long.

Sang Pu
Taiwan Hong Kong Association director-general
This is the first law with a preamble enacted by the Chinese Communist Party since the 18th National Congress in 2012. A preamble reflects the intentions of the ruler or authoritarian leader. Few laws have preambles. The Constitution is one example, so I view this law as having a quasi-constitutional status.

Article 21 stipulates that Taiwanese are Chinese nationals, and those deemed to be engaging in “ethnic separatism” could face legal liability. The law recognizes no borders, effectively extending China’s long-arm jurisdiction around the world.

Chen Yu-chieh
Academia Sinica associate researcher
I think its purpose is to make people around the world self-censor and intimidate them. China doesn’t need to arrest lots of people. It just sends the message that it has the authority to arrest you.

Beyond measures wrapped in the guise of the law, China has long used violence and psychological intimidation toward those it views as being dissidents.

A Hong Kong citizen living in Taiwan, Tong Wai-hung, joined the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests and called for a boycott of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council elections last year. In November that year, his Taipei boxing gym was vandalized by suspects from Hong Kong.

Liang Wen-chieh (January 2026)
Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister
The purpose was clearly to warn and intimidate him as well as other Hong Kongers in Taiwan.

In 2019, Hong Kong singer Denise Ho was attending a pro-Hong Kong rally in Taiwan when she was attacked with paint. The late Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Lam Wing-kee was also assaulted after moving to Taiwan in 2020. Just six days after the ethnic unity law took effect, Japanese journalist and friend of Taiwan Akio Yaita was beaten by a suspect from Hong Kong.

Akio Yaita (July 6)
Journalist
Using violence to respond because you disagree with my views or statements should absolutely not be allowed.

Karen Kuo (July 7)
Presidential Office spokesperson
This is the first case of cross-border repression and violent intimidation occurring in Taiwan after China implemented the ethnic unity law. Of course, we strongly condemn this act.

China is using the law as pretext for transnational repression, highlighting its domineering and unreasonable behavior with its brazen actions.

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

#ethnicunitylaw #ethnicunity #China #CCP #HongKong #repression #violence #intimidation

2026-07-15

Vendor quickly turns off gas when sign crashes into stall

2026-07-15