CEC ramps up preparations for local elections on Nov. 28

2026-08-20

Taiwan will pick its local government representatives in just 100 days. The Central Election Commision on Thursday put up the election notice, meaning election season has officially started. Among some of the concerns this year is the use of deep-fake videos that could be used to spread misinformation. The CEC has established a task force in collaboration with police, prosecutors and the Ministry of Digital Affairs to prevent election interference.

On Nov. 28, voters will head to the polls to pick 11,051 public officials in 8,906 electoral districts. A total of 18,244 polling stations will be set up for Election Day, to cater to Taiwan’s 19.65 million eligible voters. That includes more than 600,000 first-timers. About 250,000 people will be chosen to work at the polls around the country.

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#election #countdown #electoral #voting #democracy #taiwan #pollingstation

九合一大選"倒數100天" 中選會張貼選務公告.防深偽介選

2026-08-20

年底九合一倒數，進入倒數100天，中選會主委游盈隆，上午親自張貼選務公告，宣布正式備戰，今年中選會首度組成"深偽影音防制專案小組"，和檢警、數發部，密切合作，要全面防範AI影片介選。

11月28日的選舉，將選出11051名公職人員，涉及8906個選區， 1萬8244個投票所，預估選舉人數約1965萬人，首投族超過60萬人，將出動近25萬名選務人員。

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Candidates make custom Kuai Kuai, drink cup lids to reach voters

As election season draws near, candidates are pulling out all the stops to make an impression on voters. Traditional items like tissue paper and fans no longer cut it. In Pingtung, a county councilor candidate became an instant hit with custom bags of Kuai Kuai featuring his photo. Another candidate over in Tainan is looking to capitalize on people’s summer cravings for a cool drink by printing his campaign ad directly on the lids, making it impossible for people to miss.

On a hot summer’s day, it seems like everyone is carrying a cold drink with them. This drink stand in Tainan has some unique film covers, printed with a man wearing a tiger helmet. It’s actually a promotion for Tainan City Councilor Wang Hsuan-mao’scampaign.

- It’s not bad. Really unique.

- Yeah, I think it’s special. A giveaway doesn’t have to be something you use.

Drink stall owner
People might just throw away promotional items. But with this, you look at it while you’re drinking and learn what he’s doing.

Campaign giveaways are usually thrown out, giving them minimal effect. But if you buy a beverage, you’re going to drink it, and every time you take a sip, the message is right in front of your face, making it hard to ignore.

Wang Hsuan-mao
Tainan City Councilor
The cost of one film lid is actually less than a pack of tissues. It’s like renting a billboard. Instead of putting an ad up on a billboard, I’m renting their drink lids and asking them to run my ad. It’s a similar concept.

He’s working with 50 drink shops, trading custom film lids for ad space while also helping the shops save on distribution costs. Tsai Li-ching, another Tainan city councilor seeking reelection, is also working with drink makers to supply large bottles with her ads, which frequently pop up at neighborhood events.

Tsai Li-ching
Tainan City Councilor
It’s a fresh cold drink! Whenever there’s a banquet or a temple feast, we provide them on the tables.

Tainan City Councilor Huang Chao-hui played on homophones of his name to make custom pencils to help voters remember him. Over in Pingtung, County Councilor Lee Shih-pin is looking to voters’ love for Kuai Kuai for a leg up. The custom bags featuring his photo have been a hit especially with seniors. As election day approaches, candidates are coming up with all kinds of creative gimmicks to be seen, knowing that the most important thing is getting voters to remember them.

#campaign #election #citycouncilor #KuaiKuai #drinkshop #campaignswag #Tainan #Pingtung #creativemarketing

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

2026-08-20

Tongxiao Beach sand sculpture festival charms during day and night

2026-08-20

Foushoushan Farm hosts Taiwan’s highest ATM

The highest post office in Taiwan is on Alishan, but do you know where the highest post office ATM is? It’s in Taichung at Fushoushan Farm! At 2,240 meters above sea level, it saves residents and visitors at least a half hour round trip to the next-nearest ATM. Now when tourists want to buy local produce, they no longer need to worry about running out of cash. Since the area is famous for its apples, Chunghwa Post created a special apple-shaped sign for the ATM that people love to take photos with.

- At 2,240 meters above sea level, the remote Fushoushan Farm has officially inaugurated Taiwan’s only apple-shaped post office ATM!

The farm’s social media manager excitedly introduces their new post office ATM—the highest in all of Taiwan. Setting up the machine was no easy feat, as annual operational costs can reach over a million dollars. Chunghwa Post finalized the decision only after careful evaluation.

Member of public
Likes the design
Wow, it’s so special! It must be a first in Taiwan. It’s shaped like an apple. It’s so creative!

The sign for the Chunghwa Post ATM is designed to look like a green apple, priming visitors to enjoy the local speciality.

Wang Shu-chu
Taichung Post Office deputy director
Most of our apples are imported. But honestly, most imported apples aren’t as good as the ones here in Lishan. So we thought, Lishan’s specialty is apples—the megumi apples especially are world-famous—so we designed the ATM sign to look like a megumi apple.

Tourists buying local produce no longer need to worry about running low on cash. The machine operates 24 hours a day and even supports cardless withdrawals.

Member of public
Loves the service
This service is amazing! Before, if we wanted to buy things and ran out of cash, we had to go over to Lishan to withdraw money. Driving, it took about 30 minutes round-trip. But now we have this ATM. It’s very considerate. I’m glad we have it!

The Lishan Post Office 6km away is responsible for replenishing the ATM. Two police officers from Lishan Station are dispatched to escort the cash, ensuring the banknotes safely reach Taiwan’s highest ATM.

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#ATM #Lishan #apples #localproduce #ChunghwaPost #highaltitude

2026-08-20

Elderly dog steps onto train tracks just as train approaches station

An adorable white dog gave visitors at Alishan the fright of their lives this past weekend. Just as a train was about to pull in to a train station, the dog wandered onto the tracks, mere meters ahead of the train. The driver sounded the horn repeatedly, but the dog wouldn’t move. Amid cries from onlookers, the train slowed down to a snail-pace crawl to prevent a tragedy. The dog seemed blissfully unaware of any problems, and continued plodding forward until it eventually moved aside.

A train is rounding the tracks when… Wait, is that a dog? A white pup has wandered straight onto the tracks.

Onlookers gasp as the train gets dangerously close to the doggo.

The driver sounds the horn again and again, but the dog pays it no mind, strolling casually along the grassy tracks. It even looks back, as if checking whether the train is still following it. Visitors don’t know whether to cry or laugh.

Everyone stands around waiting. The incident happened on Sunday morning on the Alishan Forest Railway. The train was approaching Shizilu Station, on its way to Chiayi, when the naughty doggo grabbed the opportunity to wreak some havoc. A traditional saying in Taiwan goes “Good dogs don’t block the road.” But clearly that doesn’t apply to rail tracks.

Member of public
Commenting on dog
So it’s not a good dog, because it blocked the way!

Member of public
Commenting on dog
It’s right at home, as if it were in its own back yard.

Member of public
Commenting on dog
It’d be better if it were on a leash. That would’ve prevented this.

The white pupper is actually a beloved neighborhood resident that’s cared for by the community. At the age of 20 years – equivalent to 100 dog years – its mobility isn’t what it used to be and when walking around is a little slower. Train drivers all know about this furry travel companion, and they always sound the horn and slow down when they spot it.

Chou Heng-kai
Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office
The drivers all know about the dog. Nobody is grazing livestock on the railway, so no regulations have been violated.

The train was slowing down to stop at the station anyway, so the chances of a tragic accident were low. But even then, for those seeing it for the first time, it was a scary close call.

#dog #doggo #cute #funny #animals #animal #cutedogs #dogsofinstagram #doglover

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2026-08-20

Grad student writes thesis on Chiayi mint chicken

One of Chiayi’s local dishes, mint chicken, has made its way into academia, becoming the subject of a master’s thesis. A National Chung Cheng University graduate student spent more than two years researching her grandmother’s signature mint chicken to write Taiwan’s first thesis on the dish.

A chef stir-fries ginger, garlic, and mint in sesame oil, then stuffs it into a chicken. He then seasons it with salt and pepper and cooks it by frying as well as steaming. Finally this mint chicken, a specialty of northern Chiayi, is ready to be served.

Lee Che-wei
Chef
I use oil to partly fry it. This method is a bit like braising, a bit like roasting, and a bit like pan-frying.

The smell of mint fills the room as the chef carves the chicken. The meat is tender and juicy, while the skin is crispy. The warmth of the sesame oil and ginger blend with the mint’s coolness for an unforgettable flavor combination.

- It hit me right in the head.

- It smells like mint and the chicken is really tender.

Mint chicken was once a household dish in northern Chiayi, but it’s become less common in recent years. Hoping to learn more about the dish her grandmother always made, a master’s student from National Chung Cheng University, Wu Kuei-fang, decided to research mint chicken for her thesis.

Wu Kuei-fang
Master’s student
I had mint chicken all the time growing up. I thought I could turn it into a thesis topic to discuss its origin and why it came about.

Her thesis advisor saw the value in researching this local dish, and she was able to introduce mint chicken to the world of academia.

Kuan Chung-hsiang
CCU Department of Communication director
Food is our culture and our history. It has a big connection to the overall development of Taiwan, so I was happy to see this thesis completed.

Academic research topics are diverse, but it’s quite an achievement to write an entire thesis on one local dish. Paying tribute to the flavor of her hometown, Wu’s research shows that mint chicken is rich in history and culture, as well as flavor.

#chicken #mintchicken #Chiayi #thesis #gradschool #student #gradstudent #hometown #cuisine #academia

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2026-08-20

Children enjoy rowing and clamming at Chiayi fish farm

2026-08-20

Truck driver stuck in surging river rescued unharmed

2026-08-20

New Red Line station on Taipei MRT to open on Aug. 30

2026-08-20

Republican Senator says she’s ‘not that informed’ on Taiwan

A Republican Senate candidate in South Carolina is facing a political firestorm after giving a startling answer about Taiwan and the South China Sea in a recent televised debate. Darline Graham, who stepped into her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat, was asked whether the issues are tied to US national security. She admitted she simply wasn’t informed in the subject. Her opponent immediately pounced, while critics questioned whether the political newcomer has the experience to hold the seat.

Earlier this summer, US Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham died, leaving his seat to his younger sister, Darline Graham. But with an election coming up, she’s had to justify her appointment ahead of the Republican Party’s runoff vote. In a debate on Wednesday, she showed her ignorance of cross-strait issues.

Greta Van Susteren
Moderator
Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States? And if so, why or how?

Darline Graham
US Senator
I’m just going to be honest here. I’ve not on national security… I’m not that informed on national security

The unexpected answer gave her opponent the perfect opportunity to strike back.

Ralph Norman
Republic runoff candidate
Taiwan’s a definite ally. So what the president is doing right is he’s enabling Taiwan to defend themselves against China.

Before his death, Graham visited Taiwan on three occasions and touted himself as an expert on diplomacy and national security. He even promoted pro-Taiwan bills and was seen as a close ally of Taiwan, making his sister’s reply especially shocking. One day later, she accepted a TV interview to try and stop the criticism.

Darline Graham
US Senator
I tripped up on one question last night, regarding Taiwan. Of course Taiwan is our friend.

Darline Graham is a newcomer to politics, but she was endorsed to her appointment in succeeding her brother by US President Donald Trump. Experts say her recent blunder may have severely damaged her support.

Katie Porter
Former US Representative (Dem)
This woman needs a lot of polish and she needs it really fast.

Elex Michaelson
CNN News Anchor
The concern about her is. Does she have the juice? Is she experienced enough? Can she do this job?

Darline Graham has admitted that she is not a politician, but defended herself arguing that voters are more concerned about their livelihoods than the South China Sea. Nevertheless, her Taiwan blunder has put extra scrutiny on her this electoral season.

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#darlinegraham #gop #republican #taiwan #southchinasea #debate #election #lindseygraham

2026-08-20

Historic shops in Xinzhuang Temple Street get trendy makeovers

Historic Xinzhuang Temple Street in New Taipei City is getting a makeover! The city government is revitalizing five traditional heritage shops – from a traditional glutinous rice ball store to a Chinese medicine shop -- with youthful rebranding from young designers. Second and third generation owners are taking over family businesses, injecting new trendy energy into the area. Let’s find out more.

Slicing open this giant longevity peach bun is like opening a surprise package—hidden inside are multiple cute, chick-shaped buns. This innovative “Mother-and-Child Longevity Peach” was created when a second-generation successor took over, breathing new life into a declining traditional pastry business.

Chiang Kun-ta
Longevity peach business operator
During my university years, traditional Chinese pastries were fading, even in decline, which made me quite sad. I felt a sense of mission to promote them and give them new life.

The New Taipei City Government is promoting a demonstration project to revitalize specialized shops in Xinzhuang Temple Street. By bringing in brand consultants and young designers, the project has revitalized five classic local shops, from a traditional savory glutinous rice ball shop that has been passed down for over 70 years across three generations to a traditional Chinese medicine shop run by second generation owners. In addition to preserving traditional services, the shop facades have been redesigned and rebranded, and special health drinks have been launched to attract young people.

Hou Yu-ih
New Taipei City Mayor
Over time, we’ve realized that in addition to preserving the original traditions, Xinzhuang Old Street needs to continuously innovate and pass on its heritage so that everyone can enjoy these traditional flavors. We also need to continuously embrace new ideas and use new business models to attract more international tourists to our Xinzhuang Temple Street.

Chiu Chao-mei
New Taipei City Government
Brands can refine their narratives, revamp their visual design and menus, and refresh their storefronts so that the flavors of these heritage shops can appeal to a new generation of consumers.

With the assistance of city government resources and the efforts of the next generation to transform the area, the Xinzhuang Temple Street business circle has been revitalized and its prosperity has been rekindled.

#XinzhuangTempleStreet #Taiwaneseheritage #Taiwanesepastries #Taiwanesetraditions #Newtaipeicity

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2026-08-20