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China launches six days of military drills in 5 maritime areas

China has launched a new 6-day military exercise in five maritime areas in waters near Taiwan, right on the first day after Taiwan’s National Day long weekend. The affected areas include parts of the Yellow sea, the Bohai Sea, the East China Sea and the South China Sea. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense says it is closely monitoring any developments, while condemning China for escalating tensions in the region. Let’s hear more.

News anchor
CCTV
Maritime authorities across multiple regions have issued navigation warnings, announcing that live-fire drills, military training, and other designated operations will be conducted in several maritime areas beginning today.

Wellington Koo
Minister of National Defense
Based on our preliminary assessment, these activities are all taking place along the coast. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Whether live-fire exercises or military training, these drills create unnecessary anxiety and should be condemned.

China has openly stated that the military drills were intended to “deter Taiwan independence.” Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, condemned Beijing for heightening regional tensions. That includes numerous incursions by military aircraft over the National Day long weekend. Taiwan detected 21 aircraft incursions on Oct. 9, 21 on Oct. 10 and 4 on Oct. 11. In addition, on Oct. 11, six Chinese military vessels and three official ships were also spotted operating around the Taiwan Strait.

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

#china #taiwan #crosstrait #eastchinasea #defense

2026-10-12

Puma Shen campaign motorcade draws over 2,000 vehicles in support

Thousands of supporters gathered across Taipei for Puma Shen’s first campaign motorcade. Shen officially launched his Taipei O’Shen Wave campaign on Sunday. The convoy weaved through Zhongshan and Datong districts. Besides the enthusiastic crowds who greeted him at the starting point in the early morning, many followed on YouBikes and scooters. Official sources claim 2,000 vehicles followed and more than 10,000 supporters showed up. From Dihua Sewage Treatment Plant to Baoan Temple, Shen canvassed a 14km route taking more than 2 hours.

Wearing a striped black and white shirt and a bright orange scarf, Puma Shen kick started his motorcade campaign and sent supporters into frenzy to capture photos of the voyage.

The motorcade was surrounded by supporters waving flags and shouting for Shen. Closely behind were rows and rows of motorcycles and YouBikes that stretched as far as the eye could see. Official statistics reveal over 2,000 vehicles followed and took more than 15 minutes to depart from the starting point.

The motorcade campaign was flooded with supporters. Some held up signs, others waved flags and yet others cheered on Shen.

The O’Shen wave boosted sales for nearby vendors.

- Very good, very good
- Are there more preparations today?
- Yes! Yes! Yes!

Member of public
Supports leadership change
Our Taipei City is very bitter and very boring, it’s been nearly 20 years since Chen Shui-bian was mayor, and resentment has been building for a long time.

As the citizens aired their grievances, it became evident that the public has felt bitter for very long, which is why they want to see a change in leadership. Crowds gathered both on ground and online through the livestream with more than 60,000 viewers.

- Mackay Memorial Hospital
- Hospital cannot use microphone

As the motorcade passed by the Mackay Memorial Hospital, they reminded not to use microphones to avoid disturbing patients. During the motorcade, people held up signs and changed the slogans stating, “Compatriots must unite, unity is powerful,” to, “Taipei must unite, unity is powerful.” Shen felt deeply moved after seeing the signs, however he also observed some citizens making obscene gestures and responded with the following.

- Better than very straight.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
In a democratic society, everyone is entitled to expressing their opinions; I think this lets everyone’s emotions find an outlet. I think it’s for the better. The first time I was at Baoan Temple was when I first started running for election, there were maybe around 1-200 people, but this time there were certainly more, we all felt very moved.

When the motorcade came to a stop, Taipei’s O’Shen wave arrived at Baoan Temple. The crowd swarmed the area spreading out to the surrounding business district. Matching the crowd sizes of election nights, the aerial photos were spectacular. Shen put forward five major policies for Zhongshan and Datong, including a service team to extend life in old houses, companionship for the elderly, and the Yuanshan Citizen Sports Center.

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

#pumashen #taipeimayor #oceancurrent #oshenwave #dpp

2026-10-12

Chiang Wan-an turns down invitation for second TV debate

A televised debate between the two mayoral candidates for Taipei is in the works, with broadcasters TVBS and SET hosting the event. Six media outlets, including FTV, are hoping to hold a second debate, and have sent invitations to the DPP and KMT candidates. On Monday, DPP candidate Puma Shen agreed to take part. But incumbent KMT Mayor Chiang Wan-an has said he doesn’t have the time for a second showdown, as he has many city policies to direct. Let’s hear from the two.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
I agree to take part in a televised debate for the Taipei mayoral race hosted by Taiwan Television, China Television, Formosa Television, Liberty Times, Mirror, Mnews, and any other willing media outlet.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor (KMT)
In line with precedent, I think one is enough. There are many city policies I have to oversee. We can’t slow down now, or have them be affected.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
There are so many things to be discussed about Taipei’s governance that if we only hold one debate, each issue would only be allotted a couple of seconds. There wouldn’t be any depth.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor (KMT)
Taipei has gone through many elections already. There are plenty of precedents.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
If he is confident in his governance, taking part in more debates would be to his advantage. It follows that if he’s confident about how he’s handled the city, the more debates, the more opportunities to bring up all the good things he’s done to respond to criticism.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor (KMT)
We also hope that the relevant details will be finalized soon, so we can move forward with it.

The six media outlets called on the candidates from both camps to accept the debate invitation and make the event a reality. They say such a dialogue would put citizens at the heart of the discussion, showcasing what democracy is really about.

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

#democracy #debate #taipei #蔣萬安 #沈伯洋

2026-10-12

Taiwan invites neighbors to partake in Vehicle Extrication Challenge

Car accidents can be gruesome and stressful to handle, making rescue teams very important. Taiwan hosted this year’s International Vehicle Extrication Challenge, inviting Japan, Philippines, and other countries to partake in friendly competition. The event serves as an excellent platform for exchanging practical experience and recreating rescue scenarios under time pressure.

A team from Osaka carried out an emergency rescue operation, racing against the clock. They smashed windows and pulled out trapped passengers from the overturned vehicle.

Taipei’s rescue team also faced many challenges. One car overturned to the left, another on the right. They had to control the vehicles while providing first aid to the seriously injured as quickly as possible.

It takes a lot of intense, dedicated training to remain calm under pressure, especially for first responders. To put all the training to the test, Taiwan hosted the 2026 International Vehicle Extrication Challenge, which kicked off in Nantou.

Hsiao Ya-wen
Taiwan Disaster Medical Development Association
The primary principles of first aid are: first, to assess whether there are any sources of heavy bleeding, second to check if they have any respiratory problems, or any blood pressure or circulatory problems.

Tsai Chung-ling
Competing Instructor
Amongst commanders, rescue personnel, and paramedics, all three must share the same goal: to rescue the victims in a reasonable, comfortable, and stable way.

Disasters and accidents have no borders, and technological advancements require cross-border learning exchange!

Hsiao Huan-chang
Fire Department Chief
To help Taiwan’s fire and rescue officers improve procedures, we conduct exchanges and international cooperation with Japan and the Philippines.

Beyond showcasing recent achievements in technique and equipment, Taiwan hopes to improve relations and mutual trust with allies. Through initiatives such as this one, Taiwan continues to play an important role in the region and improves regional rescue capabilities.

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

#vehicleextrication #caraccident #simulation #firstresponders #nantou

2026-10-12

Huge pink cargo and joss paper burner turn heads amid traffic

A scooter rider in Kaohsiung is giving Santa Claus a run for his money. The motorist was spotted wobbling through traffic, carrying a gigantic pile of bright pink bags that swayed dangerously from side to side. The towering cargo turned heads and impressed onlookers, but police didn’t find it amusing, and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the rider. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Would keep some distance
I would stay away from the scooter. I think doing things like that ultimately is a nuisance to everyone else. If a bag falls off, it could cause an accident and the rider wouldn’t even know.

Member of public
Not impressed
It’s dangerous and it blocks traffic. It’s terrible.

Hsu Cheng-yi
Police officer
Scooters transporting goods must comply with relevant regulations. Violations are punishable with a fine of NT$300 to NT$600 under Article 31, Paragraph 5 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

But sightings of overloaded scooters are not unique to Kaohsiung. Over in Tainan, a pair of road users was caught carrying a massive joss paper furnace through traffic. The feat was accomplished thanks to the passenger sitting backwards while straddling the furnace between his legs. The scooter swayed from side to side on the road, making everyone else fear for the riders, and for themselves. After all, one moment of imbalance could end up with everyone on the ground.

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

#scooter #santa #grinch #stunt #presents

2026-10-12

Selfless Italian priest wins prestigious Taiwan award for philanthropy

Selfless Italian priest Father Giuseppe Didone has spent over 60 years in Taiwan caring for vulnerable people. This includes over a thousand children with severe physical or intellectual disabilities. Now he’s received one of Taiwan’s most prestigious philanthropic awards – the Y.L. Lin Taiwan Devotion Award. True to form, he doesn’t plan to spend any of the NT$30 million award money on himself. Let’s find out more.

At the age of 86, Father Giuseppe Didone walks slowly onto the stage to accept an honorary award. Despite his advanced age, he remains full of vitality whenever he speaks of his philanthropic mission; his words radiate a passionate dedication to serving the vulnerable.

Father Giuseppe Didone
Recipient of Y.L. Lin Taiwan Devotion Award
It has been over 40 years now that we have been caring for these children; their parents have always been grateful to us—our Catholic ministry—so I am very happy today.

After arriving in Taiwan in 1965, Father Didone, an Italian, has dedicated himself to caring for the disadvantaged in Penghu and Yilan. In 1987, he transformed an abandoned convent in Dayin Village, Sanxing Township, into the St. Camillus Center for Intellectual Disability, providing long-term shelter and care for over a thousand children with severe physical and intellectual disabilities. Sixteen years ago, he extended his compassionate mission to include long-term care and hospice services. This selfless dedication, spanning more than half a century, has honored him with the Y.L. Lin Taiwan Devotion Award this year. As for the NT$30 million prize money, Father Didone humorously remarked that it certainly wouldn’t be going into his own pockets.

Father Giuseppe Didone
Recipient of Y.L. Lin Taiwan Devotion Award
Not a single cent of this money will go into my own pockets; instead, it is specifically intended to support the St. Camillus Center for Intellectual Disability in Luodong. We are currently setting up a small workshop—a project costing tens of millions—and I am deeply grateful to this foundation for providing us with this opportunity.

Chan I-i
Selection committee member
Identifying everyone in the region who is in need—ensuring they can find the resources they require right here—and leading us to see the true value of it all: I believe that is the most meaningful thing.

Father Didone has dedicated over sixty years of service to Taiwan and remains deeply rooted in the local community through his selfless spirit. He serves as a source of the warmest and most steadfast support for remote areas and vulnerable populations.

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

#Giuseppedidone #Taiwancharities #Yllintaiwandevotionaward #Taiwanexpats #Italianexpats #intellectualdisabilities #Taiwanphilanthropy

2026-10-12

Lee Hao-yu returns to Taiwan after stellar baseball season in the US

As the youngest Taiwanese player to hit a homerun in Major League Baseball, Lee Hao-yu is back in town to talk about his adventures. The 23 year-old player made his debut in April this year and delivered an incredible performance all season, with 87 hits and 10 home runs, he is making history by breaking many Taiwanese records. Today he attended a press conference with his family present and shared his journey.

Taiwanese professional baseball player, Lee Hao-yu returned to Taiwan during offseason, and immediately attended a press conference to talk about his journey.

Lee Hao-yu
MLB Detroit Tigers player
I got hurt almost immediately after I started playing. After recovering and returning, I did not expect to be called up this early, until I hit my first home run. This year’s been full of surprises.

Earlier this year, Lee made his MLB debut and has already set Taiwanese single-season MLB records for 114 games played, 87 hits, and 10 home runs, with a batting average of 0.263. This year Lee has made history as the youngest Taiwanese player to hit a homerun in the MLB, also fulfilling a long-time dream of his.

Lee Hao-yu
MLB Detroit Tigers player
The first time I watched MLB was the Detroit Tigers, I thought that field was beautiful. I told the person next to me, “One day I’ll play here.” 9 years later, I am really playing baseball on that very field.

Since it was first time playing in the major leagues, Lee revealed that he was driving home to Detroit when he accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up in Canada, where he was taken into customs interrogation.

Lee Hao-yu
MLB Detroit Tigers player
The customs officer searched up my name and said, “Oh, you really are here to play baseball,” and I said, “Why would I lie?” He said, “Wow, not bad. You’ve had two home runs.” I said, “Nope, I’ve had three.”

Given his incredible performance, his family is incredibly proud. Lee’s mother joked about picking up her son at the airport on social media saying, “I’ve come to pick up my gangster son.” Baseball fans were even curious about who runs the Detroit Tigers threads account seeing as the posts have a distinct Taiwanese-style.

Lee Hao-yu
MLB Detroit Tigers player
Can I reveal this? It wouldn’t be fun if I did, it’s better to keep everyone guessing.

Whatever the mystery is, Lee’s baseball career is off to an incredible start. As the rookie continues to grow in the Major Leagues, he will always be supported by Taiwan and its baseball fans.

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

#detroittigers #leehaoyu #mlb #baseball #taiwanesebaseball

2026-10-12

120,000 fans flock to Bigbang’s three concerts in Taipei

K-pop supergroup Bigbang is back in Taiwan reunited for the first time in 11 years, drawing 120,000 fans to Taipei Dome for three nights of explosive performances! The legendary group’s Taiwan visit has been making headlines both on and off stage. From beef noodles and pineapple cakes gifted by Jay Chou to a social media post featuring Taiwan’s flag that mysteriously disappeared.

Legendary K-pop boy band Bigbang is back with a vengeance, reuniting for the first time in 11 years. The supergroup tore up the stage at Taipei Dome over the past three days, with 120,000 VIPs making the pilgrimage to see their idols. For the three performers, it wasn’t just about singing and dancing on stage. A visit to Taiwan wouldn’t be complete without food.

Taeyang
Bigbang member
Last night, I had beef noodles, and also I ate pineapple cakes. Pineapple cakes that Jay Chou gave me. It was really delicious. Thank you bro!

Taeyang’s Taiwan trip featured beef noodles, and even pineapple cakes gifted by none other than the king of Mandopop.

A photo reveals who delivered the pineapple cakes to Bigbang, actor and entertainer Ken Lin! The celeb said he was following orders from Jay Chou’s wife, Hannah Quinlivan, to personally deliver the treats to the K-pop idols. But just as the concert wrapped up, a story on G-Dragon’s Instagram stirred up controversy.

G-Dragon shared a photo of the three Bigbang members riding a backstage cart, captioned “I LOVE YOU VIP.” The heart in the middle featured Taiwan’s national flag, delighting and surprising their fans. But the story didn’t stay up for long, and was quickly taken down. Fans were left wondering whether it was deleted out of concern over crossing politically sensitive lines.

And it didn’t just stop there. A back-up dancer in Bigbang’s crew, known as the Bangers, celebrated the premier performance in Taiwan with a post on Instagram, featuring the Taiwanese flag emoji. But the caption was quickly changed to say “Taipei.”

G-Dragon
Bigbang member
- I would like to thank everyone.
I feel so grateful.
I hope we can come back here. OK?
- Yes!
- Would you like that?
- Yes!

On the final night of the concert series in Taipei, G-Dragon thanked fans in Mandarin. But while he expressed his love for fans on stage, the repeated disappearance of Taiwan flags offstage left fans with mixed emotions.

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

#bigbang #kpop #gd #vip #taiwan

2026-10-12

Speeding biker tries covering license plate with foot to avoid ticket

Think you can avoid getting caught by a speed camera by covering your license plate? Think again! In Miaoli’s Zhunan Township, a scooter rider who was going 105kph in a 60kph zone tried hooking his foot over his plate to avoid getting caught by the camera. But police tracked him down anyway from security cameras, identifying him by his helmet and clothing.

In this ridiculous photo, a scooter driver holds tight to the handlebars while leaning forward. If you look further down, you can see his left foot is hooked like a crab. But he’s not trying to show off. He’s trying to avoid a speeding ticket.

The photo was taken on a section of Gongyi Road in Miaoli’s Zhunan Township. It’s a busy roadway with a speed limit of 60kph, but the driver was going 105. Seeing a speed camera up ahead, he came up with the wild idea to block the plate with his foot to avoid the ticket.

- What a punk.
- Would a sensible rider do that?
- No. No way. Definitely not in the morning.

But law enforcement was on it. The driver thought he was being clever, but experienced police officers are no pushovers. They checked security cameras along his route and identified him by his helmet and clothing.

Lin Hung-ming
Miaoli traffic brigade deputy captain
He not only ignored the 60kph speed limit, going far over at 105kph, but acted recklessly by using his foot to cover his plate when passing a speed camera.

You can cover your plate like that for a while, but you’ll eventually get tired and give the police a chance to catch you! Since he was going well above the speed limit and intentionally tried to obscure his plate, he will be fined between NT$6,000 and NT$36,000 and faces a six-month suspension of his vehicle registration.

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

#trafficsafety #speeding #oddity #police #Miaoli #licenseplate #trafficticket

2026-10-12