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Date set for Kaohsiung mayoral debate: Friday Oct. 30 at 8pm

With just over a month to go until the local elections, the calendar is filling up with televised debates between the candidates. The first event will be a debate for the candidates for Kaohsiung’s mayoralty. It will be hosted by Formosa TV, CTi News, and PTS Taigi from 8 to 10 in the evening on Friday, Oct. 30. The organizers on Wednesday spoke with the participating parties to draw up a structure for the debate. Let’s hear more.

Ko Chih-en
Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate (KMT)
Both parties have agreed for a 90-minute debate at 8 in the evening on Oct. 30. There will be questions from the media, cross examination and personal statements. We will accept all sorts of questions, and we hope that it will be a good debate so that everyone can have a clear picture of where each candidate stands on municipal issues.

Lai Jui-lung
Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Through the debate, I hope that everyone can better understand how my experience in the city government as a lawmaker translates to concrete policies for the city. I will also welcome my rival to ask any questions they may have about the past few years, including past construction projects and the vision for the future. I hope she will explain her visions clearly as well.

The debate will be divided into four parts: policy presentations, questions from media, cross-examination, and closing remarks. Formosa TV and CTi News will appoint a senior professional media representative as the questioner, while the host will be a representative from PTS Taigi. The three media outlets and both sides have also agreed that a second coordination meeting will be held next Wednesday at noon to discuss matters further.

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#debate #politics #kaohsiung #taiwan #democracy

2026-10-14

Busy Puma Shen arrives late to Songshan Airport hearing

Taipei’s Mayor, Chiang Wan-an, recently proposed shutting down Songshan Airport to build an AI park in the city. KMT legislator, Hsu Chiao-hsin, scheduled a special hearing at the Legislative Yuan today on the matter. She started off by criticizing Puma Shen for being absent, as he was on a radio program. Even though Shen rushed over immediately after the interview, Hsu made a sarcastic comment that being late is better than not being there at all. DPP legislator Wang Yi-chuan could not tolerate this any longer and had a verbal argument with Hsu on the spot.

KMT legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin and DPP legislator Wang Yi-chuan got into a heated argument. Hsu, a member of the National Defense Committee, arranged a special hearing on the relocation of Songshan Airport, and had to extend the registration time for speaking for Puma Shen’s sake, who was attending Jaw Shau-kong’s radio program.

Hsu Chiao-hsin
Legislator (KMT)
I think we should extend the speech registration time to noon to prevent any legislators from losing an opportunity to express their concerns. That, I think would be a pity.

From the presentation of the case to speeches, Hsu was coming for Shen, and even left a comment under Jaw’s live broadcast telling Shen to come back to work after the interview. Shen’s interview finished at 10 and he arrived at the National Defense committee and registered to speak by 10:25. But Hsu still made a fuss about it.

- Better late than never.
- Its hilarious. That’s how the KMT is, making comments about something.

Puma Shen
Legislator (DPP)
I think Hsu Chiao-hsin is a very warm person, and even left a message saying the registration could be extended. Just now, when I wanted to ask a question at noon, she was taking a break so that we could have lunch. So, warm people can consider joining the O’Shen movement.

Shen spoke about the Songshan Airport proposal announced by the KMT’s Chiang Wan-an. Chiang’s party is now attacking Defense Minister Wellington Koo, who also proposed a relocation plan in 2014.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
When Minister Koo was running for Taipei Mayor, he suggested that once the Taoyuan Airport MRT was operational, then the future of Songshan Airport could be considered.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Proposing this 20 or 30 years ago and proposing things now is very different because the throughput is changing. Songshan Airport handles many domestic routes, including the special operations we just mentioned which are related to disaster prevention and medical evacuation.

Tung Tzu-hsien
Chairman of Pegatron
I’m not on board with the relocation of Songshan Airport. A major capital city should have its own small to medium-sized transportation hub.

The proposition of relocating Songshan Airport has become an extensive issue in the Taipei mayoral election.

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#pumashen #songshanairport #chiangwanan #legislativeyuan #沈伯洋 #蔣萬安

2026-10-14

KMT fires at Jaw Jaw Shau-kong for two Puma Shen interviews

Puma Shen, Taipei’s DPP Mayoral Candidate, visited media personality, Jaw Shau-kong last Wednesday for an interview. The video surpassed 1 million views. Just a week later, Shen appeared again on Jaw’s radio show and was grilled in the hot seat. Shen’s good responses during the two interviews have given the KMT whiplash and infuriated party members who believe it is detrimental to Chiang Wan-an. Some took to social media to criticize Jaw, who fired back saying, “Who advised you to insult me?”

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
I don’t think I will resign as a legislator. Of course, sometimes resignations will give the impression that you are brave or determined. But, I think throughout this process, I have consistently demonstrated my determination.

Taipei’s DPP Mayoral Candidate, Puma Shen, reiterates his commitment to the duties of a legislator during his second interview with Jaw Shau-kong in seven days.

Jaw Shau-kong
Media personality
Do you have a fixed group of people that move with you or does it change with every new place?

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
In the early days, about 10% were familiar faces, while 90% are new faces from the local area. I won’t be too strict and say, “Oh you don’t live in Taipei, I won’t shake hands with you.”

As expected, Jaw asked sharp questions, and clearly spoke his mind about the current situation in Taipei.

Jaw Shau-kong
Media personality
When looking down at Taipei from a mountain viewpoint, it’s quite ugly. So many illegal extensions to buildings are ruining the landscape.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
When Alex Honnold climbed Taipei 101, I saw he pointed his camera down and immediately turned it away and used a soft-focus effect because of the roofs. I want to help extend the lifespan of old houses.

Shen has appeared on Jaw’s program twice, from a panel with three to a 1-1. Regarding Shen’s performance, Jaw also gives a high score of 7 to 8 out of 10. But not long after airing, the interview has left many in the KMT furious. Former KMT legislator, Chiu Yi posted an article condemning Jaw, for “acting like a traitor waving the KMT flag while betraying them.” Julian Kuo also criticized Jaw for platforming the enemy camp twice.

Wu Tzu-chia
Chairman of My Formosa
Jaw Shau-kong is truly shameless. This interview has left a stain on your life. After harming the KMT, what do you gain?

Jaw Shau-kong
Media personality
Am I that talented? Am I that great that interviewing Shen will damage the KMT and Chiang Wan-an? How is that possible? There are some people that rant every day, and I’m wondering if they’re doing it for views or something, like cursing me will get them traffic, or if they’re being instructed by some organization to do it.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
From the media’s point-of-view, this is a fair approach. If he invited everyone but me, it would be very weird. So I think this criticism of Brother Jaw is unfounded.

Shen spoke out on behalf of criticism against Jaw, who has been actively expanding his influence and not only becoming a thorn in the side of KMT but also stirring the pot.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#kmt #dpp #趙少康 #沈伯洋 #pumashen #chiangwanan

2026-10-14

Inconsiderate citizen throws 7 air-cons into touristy canal

After its restoration several years ago, the Liuchuan Canal in Taichung has become a must-visit spot for tourists to the city. Although it’s a picturesque local attraction, some see it as a dumping ground for trash. An inconsiderate rule-breaker discarded seven air-conditioning machines into the river. The appliances were captured on video floating in the current, until the Environmental Protection Bureau was notified and stepped in. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Upset at littering
The Liuchuan Canal is not a tipping ground. If you want to throw stuff away, you should tell sanitation workers.

Yao Tsung-yu
Chief of Environmental Protection Bureau
We will review surveillance footage from cameras in the vicinity to indentify the perpetrator, who is facing a fine of between NT$1,200 and NT$100,000 in accordance with the Waste Disposal Act.

The Environmental Protection Bureau dispatched personnel to inspect the site and notified the river management authority to remove the waste. It will also review surveillance footage to identify the perpetrators. Residents posted about the incident online. Some complained that the Liuchuan Canal had finally been beautifully cleaned up, only to have someone treat it as a dump. Others said there was no point throwing air conditioners in the water, as the fish won’t help repair them.
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#aircon #taichung #landmark #travel #airconditioning

2026-10-14

Chiayi to hold inaugural coffee festival with award-winning estates

Specialty coffee from Taiwan is gaining international renown, especially those grown in the high-elevation Alishan region. For the first time, Chiayi is hosting a festival dedicated to specialty coffee from Oct. 24 to 26 at the Suantou Sugar Refinery. Thirty gold-medal-winning producers are participating, and experts are to give live demonstrations, including the World Siphonist Champion. Everyone is invited to come and experience the magic of Taiwan’s very own high-end coffee.

Taiwan’s specialty coffee has been winning more international accolades in recent years, especially the beans grown in the high-elevation Alishan region.

Chang Wei-shin
World Siphonist Champion
Whether talking about flavor or cultivation, we’ve achieved excellent results. We hope to introduce more people around the world to Alishan coffee.

The event is to bring together 30 award-winning estates across the coffee-growing corridor that includes Alishan, Meishan, Zhuqi, and more, allowing visitors to sample coffees from different altitudes and varieties, all in one place. It also highlights how some traditional tea-growers are shifting toward high-yield coffee cultivation.

Yeh Shi-yuan
Coffee Industry Association of Chiayi chair
The proportion of farmers planting coffee is steadily growing. At the moment, we have a dozen or so farmers who are changing over their low-yield tea fields to grow coffee instead.

Tsou Chih-wei
Seasonal coffee grower
Since our ginger duck restaurant closes for four months in the summer, I’ve been using that time to go back to Alishan to grow coffee. Over time, I’ve developed a passion for making coffee.

The promise of high profits from growing specialty coffee has drawn interest from all over. Looking to support the burgeoning industry, the Chiayi County Government is spinning out the coffee portion from its annual tea expo to host a festival dedicated to coffee for the first time.

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
Before, we always included coffee growers in our annual Tea Expo, but now they’re standing on their own. Chiayi coffee has gotten a fantastic reception in competitions both home and abroad in recent years, earning top honors.

This highly anticipated coffee extravaganza is to be held from Oct. 24 to 26 at the Suantou Sugar Refinery. Coffee lovers are invited to drop by that weekend to explore the unique flavors that Alishan has to offer.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Alishan #coffee #Chiayi #specialtycoffee #SuantouSugarRefinery #festival

2026-10-14

Former US admiral urges Taiwan to stay strategic amid China intrusions

Chinese coast guard ships are increasingly testing Taiwan’s defenses, repeatedly intruding into restricted waters and raising concerns over the risk of maritime isolation. As Beijing ramps up its gray-zone tactics, how can Taiwan protect its waters without wearing down its own forces? At an international maritime security conference in Taipei, experts gathered to discuss regional cooperation and ways to strengthen Taiwan’s resilience. A retired four-star US Navy admiral also delivered a warning: Taiwan shouldn’t take the bait and rush to respond to every move China makes.

The 2026 International Conference on Sea Lane Security was held on Wednesday at the Taipei International Convention Center. This year, a key theme was maritime safety.

Raymond Sung
Ocean Affairs Council
The opening keynote speech, we are very honored to have Admiral Dennis Blair from the US to give us an observation from the strategic point of view about the current gray zone operations against Taiwan.

In recent years, Chinese coast guard vessels have tested Taiwan’s defenses by intruding into restricted waters. In each case, the Coast Guard Administration has dispatched patrol boats to drive them away. Amid the gray-zone tactics and the risk of marine isolation, experts from home and abroad discussed maritime security, with a focus on cooperation, risk management and resilience.

Retired four-star US Navy Admiral Dennis Blair delivered a keynote speech via video conference, focusing on recommendations to counter China’s gray-zone operations against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Blair urged Taiwan to closely monitor China’s coastal activities through technology and intelligence gathering, but warned against rushing to respond to every single action.

Dennis Blair
Retired US Admiral
Taiwan should not exhaust its flying and steaming hours attempting to escort every single Chinese ship or aircraft in its EEZ or ADIZ. Its enforcement strategy should be based on a prioritized threat assessment and should maintain the element of unpredictability in order to retain the initiative.

The conference was held for the first time in the 1980s. In this year’s edition, the focus was stability in the Taiwan Strait.

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#stability #taiwanstrait #maritimelaw #navy #coastguard

2026-10-14

Taichung BRT bus driver refuses to reopen doors for woman

It can be a bummer when you rush to the stop and just miss the bus. But it’s definitely a worse feeling if you make it in time, and the bus driver refuses to open the doors for you. That’s what happened to a woman in Taichung catching the bus at a BRT station on Taiwan Boulevard. The bus had just closed its doors when the woman rushed over and desperately waved at the driver, asking to be let on. Even though the bus was still stationary at the stop, the driver refused to reopen the doors for her and left her behind. A video of the scene has gone viral online, drawing two very different camps. Lets’ hear more.

Member of public
Thinks drivers should open doors
If someone’s approaching, it’d be better if they reopened the doors and waited for a bit. They’re still at the stop after all.

Member of public
Excuses leaving passengers behind
Some drivers might be considering traffic rules. If their light is green, they’ll just go on without opening the doors.

Member of public
Bothered by time-wasting
It’s a waste of time having to wait for the next bus. It’s a real pain, especially when there’s still space on the bus.

Voice of Hsu Shih-hua
Taichung transport official
The current rules are that all buses must stop and open the doors to let passengers on at the dedicated stations along Taiwan Boulevard. If a passenger wants to board after the doors are closed, the bus driver must reopen the doors if they haven’t yet left the station.

The video even attracted a comment from Taichung mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun of the DPP, who said that she’d be really mad if that happened to her. Previously, there was indeed a rule that did not allow bus drivers to open the doors a second time at the same station on dedicated bus lanes. But the rule was scrapped and changed earlier this year. Transport officials say they will increase oversight on operators to prevent similar situations in the future.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#bus #taichung #brt #publictransport #citylife

2026-10-14

Joss paper ash causes dust explosion in garbage truck

Sanitation workers in Changhua’s Fuxing Township had a scare recently, when a resident threw away undoused joss paper ashes. As the bag was compressed in the truck, it created an explosion of dust, along with what appeared to be red sparks. The sanitation worker was left thoroughly shaken and covered in ash. Luckily, the suspected sparks were just the truck’s brake lights and no one was injured.

This security camera footage shows people tossing bags into a garbage truck. The next second, there’s a huge cloud of dust, with what appear to be red sparks.

The sanitation worker takes the brunt of the burst. He’s left covered in ash from head to toe as the driver behind looks on in shock.

This dust explosion happened as the sanitation team in Changhua’s Fuxing Township was collecting trash in Xiucuo Village. A resident had put burnt joss paper in a trash bag and threw it away without dousing it in water first. When it was compacted in the truck, the bag burst open, exploding in a dust cloud.

Member of public
Religious observer
After burning joss paper, we let it sit for a while. Then when it’s fully extinguished, we douse it in water before throwing it away.

Luckily, the red flash in the video was just the truck’s brake lights, not sparks. No one was injured.

Voice of Chiang Yen-teng
Fuxing Township Mayor
No sanitation workers were hurt. I want to remind everyone, after burning joss paper, you absolutely cannot put it directly into a plastic bag to throw away. It’s very dangerous.

Although a false alarm this time, such careless behavior can end up harming innocent workers. Failing to douse ashes with water can cause explosive dust clouds and may have hidden embers that could trigger a fire.

Liao Heng-chang
Chemistry teacher
When cleaning up, people might see the ashes and assume they’re cool. But I still suggest adding some water to reduce the chance of dust flying everywhere.

It’s important to follow safety protocols after burning joss paper, especially remembering to douse the ashes before throwing them away. Don’t let a moment of convenience compromise others’ safety.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#josspaper #trash #accident #dustexplosion #publicsafety #PSA #Changhua #sanitationworker

2026-10-14

Taitung doctor to work alongside OB-GYN who delivered her

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Taitung Christian Hospital recently welcomed its second female OB-GYN, Dr. Lin Ya-chu. What makes her arrival even more remarkable is that Dr Huang Wen-chang, who works in the same department, was the physician who oversaw her delivery decades ago! Though spanning generations, the doctor and the baby he once delivered have now become unlikely colleagues.

Her hair tied back into a ponytail, Dr. Lin Ya-chu conducts an ultrasound for a pregnant patient in her consultation room. Hailing from the Puyuma village of Mulivelivek, she recently returned home to serve her community.

Lin Ya-chu
Taitung Christian Hospital physician
After leaving Taitung, I lost my cultural identity. Even though I was working hard elsewhere and had a decent job in a respectable position, ultimately, I couldn’t find a place where I felt truly at home.

Dr Huang Wen-chang standing beside Dr. Lin is just as excited she came back home to practice medicine. Many years ago, he was the one who brought her into the world.

Lin Ya-chu
Taitung Christian Hospital physician
There’s a very senior physician here. I looked up his name and found out he’s the one who delivered me. It’s incredible.

Huang Wen-chang
Taitung Christian Hospital physician
I’m so touched and excited. Being able to serve the people of Taitung together is a truly moving experience.

Dr. Huang said that when he first learned Dr. Lin was coming back to Taitung, he had already guessed at the coincidence, since he’s delivered most of the children in her home village. He also offered some advice to his young colleague.

Huang Wen-chang
Taitung Christian Hospital physician
Treat patients with dedication, enjoy life, and throw yourself into learning new things.

Lin Ya-chu
Taitung Christian Hospital physician
Serving in Taitung was always my goal. I already had that thought back when I was applying for university.

The OB-GYN department at Taitung Christian Hospital has a valuable new addition, as Dr. Lin fulfills her dream of returning to serve her community. Making history as Taiwan’s first coincidence of its kind, their story marks a heartwarming new chapter for their team.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Taitung #TaitungChristianHospital #OBGYN #heartwarming #Puyuma #coincidence

2026-10-14