Black Whale unmanned underwater vehicle completes sea trials

2026-11-12

The Black Whale extra large unmanned underwater vehicle has finally undergone sea trials. Developed by Lungteh Shipbuilding and an English unmanned vehicle developer, the Black Whale is seen as a key piece to develop Taiwan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities at sea. The 9m-long vehicle can carry up to 8 people when crewed, turning into a mini-submarine. When unmanned, it transforms into a kind of underwater drone equipped with sensors and weapons that can be deployed on intelligence gathering missions and anti-submarine warfare. Let’s hear more.

Lee Chung-wei
Military enthusiast
It’s the first public test they do. I happened to be passing by and realized what was happening. Its main functions are intelligence gathering, mine defense, and underwater warfare.

Su Tzu-yun
INDSR
If the Lungteh Shipyard can mass-produce these vehicles, that is, if they can be put into service, they will play a significant role in the Navy anti-submarine missions and mine-laying operations. They can even be used to protect submarine cables.

The Armed Forces have learned from the extensive use of unmanned equipment for both offensive and defensive purposes in the Russia-Ukraine War. So, in addition to regular manned ships and submarines, the Navy is looking to unmanned underwater vehicles, which can be a powerful weapon in asymmetric warfare scenarios.

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#xluuv #taiwan #navy #submarine #blackwhale

台英合作無人水下載具"黑鯨" 近日舉行下水測試

2026-11-12

由我國龍德造船廠，和英國無人載具開發商，合作打造的超大型無人水下載具"黑鯨"，近日舉行下水測試。特別的是，船身九米的黑鯨，最多可載八人，成為微型潛艇。無人時，它就是水下載具，搭載感測器、武器等設備，執行水下情報監測、反潛作戰。

[[軍事迷李忠衛]]
“這算是公開的第一次(測試) ，剛好那時候有經過，有發現到，它主要的功用是作為情偵，還有水雷防治，還有水下作戰這一塊”

[[國防院戰略資源研究所所長蘇紫雲]]
“如果龍德船廠未來就是大量生產，就是服役的話，對於海軍在執行反潛，還有佈雷，乃至於水下電纜的保護，都可以發揮很好的作用”

由於烏俄戰爭，大量運用無人裝備的攻守實戰經驗，讓國軍除了持續準備艦艇與潛艦外，也必須將無人載具，妥善運用在戰場上，希望能成為台灣在不對稱作戰防衛能力的新利器。

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High school stabbed in neck by fellow student dies after 48 days

A high schooler who got stabbed in the neck with a pair of scissors outside a bubble tea shop in New Taipei in September, has sadly passed away. The victim had been attacked by a middle schooler at his same school, allegedly after the two got into a dispute about cutting the line to order a drink. The younger student grabbed a pair of scissors from a nearby shop and made a gash on the older student’s neck. The victim was in the hospital for 48 days, until he was pronounced dead on Wednesday. His parents released a statement via a lawyer. Let’s hear more.

Lee Hui-hsuan
Lawyer of parents
Our beloved child ultimately passed away due to the severity of his wounds. This is a pain we will never be able to bear for the rest of our lives. He was simply coming home from school, as he did every ordinary day, when he was attacked by a younger student from his same school, someone he had never even met, who stabbed him in the neck with a pair of scissors. From that moment on, we were separated from him forever. We have prayed for his recovery by his side every day. But in the end, we were still unable to save him. He was our only child, and the most precious part of our lives. No matter what verdict the justice system ultimately delivers, nothing can ever fill the immense pain of losing our only son. We sincerely hope that such a tragedy will never happen to another family.

Voice of Principal
School in New Taipei
The school is deeply saddened and regrets what has happened. However, now that this tragedy has occurred, we will continue to stand by the family and support them through this most difficult final chapter.

New Taipei’s Education Department says it will work with the school in the judicial investigation. It will also convene a meeting on major incidents involving students, to improve identification of high-risk students, and put together a set of recommendations that will be submitted to the central government. Officials say they will strengthen risk prevention and response measures to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.

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#highschool #boba #newtaipei #stabbing #scissors

2026-11-12

AI boom powers Foxconn’s profits as Q3 revenue surges 46% to top NT$3 Trillion

2026-11-12

Caregiver goes from wife to daughter after 102-yo’s children reject her

There has been a new development in the saga involving the 102-year-old man who married his caregiver. The children of the man have rejected the caregiver, claiming she was out to get his inheritance. Earlier this year, they even conducted a rescue mission outside Mackay Hospital. The Wang family believes that multiple properties have been transferred under the wife’s name and wealth. On Thursday afternoon, during a family court hearing, the children presented evidence that their father had treated the caregiver as a daughter not a wife.

Spokesperson
Represents Wang Family
In the written agreement, it specifically mentions that, she needs to take good care of her father. The Wang family knows it was like having a godfather or somewhat like gaining another daughter.

Holding the signed agreement in hand, the Wang family spokesperson slammed the caregiver for being greedy and getting into a sham marriage just for money.

Spokesperson
Represents Wang Family
You know there’s a contract, but you are waiting until the old man has dementia to marry him and tell me that it’s love? I don’t think anyone will understand this nor believe it.

The case of the caregiver turned wife made headlines earlier this year. Family members accused the caregiver of manipulating their 102-year-old father, Mr. Wang, to get married as she was after his large fortune. The children discovered when visiting their father and getting turned away by the new wife. They staged a dramatic rescue at Mackay Hospital entrance to separate the two.

The family believes that besides the multiple properties transferred to the caregiver’s son’s names; there is also a lot of money missing from insurance accounts.

Spokesperson
Represents Wang Family
We had already prepared to gift her some properties. What we had gifted had already been taken earlier, and every month, you keep demanding so-called living expenses from the grandchildren. Every month asking for NT$500,000, or NT$600,000 even NT$700,000, is that reasonable?

What the family found most unacceptable was while the man is still alive. The caregiver claimed, in the family court, that he had already passed away making the children feel that she doesn’t care about the man and only his wealth.

Spokesperson
Represents Wang Family
This caregiver, Ms. Lai, is quite vicious. In a previous family court hearing where they were preparing to announce a guardianship, she actually told the court and her lawyer that Mr. Wang had already passed away.

The saga remains unfinished. For now, the caregiver believes she is the spouse, and the children are rejecting a stepmother who is after their father’s fortune. Let’s see what happens next.

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#caregiver #centenarian #102yearold #fakemarriage #succession #billionaire

2026-11-12

Chunghwa Post to host international stamp exhibit featuring 69 countries

After a 10-year hiatus, Chunghwa Post is hosting the World Stamp Championship Exhibition from Nov. 20 to 25, bringing together stamp collections from 69 different countries and regions. The collections show the distinctive characteristics of stamps from different eras, with rare stamps including the US’ first airmail stamp, called the Inverted Jenny.

Chunghwa Post, with its 130-year history, is also introducing AI. This year, it’s hosting the World Stamp Championship Exhibition for the first time in 10 years, bringing together rare stamps from around the world at the Taipei World Trade Center starting on Nov. 20.

Wang Kwo-tsai
Chunghwa Post chairman
Stamps show countries’ histories, arts, and cultures. Even countries at war have put conflict aside and brought their stamps here for the exhibit. Famous stamps from around the world will all be in Taipei.

The exhibition focuses on innovation and sustainability, bringing together stamps and stamp collectors from 69 different countries and regions. It even collaborated with Pokémon to make exclusive products for the exhibit. The exhibit celebrates Chunghwa Post’s 130-year history and will display rare stamps from around the world, including the US’ first airmail stamp, the Inverted Jenny.

Wang Kwo-tsai
Chunghwa Post chairman
Among the stamps brought by the US is the Inverted Jenny, giving visitors a chance to see the rarity of these misprinted stamps and learn about their history.

Chen Yu-an
All-China Philatelic Foundation honorary chair
It’s rare to have the opportunity even once in a lifetime to get such a close look at these priceless, treasured postal artifacts. More than 30,000 pages of postal artifacts will be on display for visitors to enjoy.

The Taiwan area features digital technology that brings stamps off the page and into everyday life, as well as hands-on art activities that introduce stories behind the stamps. Visitors are sure to take home lasting memories of this exhibition.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#stamps #stampcollection #WorldStampChampionshipExhibition #ChunghwaPost #philately #TWTC #exhibition

2026-11-12

Kaohsiung’s new left-turn lanes reduce accidents by 55%

Drivers are often forced to stop when the car in front is turning left, sometimes causing accidents when they try to move around the turning car. To address this, Kaohsiung has introduced dedicated left-turn lanes at intersections, so cars turning left won’t block traffic behind them. Not only has this improved traffic flow, but it has reduced accidents by 55%.

- The car in front wants to turn left and is blocking our way, so we can’t go straight.

Many drivers are frustrated when they get stuck behind left-turning cars, but driving along Zhongshan Road in Kaohsiung is now much smoother, as dedicated left-turn lanes were added at intersections. Now, cars that want to turn left no longer block the cars behind them.

Member of public
Driver
I think it’s a great idea because it’s safer for cars turning left, and they won’t block vehicles going straight.

Member of public
Driver
You can use the left-turn lane, so you don’t block cars behind that want to go straight. It’s very helpful.

To improve traffic and safety, the Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau regularly reviews roads and gathers feedback from drivers. It also adjusted the road design to guide cars into dedicated left-turn lanes at intersections.

Chang Shu-chuan
Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau director
We’ve added these lanes at 258 intersections and found that collisions involving left-turning vehicles have dropped significantly. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s research showed accidents dropped by 55%. The number of locations has increased a lot recently because the Public Works Bureau has been doing roadwork. It notifies us a week in advance which roads are scheduled for work, allowing us to redesign the lanes accordingly.

These left-turn lanes are clearly marked, separating traffic and making driving through the city smoother and safer.

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#Kaohsiung #car #accidents #leftturn #leftturnlane #TransportationBureau #driving

2026-11-12

Polam Kopitiam food poisoning survivors upset by light sentences

Six people died, yet the sentences handed down in the deadly Polam Kopitiam food poisoning case from 2024 have left survivors and victims’ families outraged. The heaviest sentence was 1 year and 10 months for the owner of the franchise. One survivor says the punishment is simply too lenient, as she continues to suffer serious kidney damage from the poisoning. The verdict has reignited a political firestorm, with victims’ families accusing Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s administration of failing to properly preserve evidence in the aftermath.

- I am absolutely shocked. Six lives were lost. The sentence is way too light.

Ms. Huang chokes back tears outside the courtroom. She is one of the survivors of the Polam Kopitiam mass food poisoning case, and says she can’t accept the sentence.

Ms. Huang
Polam Kopitiam food poisoning survivor
It’s unreal, ludicrous. How can such a major incident be let go with such light punishment? After I got poisoned, I had Stage 3 chronic kidney disease, with a kidney function of just over 30%. I’ll probably start having to do kidney dialysis.

Voice of Liu Shang-ming
Lawyer for franchise owner Li Fang-hsuan
During the subsequent testing process, one thing was clearly established: a lack of refrigeration alone would not have caused the rice noodles to develop the bacteria, which had never before been detected in Taiwan.

The food poisoning case took place at a Polam Kopitiam branch in Taipei in 2024. Two cooks and an intern had served diners dishes that used rice noodles from opened bags that were being stored at room temperature. A total of 33 people contracted bongkrekic acid poisoning, and six died. The franchise owner has been sentenced to 1 year and 10 months in prison for negligent homicide. One of the cooks received a sentence of 8 months, the other a sentence of 6 months commutable to a fine, and an intern a sentence of 4 months also commutable to a fine. The store manager was acquitted of all charges.

The food poisoning incident has become a political issue. In the recent mayoral debate for Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an said he had made sure that Polam Kopitiam would be held accountable, and that all the victims and their families would receive compensation. The comment did not sit well with survivors and relatives, who found it triggering. Among them was Ms. Huang, who took part in a radio interview one day before the verdict. She recounted that she had once run into mayoral candidate Puma Shen and told him that Taipei’s response to the poisoning had been far too slow.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The city government cannot shirk its responsibility to address municipal issues. As I’ve said before, the mayor does not control the courts. But the mayor is responsible for inspections, for seizing evidence or assets, ensuring investigations continue, and preventing those responsible from hiding or transferring their assets.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
The court should impose a harsh sentence. I’ve long said that penalties under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation are not severe enough. That’s why we’ve been speaking with lawmakers to amend the law and increase the penalties.

Chiang says he wants a harsh sentence. But victims and their families say they haven’t forgotten how his government botched investigations in the aftermath of the incident.

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#ricenoodles #kopitiam #taipei #沈伯洋 #蔣萬安

2026-11-12

Acer founder Stan Shih is Taiwan’s envoy to APEC

China will host this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. As Taiwan gears up for what will inevitably be an AI-centric forum, President Lai Ching-te held a pre-departure press conference on Thursday where he underscored three major propositions. After 19 years, Acer Group founder, Stan Shih was appointed Taiwan’s envoy to APEC once more. China’s minor aggressions have begun before the conference, prompting the Presidential Office to emphasize that they will speak up against for any unfair treatment.

Acer Group founder, Stan Shih arrives with his wife at the pre-APEC press conference held at the presidential office where President Lai Ching-te relayed his three major propositions.

Lai Ching-te
President
First, as a member of APEC, Taiwan will remain an active participant and contribute to APEC affairs. Second, Taiwan will continue to promote global technology cooperation and innovation exchanges. Third, as geopolitical and supply chain shifts challenge the global economy, Taiwan will continue to be a stable and trustworthy source in the Asia-Pacific.

Having first represented Taiwan at APEC in 2007, Acer’s Stan Shih prepares himself for this great undertaking once more after 19 years.

Stan Shih
Founder of Acer
I am incredibly honored, yet I also understand this great responsibility. AI is this year’s focus at APEC, a field where Taiwan excels. As a core player in the global AI industry, Taiwan will be a stable and trustworthy presence on the international stage.

This year’s APEC will be held in Shenzhen, China. It seems that oppressive tactics are already deployed as Taiwan’s unofficial invite to APEC didn’t address the nation using its name; many believe this was an attempt to belittle the island.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office Spokesperson
During the conference, if there is any unfair treatment, then we will demand an immediate correction to defend our nation’s rights and interests.

The Presidential Office reiterated the stance and rights of the members. The delegation will represent Taiwan’s semiconductor and AI sectors and underscore their immeasurable value in the global supply chain.

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#ai #taiwanchips #aisupplychain #taiwansemiconductor #acer #tsmc #semiconductorchips #apec

2026-11-12

30-year-old drama finds renewed popularity on Threads

Threads has recently been flooded with clips from the 30-year-old Taiwanese drama I Will Always Love You, starring a youthful Lin Wei. Now 57, people say that when he was in his 20s, Lin looked like modern heartthrob Hsu Kuang-han. Speaking on his renewed fame, Lin told FTV it feels as though his acting career has been reignited.

When opening Threads recently, the site has been flooded with clips of veteran actor Lin Wei’s old dramas.

- Stop it, our classmates will see.
- Then we’ll charge them!

- We’re getting married and will honeymoon wherever you want. You have to do as I say, listen to me, and have a dozen babies.

Its steamy scenes and romantic dialogue have sparked a wave of nostalgia for the 1997 drama I Will Always Love You. Now 57, Lin Wei has found himself back in the spotlight, with people comparing his youthful looks to that of modern heartthrob Hsu Kuang-han.

Lin Wei
Actor
The producers and writers then were very ahead of their time. They probably could have predicted it would become popular again in 2026.

With his expressive eyes, handsome face, suave hairstyle, and charming smile, Lin in his 20s bears a striking resemblance to Hsu Kuang-han. People are calling for the two to make an appearance together.

Lin Wei
Actor
Of course! If he has a project, I could make a cameo. We look quite alike, especially from certain angles. That’s why I joked that we should check our family trees.

Lin said he recently received quite a few acting offers, but is focusing on his business ventures. He has invested millions in the AI and VR industries, and aims to take the business public in three years. Meanwhile, his daughter, Ashley Lin, is finding a place in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, and his son is training to be a lawyer.

Lin Wei
Actor
She’s a triple threat in film, TV, and music. She’s best at music, and she writes her own songs about her feelings. My son is in Canada. He recently graduated and will intern as a lawyer.

Lin passed on his talents and good looks to his son and daughter, who are finding success on their own career paths.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#actor #LinWei #HsuKuanghan #handsome #IWillAlwaysLoveYou #drama #revival #family #Threads #viral

2026-11-12