Category：Politics

Chiang checks food salt levels amid school diarrhea scandal

Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an visited Jinhua Junior High yesterday and wanted to know how salty the school lunch was. The visit comes after students at the school experienced nausea and diarrhea after consuming squid for lunch earlier this month. Tainan Mayor, Huang Wei-che criticized his Taipei counterpart, saying that Chiang was focusing on the wrong thing. A Taipei City councilor has also come out to reveal that students at Minzu Elementary School had similar digestive issues after consuming squid earlier this month. Investigations revealed that the two schools had the same food supplier. Let’s hear more.

On Tuesday, Taipei’s Mayor Chiang Wan-an went on a special visit to Jinhua Junior High School. He inspected the school’s lunches, but focused on saltiness levels in the food using a machine. This has caused a lot of backlash.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
They go a step further and check the saltiness of the food because, it is widely known that too much salt will impact children’s health.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Diarrhea is more likely to require hygiene tests, checking for saltiness is another matter. I can’t really guess what the reasoning is for that. Maybe asking him would be more helpful.

Chiang insisted he was following standard procedures, which Puma Shen couldn’t help making fun of. Tainan’s Mayor joined in on the ridicule, posting photos of his own inspections.

Huang Wei-che
Tainan Mayor
The point is not about the salty or sweet or even sour. The lunches being free is not the main point here, the most important thing is that the kids eat well and eat healthily.

Chen Shu-pei
Taipei City Councilor
Does Chiang Wan-an think that Taipei citizens have three blueberries for brains?

However, we are now seeing reports of problems arising with elementary school lunches in Taipei.

When reporters pressed him, Chiang quickly left. However, Taipei City Councilor, Hung Chien-yi revealed another school was also affected. Minzu Elementary School saw 10 students having diarrhea and gastrointestinal issues after consuming squid for lunch on the 24. Reports revealed both schools had the same supplier.

Tang Chih-min
Taipei City Education Bureau Director
As of now, only Minzu Elementary School reported cases of students in the same class experiencing this, including students consuming vegetarian meals.

Hung Chien-yi
Taipei City Councilor
Chiang Wan-an, please stop slacking off in Daan District. It is time to go back to the basics. Why are there issues with school lunches? Time to review standard procedures and evaluate the suppliers.

Despite the Education Bureau’s continued intervention, issues with school lunch programs has drawn more and more attention from legislators, who continue to pressure Chiang to review standard operating procedures. So that the school lunch program will remain successful.

#schoollunches #chiangwanan #taipeipublicschool #elementaryschool #freelunch

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2026-09-30

KMT and TPP vote to reject all nominees to lead Control Yuan

The new legislative session kicked off on Tuesday, and already it’s off to a turbulent start. The legislature was set to vote on the nominees put forward by the Presidential Office to lead the Control Yuan. But once again the KMT and TPP joined forces to reject every single one of them. The Presidential Office, expressed regret, with Secretary-General Pan Men-an saying he had tried to arrange meetings with the opposition to no avail. Let’s hear more.

Lai Shyh-bao
Lawmaker (KMT)
The Control Yuan is just for show now anyway. I voted against all the nominees.

Hung Yu-hsiang
TPP Caucus
Despite the higher budget, the efficiency and speed at which complaints are handled is still terrible. We unanimously voted against all nominees.

Chen Pei-yu
DPP Caucus
Many of the cases handled by the Control Yuan affect people’s lives directly, for example through the National Human Rights Commission. There are also complaints, corrective actions and impeachments at local governments and government agencies. Completely shutting out the Control Yuan nominees is essentially denying people their right to seek redress.

Pan Men-an
Presidential Office
Long before the long weekend, on Sept. 14, we proposed that the party caucuses meet the nominees on Sept. 23 and 24. But we didn’t receive a positive response. We then called each of the party caucuses individually on Sept. 22, but the responses were more… maybe everyone was busy.

The DPP has slammed the opposition, saying that by shutting down the Control Yuan, there would be no agency left to handle complaints from the public. The lack of leadership has also brought impeachment and corrective procedures to a halt. The Presidential Office says it hopes the Control Yuan will be able to resume normal operations as soon as possible.

#controlyuan #politics #taiwan #impeachment #democracy

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2026-09-29

Chiang Wan-an angers temple after leaving behind their gift

Over the long weekend, Mayor Chiang Wan-an attended a banquet at Fude Temple in Zhongshan District. There, he received a festive and impressive sugarcane as a gift from the temple’s chairman. But much to the horror of temple representatives, he forgot to take it home. DPP Mayoral candidate, Puma Shen, on the contrary, placed the sugarcane at his campaign headquarters, hoping for continued prosperity.

- Thank you Mayor, we will certainly take this home.

Chiang Wan-an visited the Public Works Committee of the City Council, and faced ridicule from the councilors because of an incident the previous Saturday evening. Chiang had attended a dinner at Fude Temple in Zhongshan District where he received a sugarcane from Temple Chairman Lin Chun-yu. But amid the ruckus, he forgot the gift at the temple.

Lin Chun-yu (Sept. 28)
Fude Temple Chairman
When I saw him, I was quite angry about whether the sugar cane was left or thrown here.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei City Mayor
I am extremely sorry, when I realized yesterday, I immediately called Chairman Lin and apologized.

Despite profuse apologies, the first person to notice and take responsibility was a neighborhood chief who said it may have been the volunteers who had forgotten the sugarcane. But, there are many parties to point fingers at. The Civil Affairs Commissioner, Chen Yung-te, the RDEC chairperson, Yin-wei, spokespeople, bodyguards, all trailed behind Chiang Wan-an completely forgetting the sugarcane.

Hung Chien-yi
Taipei City Councilor (DPP)
The neighborhood chief speaking out is what we call “saving face,” and giving Chiang Wan-an a way out. Personally, I think that everyone involved in this matter, including the Civil Affairs Commissioner, Yin-wei, his secretary, all of them, should receive three major demerits.

Puma Shen also received a festive sugarcane, but he actually took it back to his office to put on display.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
We’ve placed the sugarcane at the campaign headquarters. We’re studying how to display it properly to boost its symbolism of prosperity. If we really cannot decide, then we will probably also go to consult the gods.

At first, the sugarcane was displayed like a sword, and then adjusted to stand upright as a symbol for continued progress. This sugarcane incident is becoming a topic of comparison between the candidates and an evaluation of their crisis management strategy.

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#pumashen #taipeimayor #taiwanpolitics #taiwanelections #dpp #bamboo #沈伯洋

2026-09-29

Key drone hub in Chiayi’s Minxiong begins operations

In a step forward for Taiwan’s nascent drone industry, a section of the Minxiong Aerospace and UAV Industrial Park formally began operations on Monday following three years of construction. President Lai Ching-te paid a special trip to Chiayi to witness the official opening. He said Taiwan’s development of the drone industry was practically complete and it needed the legislature as part of a final push to support an additional budget from the Ministry of National Defense. Let’s find out more.

A drone system integration and testing facility located in Minxiong, Chiayi, officially begins operations. President Lai Ching-te is in Taiwan’s South on a special trip to witness this.

The global drone industry is developing rapidly. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology has spent three years building an international-level drone hub in Minxiong, Chiayi, to provide research, development, manufacturing, and simulation testing for various types of military-grade drones.

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
Chiayi County began developing and planning for drones in 2020. Former president Tsai Ing-wen and President Lai Ching-te have repeatedly declared that the comprehensive development of drones is a major industry for the future of the nation.

The Phase 1 East Campus hangar at the Minxiong Aerospace and UAV Industrial Park has officially opened, while ground was simultaneously broken for the Phase 2 West Campus.

Lai Ching-te
President
With a central government investment of nearly NT$6.9 billion, construction is expected to be completed in 2028. It will include production facilities, experimental equipment, a flight test field, and research and development areas. Taiwan’s development of the drone industry is practically ready; all that’s missing is the final push—and that push must come from the Legislative Yuan. Please support the additional budget proposed by the Ministry of National Defense.

Drones are considered Taiwan’s most strategically valuable emerging industry after semiconductors. As Taiwan builds its “national drone team,” establishing this key base in Minxiong will scale up the drone industry. By showcasing its technological capabilities, Taiwan aims to become Asia’s central drone hub.

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#Minxiong #Chiayi #Taiwandrones #Taiwandefense #crossstrait #TaiwanChina

2026-09-28

Paraguay calls Taiwan exclusion a stain on United Nations

Paraguay and Taiwan relations are strong as ever. As an ally of Taiwan, the nation has once again spoken up for Taiwan at the UN General Assembly. Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, urged member states to consider that the “Taiwan Issue” deserves global attention as the island’s semi-conductor industry impacts the global economy. They reiterated their position to stand with Taiwan. Since Taiwan’s contributions can be seen far and wide, the UN should reconsider including the island as a member.

Santiago Peña
Paraguay President
Paraguay stands, and I say this loud and clear with Taiwan. Not out of expediency, quite the opposite. We stand with Taiwan because of the profound values we share: democracy, the rule of law, human rights, and peace.

President Peña of Paraguay emphasized the importance of Taiwan’s participation in international stages during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.

Santiago Peña (via interpreter)
Paraguay President
I am referring to the ominous clouds gathering over the Indo-Pacific, particularly over the Taiwan Strait. What happens there is not merely a regional matter.

President Peña emphasized that a conflict across the Taiwan Strait would impact the global economy, since semi-conductors support various industries, defense, and AI. He added that chips are the driving force of the 21st century, and that Paraguay stands with Taiwan. He also called out the United Nations for excluding Taiwan.

Santiago Peña (via interpreter)
Paraguay President
Taiwan has concrete contributions to make to peace, development, and human rights. Excluding it doesn’t serve to strengthen the system, it deprives the system of capacities that could benefit us all. And it is a stain on the United Nations.

As the Trump-Xi summit kicks off, several US lawmakers issued a statement urging Trump to back Taiwan during his talks with President Xi.

Chuck Schumer
US Senator
Today, as Trump wines and dines President Xi at The White House. He has a choice to make, once again bend the knee to the CCP or stand up to Xi.

The joint statement implored Trump to limit China’s access to advanced chips and equipment, not allowing him to have the upper hand. Simultaneously, New Zealand has come out with a report suggesting that China is the largest source of state-backed cyber attacks in the country.

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#Taiwan #Paraguay #UnitedNations #geopolitics #tsmc #semiconductor

2026-09-24

Last Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer of batch of 66 delivered

The last of Taiwan’s domestically manufactured Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers has rolled off the production line. The final aircraft in the 66-jet program was personally delivered by Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation Chairman Tsao Chin-ping to the Gangshan Air Force Academy. Brave Eagles went in production in 2021, a process that had to contend with challenges including COVID-19, international wars, and geopolitical crises that disrupted supply chains and caused parts shortages.

The last of the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainers are finally ready to take off. After careful inspection, AIDC’s Chairman personally flew the aircrafts to deliver them to the Gangshan Air Force Academy.

The jet trainers have been in production since 2021. All 66 are now fully functional and off the production line, having weathered challenges from international conflicts to supply chain disruptions. The first and last jets rolled off the production line on the same date, Sept. 24. Since one of the planes was lost in a crash last year, will AIDC offer a replacement?

Chuang Hsiu-mei
AIDC General Manager
Whether there will be additional demand for the Brave Eagles depends on the Air Force and Ministry of National Defense. We keep all tools as backup and are happy to step in to support wherever possible.

The design of the Brave Eagle jet was based on Taiwan’s Indigenous Defense Fighter, or IDF, but more than 80% of the aircraft was completely redesigned, including its aerodynamics, exterior shape, and fuselage. The level of domestically produced components was also significantly increased to 55%. AIDC says the process helps strengthen Taiwan’s capabilities in the defense and aerospace industries.

Chuang Hsiu-mei
AIDC General Manager
This creates huge output value for Taiwan’s aerospace industry and boosts our domestic supply chain. After completing the development of the advanced jet trainer, our suppliers can now expand into the manufacturing of commercial aircraft.

Now that the mass production of Brave Eagles is completed, focus will shift to fleet logistics and maintaining the fleet’s readiness through maintenance and repair. This is a huge milestone for Taiwan in domestically producing aircrafts.

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#aircraft #fighterjets #taiwanaircraft #braveeagle #AIDC

2026-09-24

DPP candidate in Hualien collapses mid-song onstage and dies in hospital

A desperate attempt to save a local candidate in the upcoming Hualien election ended in tragedy. During a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration Tuesday night, 53-year-old DPP candidate Chiu Feng-ying suddenly collapsed onstage while singing. Campaign workers for different candidates and political parties immediately sprang into action, taking turns performing CPR until she was rushed to the hospital. But after a night of treatment, her family made the difficult decision to switch off life support early Wednesday morning.

- Hang on. If you’re tired, let’s switch with Chairman Chien.

Campaign staff from different candidates and parties rush to perform CPR on the woman on the floor. While some perform compressions, others stay on the side ready to jump in when needed. The woman is Chiu Feng-ying, a DPP candidate running to represent Sinchen Township in Hualien.

Shih Sheng-kang
EMT
She was seen collapsing onto the ground on stage while she was singing. When we arrived, she wasn’t breathing and didn’t have a pulse, so we immediately began administering CPR.

The incident happened at a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet at Shun’an Village on Tuesday evening. Chiu had gone to the event to meet with her supporters. She was singing onstage when she suddenly collapsed mid-song and lost her vital signs.

She was rushed to the hospital, and at one point regained a weak pulse. Ultimately her family decided to cease resuscitation efforts at 3 in the morning.

Voice of Chen Ching-feng
DPP Hualien Office
A CT scan revealed that she likely suffered a ruptured cerebral aneurism, which caused intracranial bleeding.

Hu Jen-shun
Hualien County Councilor (DPP)
She passed away after life support was withdrawn in the early hours of the morning. As her comrade in the DPP, we walked the same road to democracy and freedom, and worked side-by-side on the campaign trail. We are devastated. We will finish the project she started.

Chiu passed away at the age of 53. Some 10 years ago, she moved from Taoyuan to Hualien for work. After getting involved with the local community, she decided to take an extra step and run for election. Sadly, tragedy struck before she could see her first campaign through.

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#election #karaoke #midautumnfestival #邱鳳英 #obituary

2026-09-23

Hai Kun submarine spotted at Kaohsiung Port for 15th dive test

Taiwan’s domestically-built submarine, the Hai Kun, was spotted at Kaohsiung Port, ready to embark on its 15th dive test. This time around, Rear Admiral Lin Chih-hao is onboard for the first time since taking over as commander of the 256th Squadron earlier this month. A military expert says the sub could be handed to the Navy as early as October.

The Hai Kun is about to set out to sea for the first time in nearly two months, as it was undergoing adjustments in dry dock. Military expert Chi Tung-yun speculates that the long process was likely due to the onboard equipment, which is very sophisticated and sourced from several countries. Updating and upgrading all the systems would have required assistance from the overseas manufacturers, which may have made the process lengthy. Chi also says he expects that Taiwan’s purchase of Mark 48 heavyweight torpedoes to arrive by the end of the year. Once delivered, the Hai Kun will proceed with tactical testing.

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#submarines #haikun #taiwan #navy #military

2026-09-21

PLA drones may be spying on Taiwan’s missile drills

President Lai Ching-Te inspected joint precision-missile live-fire drills firing exercise at the Jiupeng Military Base in Pingtung County on Friday morning. The drills included Hsiung Feng III and Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missile systems, as well as High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, all of which hit their targets. The Ministry of National Defense discovered that a PLA drone was operating off the east coast of Taiwan, seemingly to monitor Taiwan’s missile firing activities.

Hsiung Feng III missile accurately hit its target. Taiwan’s Armed Forces conducted joint precision-missile live-fire drills, which President Lai Ching-te personally oversaw at the Jiupeng Base in Pingtung County.

During the drills, Hsiung Feng III, Hsiung Feng II and HIMARS anti-ship missiles, were launched in turn, all accurately hitting their targets. In addition to traditional missile firepower, multiple drones including the “Switchblade” were also deployed in the exercise to attack maritime targets, demonstrating the Armed Forces’ joint strike capability by combining precision firepower with unmanned vehicles.

Lai Ching-te
President
All training exercises have successfully achieved their objectives. The National Armed Forces are accelerating the enhancement of their overall combat capabilities and are capable of defending national sovereignty and fulfilling their responsibilities for regional peace and stability. Peace is hard-won and requires firm resolve and sufficient strength to safeguard it.

In addition to inspecting the live-fire drills, President Lai also distributed extra allowances to soldiers ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival to reward their hard work. However, while he was inspecting the center, the PLA deployed drones to operate in the waters off Eastern Taiwan.

According to the Ministry of National Defense’s announcement of the PLA aircraft and ship movements, a PLA drone flew from Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ to the east of Taitung in the early morning, coinciding with the timing of the ROC military’s exercises, suggesting an attempt to monitor Taiwan’s missile firing activities.

#taiwandefense #HIMARS #taiwanmilitary #precisionmissile #taiwannews

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2026-09-18

MAC says twin city forum is ‘not important’ after TAO official rejected

The annual Taipei-Shanghai Twin City Forum is scheduled to take place at the end of this year, and this time round, Taipei is the host city. Ahead of the event, a delegation from Shanghai arrived in Taiwan for a preliminary visit on Tuesday. The deputy director of China’s Taiwan Affairs Office in Shanghai was originally scheduled to lead the delegation later this year, but his permit to travel to Taiwan was rejected by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an was not happy about the decision. Let’s hear more.

Chiang Wan-an (Sept. 16)
Taipei Mayor
The more difficult that cross-strait relations get, the more that we need communication and exchanges. Why impose restrictions? I look forward to an explanation from the Mainland Affairs Council.

Liang Wen-chieh
Mainland Affairs Council
Everyone should stop pretending that this forum is an important event, as it has done nothing to promote peace. We receive all sorts of requests from cities and counties all over Taiwan. Some are approved and some are rejected. We do not explain the circumstances of any individual case. After this year’s election, we don’t even know who the mayor will be, or if there will be an application, so we’ll deal with that when the time comes.

Zhu Fenglian
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office
It’s pointless to try to connect the two issues. The Shanghai-Taipei City Forum has been held for 16 consecutive years, receiving widespread support from residents at both cities and from compatriots on both sides of the strait.

Liang Wen-chih
Mainland Affairs Council
The twin city forum exchanges are exchanges, but that doesn’t change that the military drills are military drills. They say the two are unrelated. But it just means that if they want to hold military drills or threaten Taiwan, they will. There’s no point in trying to hold exchanges to end their military intimidation.

Chiang himself attended last year’s event in Shanghai. But just one day after his return to Taiwan, China announced military drills around the island. The Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh says it is pointless to expect China to cease its military intimidation just because of the exchanges at the forum. The KMT has long insisted that cross-strait exchanges such as the twin city forum are the key to cross-strait peace. But critics say the argument barely has a leg to stand on, as China continues to ramp up military pressure.

#crossstrait #taiwan #twincity #shanghai #taipei

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2026-09-17