Focus Taiwan

Premier honors late Causeway Bay Books owner Lam Wing-kei 13:46 Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Friday praised Lam Wing-kei (林榮基), the late proprietor of Hong Kong's Causeway Bay Books, for standing up to authoritarianism in his lifelong pursuit of freedom and democracy. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607310009#news #taiwan

Ministry of the Interior to seek dissolution of pro-China party 21:13 The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) said Thursday it will petition the Constitutional Court in early August to dissolve the pro-China Chinese Unification Promotion Party (CUPP), accusing it of systematically engaging in activities that threaten national security and Taiwan's free democratic constitutional order. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607300025#news #taiwan

Kaohsiung councilor detained in corruption, extortion case 15:08 Kaohsiung City Councilor Chen Ming-tse (陳明澤) of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and a construction contractor were detained and held incommunicado Saturday over allegations of extortion and bribery involving a green-energy company. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202608010005#news #taiwan

MOFA opens Kumamoto earthquake donation account 14:40 Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday announced a dedicated bank account for cash donations as it works to establish a relief fund for people affected by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture on Tuesday. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607300011#news #taiwan

Moroccans barred from applying for Taiwan visas in diplomatic tit-for-tat 12:20 Taiwan on Thursday stopped accepting visa applications from Moroccan nationals with immediate effect in retaliation for a similar move by Morocco last week. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607300006#news #taiwan

Park operator held liable in 2015 dust explosion appeal 20:51 The Taiwan High Court on Tuesday overturned part of a lower court ruling and held the operator of the now-defunct Formosa Fun Coast water park jointly liable for damages over the 2015 dust explosion that killed 15 people and injured more than 400, in the first class action lawsuit arising from the disaster. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607280027#news #taiwan

Taiwan to test relocation of weapons production in annual war games 18:49 Taiwan's military will simulate the wartime relocation of weapons production lines during its annual Han Kuang military exercises next month to ensure arms manufacturing facilities remain operational after coming under enemy attack, a military official said Tuesday. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607280022#news #taiwan

Lee Hao-yu extends hitting streak to 9 games in Tigers' win 14:59 Taiwanese infielder Lee Hao-yu (李灝宇) had two hits and drove in the decisive run Friday as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 at home for their third consecutive victory. https://focustaiwan.tw/sports/202607250007#news #taiwan

DPP caucus leader to throw first pitch at Mets' Taiwanese Heritage Day 14:23 The New York Mets will host their annual Taiwanese Heritage Day at Citi Field on Sunday (Taiwan time), with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislative caucus leader Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌) set to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607250005#news #taiwan

Taiwan enters new COVID-19 epidemic phase: CDC 17:31 Taiwan has officially entered a new COVID-19 epidemic phase after 4,766 people sought treatment for the disease during July 12-18, a 66.5 percent increase from the previous week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Tuesday. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607210021#news #taiwan

Trump to send US$14 billion Taiwan arms package to Congress: McCaul 18:56 U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to submit a US$14 billion arms package for Taiwan to Congress soon, senior Republican lawmaker Michael McCaul said Tuesday, stressing that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan would not be affected by Washington's ties with Beijing. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608040017#news #taiwan

Taiwan holds anti-airdrop drills during Han Kuang exercises 20:15 Taiwan's military on Tuesday conducted anti-airdrop drills in Taipei and Miaoli as part of the ongoing Han Kuang live-fire exercises, simulating efforts to repel enemy airborne forces and prevent infiltrating troops from breaching defensive lines. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608110020#news #taiwan

Chinese spouse convicted of aiding TPP, Ko campaign on Beijing's orders 19:57 China-born spouse Xu Chunying (徐春鶯) was sentenced to seven years in prison Tuesday after being convicted of campaigning for the Taiwan People's Party's (TPP) 2024 presidential ticket under instructions from Beijing, among other offenses. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608110017#news #taiwan

Taiwan diaspora volunteer English teacher program concludes 13:34 A closing ceremony was held in Taipei Thursday for a volunteer program that placed 406 English teachers aged 17-24 from Taiwan's overseas diaspora in 66 schools in 15 cities and counties across the country. https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202607300007#news #taiwan

Typhoon Saudel forecast to bring heavy rain to southern Taiwan 12:15 Taiwan is bracing for heavy rain in the south and rough seas around the outlying Matsu islands, as Typhoon Saudel passes north towards eastern China, with forecasters warning Thursday of localized flooding over the next two days. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202608270007#news #taiwan

TSMC's Japan fab evacuates staff after strong earthquake 17:51 Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc. (JASM), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s (TSMC) subsidiary in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, evacuated employees after a powerful earthquake struck the region Tuesday afternoon, according to the company. https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202607280018#news #taiwan

U.S. congresswoman urges Taiwan to promptly pass drone procurement bill 19:05 Visiting U.S. Representative Young Kim on Friday urged Taiwan's Legislature to swiftly pass a bill funding the procurement of domestically produced drones needed to help defend the country against security threats posed by China. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607310018#news #taiwan

Six rescued from fire at Taichung heritage landmark 19:27 The six residents of a heritage building in Taichung were rescued after the building caught fire on Sunday evening, but works of art by a local legend were destroyed in the blaze, according to the city's Fire Bureau and a city councilor. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607200016#news #taiwan

Confidence in local economy weakens on geopolitical concerns: Poll 15:13 Confidence in the local economy weakened in July amid lingering concerns over political tensions in the Middle East, according to a survey released by Cathay Financial Holding Co. on Monday. https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202607200011#news #taiwan

Prosecutors appeal additional bail granted to Central Union manager 19:56 A Central Union Oil Corp. factory manager surnamed Chen (陳) was ordered to post an additional NT$1 million (US$30,979) bail on Thursday after prosecutors sought his detention over a cooking oil contamination case, a decision they have appealed. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607230022#news #taiwan

Taiwan's military conducts chemical weapon decontamination drill 13:33 Taiwan's military on Sunday conducted a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) decontamination drill in eastern Taiwan as part of the ongoing live-fire segment of the country's annual Han Kuang military exercises. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608100008#news #taiwan

MOFA probes workplace bullying accusations against Geneva envoy 11:29 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has launched an investigation into Taiwan's top envoy in Geneva, Greg Lee (李冠德), after receiving a petition from some of his subordinates accusing him of workplace bullying and other misconduct. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608100005#news #taiwan

Taiwan's South China Sea stance reaffirmed amid latest tensions 14:53 Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) has reaffirmed Taiwan's sovereignty claims in the South China Sea amid tensions between China and the Philippines in the disputed waters, but he acknowledged that Taipei was not actively asserting those claims. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607220012#news #taiwan

Taiwan protests PNG decision to close office, vows to reassess ties 20:25 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Thursday protested Papua New Guinea's (PNG) decision to close Taiwan's representative office, saying the office will remain open and that Taipei will reassess bilateral ties before taking further steps. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607160024#news #taiwan

Duckworth warns China may opt for economic blockade of Taiwan in 2028 14:19 U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth has warned that China may be more likely to impose an economic blockade on Taiwan than launch a full-scale military invasion in 2028, arguing such a move could be carried out under the guise of maritime safety. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607190004#news #taiwan

Taipei to expand free milk program to junior high school students 15:30 Taipei will expand its weekly free milk program to include junior high school students beginning with the new school year on Aug. 31, the city's Department of Education announced Monday. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202608030011#news #taiwan

Ex-TSMC employees receive final sentences in trade secret leak case 18:08 The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected appeals by two former Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) employees convicted in a trade secret leak case, making their sentences final. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607300021#news #taiwan

President Lai urges vigilance after pig carcass tests positive for ASF 12:59 President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) has asked government agencies to remain vigilant and keep Taiwan free from African swine fever (ASF), after a pig carcass found on a beach in offshore Kinmen County tested positive for the highly contagious disease. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607170007#news #taiwan

KMT Taipei councilor indicted over alleged assistant subsidy fraud 13:46 Taipei prosecutors on Friday indicted Kuomintang (KMT) Taipei City Councilor Lee Fu Chung-wu (李傅中武) and six others on corruption and document forgery charges over an alleged NT$9.77 million (US$306,000) assistant subsidy fraud scheme. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607170008#news #taiwan

More camellia oil batches fail carcinogen test; sales suspended 20:57 Four additional batches of camellia oil produced by Taiwanese manufacturer Aconpure Green Technology Inc. have been found to contain excessive levels of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a carcinogen, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced Monday. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607270024#news #taiwan

Labor unions urge FTC to reject Grab acquisition of foodpanda Taiwan 16:30 Labor unions representing Taiwan's food delivery workers urged the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) on Monday to reject Grab Holdings' proposed acquisition of foodpanda's Taiwan operations, arguing the deal would create a de facto monopoly. https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202607200013#news #taiwan

Concerns over Chinese sea operations raised with Beijing, Taiwan says 20:46 Taiwan has conveyed its concerns to Beijing "through third countries and existing private channels" over recent Chinese operations east of Taiwan that China has claimed involve law enforcement, Taiwan's top China affairs agency said Monday. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607270023#news #taiwan

Academia Sinica study finds bacteria boost coral heat tolerance 18:41 An Academia Sinica research team has identified how a strain of symbiotic bacteria helps corals survive rising ocean temperatures, a finding that could help scientists protect and restore coral reefs threatened by climate change-induced bleaching. https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202608030016#news #taiwan

Migrant worker dies in New Taipei factory fire 12:37 A migrant worker was found dead after a fire engulfed a three-story corrugated metal factory in New Taipei's Xinzhuang District late Sunday, according to local authorities. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202608240006#news #taiwan

Migrant workers' award-winning photos exhibited at NTCH 19:46 Award-winning photos by migrant workers are on display in an exhibition at the National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) gallery in Taipei, organizers said Tuesday. https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202609220024#news #taiwan

From TV star to exiled journalist: Gulchehra Hoja tells Uyghur story 13:32 Before Gulchehra Hoja became one of the world's best-known Uyghur journalists, she hosted a popular children's program on Xinjiang Television, making her a trusted personality on Chinese state media. https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202607210008#news #taiwan

Taiwan emerges as new study-abroad choice for non-Chinese Malaysians 20:55 Over 100 Malaysian students who received scholarships from Taiwan to study there attended a pre-departure briefing in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, showcasing Taiwan as the latest education destination of choice among non-ethnic Chinese students from the Southeast Asian country. https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202607300024#news #taiwan

Annual high tides to hit Taiwan coast for 5 days from Tuesday: CWA 17:51 Taiwan will experience its second annual period of exceptionally high astronomical tides from Tuesday to Saturday, increasing the risk of localized flooding and seawater inundation in low-lying coastal areas, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said Sunday. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202608090010#news #taiwan

Coast Guard apologizes for failures in illegal Chinese dinghy entry case 18:31 The chief of the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) was forced to apologize Tuesday for failures in the agency's handling of the illegal entry of two Chinese nationals after their rubber dinghy was found near Taipei Port by a member of the public. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202608110014#news #taiwan

Japanese-run restaurant's expired wagyu earns trio prison terms 21:00 Three Japanese nationals who ran a high-end barbecue restaurant in Taichung were sentenced to up to two years and eight months in prison for selling expired wagyu beef to customers, while the company that operated the restaurant was also fined. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607220021#news #taiwan

Miaoli Mazu temple becomes Taiwan's 1st to retire carbon credits 19:06 Baishatun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli County has become the first in Taiwan to offer visitors the option of offsetting their carbon emissions through the retirement of Gold Standard (GS) carbon credits. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607260008#news #taiwan

Koo calls for Legislature to back Cabinet's unmanned systems bill 15:43 Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) has called on the Legislature to support the Executive Yuan's version of a special act on unmanned systems procurement, which would authorize up to NT$210 billion (US$6.49 billion) in funding over six years. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608030012#news #taiwan

Taiwan's Yang Dai-Kang says physical condition led to retirement 16:59 Veteran Taiwanese baseball star Yang Dai-Kang (陽岱鋼) said Saturday that concerns about his physical health were the key factor behind his decision to retire. https://focustaiwan.tw/sports/202608010011#news #taiwan

Teng throws 2 1/3 scoreless innings in return from injured list 12:11 Houston Astros right-hander Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威), the only Taiwanese pitcher currently on a Major League Baseball (MLB) active roster, threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen Sunday in his first appearance since returning from the injured list, as Houston lost 5-2 to the Baltimore Orioles. https://focustaiwan.tw/sports/202607200007#news #taiwan

KMT wins legal battle over NT$3.2 billion party asset penalty 21:18 The Kuomintang (KMT) won a lawsuit on Thursday against a government agency attempting to collect NT$3.2 billion (US$99.1 million) for land the party sold, which the authority ruled was acquired illegally during the authoritarian era. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607230026#news #taiwan

U.S. criticizes China's Taiwan Strait traffic controls during typhoon 15:04 The U.S. State Department on Monday expressed Washington's opposition to China's announcement last week that it would impose traffic control measures on vessels in the Taiwan Strait during the approach of Typhoon Dolphin. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202608110008#news #taiwan

Taiwan drops Cambodia from visa facilitation programs, extends others 20:49 Taiwan will remove Cambodia from two visa facilitation programs on Aug. 1, while extending eased entry arrangements for Thailand, India and several other Southeast and South Asian countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607170021#news #taiwan

Air Force considers buying upgraded domestically made combat drone 15:55 Taiwan's Air Force is considering purchasing the latest version of the domestically developed Teng Yun 2 (騰雲) uncrewed combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) after significant upgrades improved its performance, a source familiar with the matter told CNA on Sunday. https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202607190008#news #taiwan

Chen Shih-peng throws 94-pitch 'Maddux' shutout in Guardians win 12:22 Fubon Guardians left-hander Chen Shih-peng (陳仕朋), looking to regain his all-star form of past years, threw a rare "Maddux" on Thursday to lead his team to a 6-0 victory over the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions in Tainan. https://focustaiwan.tw/sports/202607240008#news #taiwan

Sheep feed found to contain dioxin in Yunlin contamination case 18:13 Feed used at a Yunlin County farm linked to a recent dioxin-contaminated sheep meat case was found to contain the toxin, according to test results released Tuesday by the county government. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202607280019#news #taiwan