countries: 日本 台灣

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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

葛萊美傳奇貝斯王 Nathan East 攜24歲天才兒 Noah East 父子聯手開唱 照片提供：Billboard Live TAIPEI

當流行褪去，經典回來。在K-POP與J-POP風潮席捲亞洲樂壇的此刻，Billboard Live TAIPEI同時也穩穩守護西洋音樂迷的心。當許多新世代沉浸於偶像視覺文化的熱度，台灣聽眾卻開始重新關注「現場音樂的品質」- 回到那個用耳朵就能被震撼的年代。BBLTP認為，西洋音樂並非失去市場，只是暫時失去了「被聽見的方式」。因此，場館以國際級現場體驗為核心，要讓觀眾重新記起：流行會改變，但經典能跨越世代。

90年代搖滾代表團體 Mr. Big 靈魂主唱 Eric Martin 唱進台北信義夜空 照片提供：Billboard Live TAIPEI

搖滾經典與爵士靈魂將在年底連番登場，Billboard Live TAIPEI 宣布兩組世界級音樂巨匠接力開唱！90年代搖滾代表團體 Mr. Big 靈魂主唱 Eric Martin，將於 12月20日 帶來《ERIC MARTIN “BIG” ACOUSTIC with David Cotterill LIVE IN TAIPEI》，以不插電形式重現冠軍神曲〈To Be with You〉，唱進台北信義夜空；11月20日則是由榮獲葛萊美提名、與 Eric Clapton、Daft Punk、Stevie Wonder、Michael Jackson、Beyoncé 等巨星合作無數的傳奇貝斯手 Nathan East，攜手 24 歲天才鋼琴家兒子 Noah East，以父子組合帶來《Father Son》爵士靈魂音樂會，譜出跨世代最動人的共鳴篇章。

搖滾金嗓 Eric Martin 出道超過四十年，以 Mr. Big 主唱之姿征服全球舞台。1991年專輯《Lean Into It》收錄的〈To Be with You〉橫掃十五國冠軍，成為流行搖滾的經典之最。長年深耕日本市場的他，推出英語翻唱系列《Mr. Vocalist》更奪下金唱片，掀起J-POP翻唱風潮。他曾與 Aerosmith 同台跨年演出，並多次為日本震災舉辦慈善公演。此次來台，他將攜手吉他手 David Cotterill 帶來雙人原音舞台，獻唱多首代表作，讓歌迷重溫最純粹的搖滾靈魂。

葛萊美傳奇貝斯王 Nathan East 攜24歲天才兒 Noah East 父子聯手開唱 照片提供：Billboard Live TAIPEI

同場年底壓軸登場的 Nathan East & Noah East “Father Son”，則是爵士界難得一見的傳奇父子檔組合。Nathan East 以與 Eric Clapton、Quincy Jones、B.B. King、Daft Punk、Beyoncé的合作聞名，他為〈Get Lucky〉錄製的貝斯旋律更成全球經典。2025年，他與兒子Noah攜手推出首張聯合專輯《FATHER SON》，邀來 Eric Clapton、Hubert Laws、Merry Clayton、松田聖子、Greg Phillinganes 等重量級好友共同參與，融合爵士、R&B與靈魂能量，展現深厚默契與世代傳承的音樂火花。Nathan East 說：「這是夢想成真，能與兒子共同創作，是音樂人生最幸福的事。」Noah 也感性回應：「音樂是我們父子之間最自然的語言。」

此篇文章最開始出處為: 葛萊美傳奇貝斯王 Nathan East 攜24歲天才兒 Noah East 父子聯手開唱


title: Rain 睽違20年重返台北小巨蛋 歐爸終於又要回來了

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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

Rain世界巡迴《Still Raining Encore》重磅啟動、台北榮登亞洲首站 照片提供：大步整合行銷

Rain回來了，無預警宣布明年1/17二度「攻蛋」開唱！ 亞洲韓流天王Rain魅力無法擋，繼今年二月攜全新巡演《Still Raining》 首登高流引爆佳評熱潮後，在台粉殷切敲碗下竟奇蹟「喚雨」成功，讓Rain今天(10/30) 無預警在社群上公布再次來台開唱喜訊，重磅宣布將於2026年1/17於台北小巨蛋舉辦【2026 RAIN CONCERT<STILL RAINING: ENCORE>-TAPIEI 】台北安可場演唱會！

韓流天王Rain睽違20年重返台北小巨蛋、無預警宣布明年1／17二度「攻蛋」開唱 照片提供：大步整合行銷

而短短不到一年又再次來台，並選在台北演唱會殿堂級場地舉辦返場演唱會，足見Rain對台灣粉絲的重視與深厚情誼！消息一出，立刻引發歌迷熱烈暴動，紛紛留言「這次一定要搶到票！」、「Rain歐爸終於又要回來了！」、「上次沒看到現場肌肉這次絕不錯過！」掀起社群暴動。

被稱為舞台王者的Rain舞台魅力驚人 照片提供：大步整合行銷

此次【2026 RAIN CONCERT<STILL RAINING: ENCORE>-TAIPEI 】 台北安可場是Rain出道以來第二次攻蛋，對其音樂生涯可說別具意義，當年因主演《浪漫滿屋》在全亞洲爆紅的他20年前挾著高人氣來台登上小巨蛋開唱，以國際巨星的大陣仗及招牌肌情溼背秀掀起全台暴動，不僅從此奠定他在台迷心中韓流天王的穩固地位，更成為首位登上台北小巨蛋開唱的韓國歌手！而20年後再度回到同一座舞台，Rain感性表示這次的攻蛋對他意義非凡，不但象徵他與台粉間跨越時光的情誼，也代表他用音樂與舞台實力證明「Still Rainning」魅力驚人，歷久不衰！

Rain今年初在高流開唱掀暴動 照片提供：大步整合行銷

這場名為《Still Raining:Encore》的巡演將從今年11月底於美國紐約、洛杉磯、亞特蘭大三地城市啟程，屆時將巡迴到全球各城市，而台北站成了Rain最新官宣的亞洲第一個地點，展現出他在亞洲樂壇不墜的人氣與強大號召力！而此次巡迴主題為「Encore 巡迴」，除了強調「二十年舞台經驗＋全新視覺設計」兩大概念，不僅將帶來升級版《Still Rainning》舞台，更以全新視覺特效、打造嶄新震撼演出，讓期待已久的「雨迷」再度沉浸在他融合力與美的極致舞台魅力中。主辦單位透露：「為了能在台北與粉絲們一起迎接最精彩的2026年，我們準備了在原有基礎上擴展的安可場。

Rain 睽違20年重返台北小巨蛋海報 照片提供：大步整合行銷

【2026 RAIN CONCERT<STILL RAINING: ENCORE>-TAIPEI 】 將於2026年1月17日（星期六）在台北小巨蛋重磅登場，門票將於2025年11月30日上午11點30分於klook正式開賣，票價分為6800、5800、4800、3800、2800 五種不同區間，詳情請上大步整合行銷FB、IG官網查詢。

此篇文章最開始出處為: Rain 睽違20年重返台北小巨蛋 歐爸終於又要回來了

countries: 韓國 台灣 美國


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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

邵雨薇(右)與楊祐寧(左)車震場景選在馬路邊、角色之間的情感一發不可收拾。 劇照提供：女王傳播、瀚草文創

影集《人浮於愛》本週六將開播第三、四集數，劇中邵雨薇與楊祐寧將上演激情車震戲，兩人不約而同表示這場戲堪稱全劇最難拍攝的場景，兩人的好表現也獲得導演徐輔軍的大力稱讚！《人浮於愛》本週預告：https://youtu.be/zNgmwp3xXXQ

《人浮於愛》上週六在公視頻道正式開播，深受35-55歲女性族群青睞，總觸達人數24.3萬人，AC 尼爾森收視率為25-54歲年齡群之當日戲劇類收視冠軍，同時也成為MyVideo當日戲劇榜冠軍，網友紛紛稱讚「邵雨薇誘惑、病態感的演技相當不錯！」、「這部女主角群都好讚」、「這部好看 推推」。

邵雨薇(左)笑稱隔著車窗的勾引戲很困難，因為脖子會很酸(右為)楊祐寧 劇照提供：女王傳播、瀚草文創

邵雨薇在劇中飾演可以為愛不擇手段的周曉琪，看上飾演精神科醫師顧厚澤的楊祐寧，不顧對方有由簡嫚書飾演交往多年的女友范月姣，依舊對其施展出欲擒故縱的魅惑舉止，讓楊祐寧經不起誘惑終於出軌。

兩人第一場激情戲相當大膽，選擇在無人的山區大馬路邊上演車震。導演徐輔軍坦言這兩個角色的感情戲非常難處理，在一起之前不能有過多的表演，但又要可以看到兩人之間那種靈魂溝通的氛圍，都要靠他們眼神交流的來詮釋，大讚兩人表現得相當好！

邵雨薇(左)與楊祐寧(右)不約而同表示在車上拍攝的戲最困難。 劇照提供：女王傳播、瀚草文創

提到車震戲，前面先有一段楊祐寧開車出門散心，邵雨薇發現後也開車跟上去的曖昧跟蹤戲，徐輔軍形容這場景也代表著兩人之間的那種性吸引力，他表示：「光是那晚上的戲我們就拍了四次，分四個地方拍攝；在黑夜中，兩台車在山裡跟來跟去，是很浪漫、很有情調的畫面。」

因為有前面所堆砌的曖昧情緒，所以當車震戲發生時，角色之間的火花也隨之爆發，徐輔軍表示：「所以我們的車震是選在山上的大馬路邊，照理說應該要選在隱秘性高的地方，但這兩個人的情感就是如此一發不可收拾，對彼此都相當迷戀。」

邵雨薇與楊祐寧兩人日前受訪時，也不約而同表示在車上拍攝的戲其實是最難的，尤其是楊祐寧將頭伸進車內親吻邵雨薇的鏡頭。邵雨薇表示除了拍攝細節經過了許多著墨以外，她坐在車內，要隔著車窗表現出勾引楊祐寧的畫面，也相當具有挑戰性，她笑說：「要抓角度很難度以外，脖子也會偏酸啦。」

本週劇情發展范少勳(左)與宋芸樺(右)兩人之間的曖昧逐漸升溫。 劇照提供：女王傳播、瀚草文創

楊祐寧則補充說道：「因為車子本身的空間就有限制，又要拍的好看、又要動作協調 ，然後一同時間又要把情緒能夠帶到 ，所以我覺得對整體的執行上的難度就會就會比較高。」

《人浮於愛》本週劇情發展還有宋芸樺所飾演的潘心彤，要想辦法支付母親的鉅額化療醫藥費而感到身心俱疲，甚至在走投無路之際，向當初出軌的前男友討債卻未果、反遭羞辱，剛好被范少勳所飾演的富二代辛毅夫撞見，便向她提出一項「高難度任務」——以「女友身分」陪他參加母親生日宴，酬勞十萬元。兩人在相處的過程中，關係逐漸曖昧升溫，但宋芸樺卻在此時聽聞對方過往的短命情史而開始感到卻步……；這兩段錯綜的情感究竟會如何發展？敬請鎖定每週六連播兩集，晚間9點於公視頻道首播、晚間10點於公視影音平台「公視+」與台灣大哥大MyVideo新集數上架。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 邵雨薇與楊祐寧激情車震 選在大馬路邊上演情感一發不可收拾

title: 邵雨薇與楊祐寧激情車震 選在大馬路邊上演情感一發不可收拾


title: Kep1er 甜辣回歸登陸台北 穿越時空重啟約定

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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

韓國人氣女團Kep1er 即將甜辣登陸台北 照片提供：FANME

韓國人氣女團Kep1er首次巡迴演唱會，預告年底即將甜辣登陸台北！《2025 Kep1er CONCERT TOUR [Into The Orbit : Kep1asia] IN TAIPEI》，於 2025年12月20日(六)晚上7點，在台大綜合體育館一樓盛大演出，門票將於 11月8日(六）中午12:00於KKTIX平台正式開賣，Kep1er再度甜辣登陸台北場，象徵「命運重啟」的夢幻演出，被粉絲形容是「一年最想許願成功的宇宙約定」，終於夢想成真！

Kep1er甜辣女團再出擊！Kep1er八月發行第七張迷你專輯《BUBBLE GUM》後再度引發熱潮掀熱議，有別於過往清純形象的風格，專輯加入House、EDM元素，甜辣電音中藏著滿滿Girl Crush氣場，展現女力與爆發力，每首歌曲都充滿了強勁節奏，主打歌〈BUBBLE GUM〉更直率表達強烈個性魅力，甜辣又叛逆，完整展現Kep1er衝擊性的大蛻變。

韓國人氣女團Kep1er 即將甜辣登陸台北 照片提供：FANME

Kep1er台北場巡演以「Into The Orbit : Kep1asia」為主題，從首爾啟航橫跨亞洲，Kep1er以「還記得我們的約定嗎？」為開場宣言，象徵思念的光穿越宇宙，終於在台北與粉絲相會。Kep1er特別向粉絲喊話：「粉絲的光，才是我們的星，12月20日見！」，團員們將以嶄新的歌舞編排、視覺特效與互動橋段，預告台北站將帶來更成熟、帶反轉的全新舞台展開，帶領粉絲一同進入夢幻宇宙，歡迎粉絲準備好燈海與應援口號，於12月點亮屬於Kep1er與Kep1ian的夢幻宇宙。

Kep1er團員趣味話題曝光：「凌晨量體脂」、「珍奶日常」！Kep1er開啟全新篇章，成員們都相當期待來台會粉，紛紛為台北場暖身備戰，成員金采炫自爆為了維持舞台狀態，每天凌晨量體脂，讓粉絲笑虧她是「宇宙健康代表」，而成員氣氛擔當江多娟則在練舞間隙被捕捉邊跳邊喝珍奶，笑說：「來台北一定要挑戰每天一杯！」，引來粉絲瘋傳：「Kep1er珍奶挑戰賽正式開跑！」

Kep1er透過FANME傳達了對粉絲們的想念，帶著再次相見的悸動，增添了不少期待值。現場不僅將重現首爾場的宇宙概念舞台，夢寐以求的互動橋段「全場HI-BYE福利」、「台北專屬小卡」、「親簽拍立得與團體合照」等福利讓粉絲收穫滿滿，12／20要完成Kep1er穿越時空重啟約定，展開最夢幻最閃耀的宇宙舞台！ 活動詳情請洽FANME 社群 https://www.facebook.com/fanmetw。

此篇文章最開始出處為: Kep1er 甜辣回歸登陸台北 穿越時空重啟約定


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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

K ONE成員JR紀言愷(右)與髮型師搭檔出戰。（圖：好看娛樂）

全台首創大型混合健身運動競技節目《最強的身體》開播以來話題不斷、收視節節攀升，本週日即將播出全新第12集，延續上集的室內挑戰賽熱潮，蔡尚樺看到顏值超高的男參賽者們，忍不住開心讚嘆：「滿滿的雄性賀爾蒙襲來！」

今年60歲的蘇炳憲是節目開播以來年紀最大的參賽者。（圖：好看娛樂）

本集由資深演員蘇炳憲與昔日偶像女團「蜜雪薇琪」成員「蜜雪」各自率隊出征，展開激烈的團體賽。今年60歲的蘇炳憲是節目開播以來年紀最大的參賽者，直言此行「不是來逞強，而是想證明且提倡全年齡都能運動」，並以「平安完賽」為目標。他的隊友包括章家瑄、楊皓崴與陳又榕，幾人因拍戲結緣，場上默契十足。

偶像男團C.T.O的薛恩(左)與FEniX的曹家齊(右)兩人是高中學長學弟。（圖：好看娛樂）

蜜雪少在螢光幕前出現，也因長期維持運動習慣狀態驚人，她表示運動真的會讓人變開心，精神跟身體機能也改善很多。她強調，這次最大的敵人是自己，期盼能與隊友攜手完成挑戰。

昔日偶像女團『 蜜雪薇琪』成員蜜雪 挑戰《最強的身體》。（圖：好看娛樂）

男雙賽事方面，亮點之一是K ONE成員JR紀言愷，他與髮型師搭檔出戰。JR從當兵時期便培養健身習慣，更考取健身教練執照。即將邁入40歲的他狀態極佳，不管是體態及狀態都保持相當好，讓主播蔡尚樺驚呼：「你說他21歲我都信，保持的很好！」

女星宋城希二度參戰、上次混雙勇奪第三名、這回轉戰女單、誓言再創佳績。（圖：好看娛樂）

另一組男雙則是偶像男團C.T.O的薛恩與FEniX的曹家齊，兩人是高中學長學弟，現場聚集眾多粉絲為他們應援，末段家齊一度體力不支，在粉絲的加油與薛恩牽引下，最終成功完賽，畫面感人。同場還有因BL劇結緣的徐愷與林毓桐，兩人私下感情極佳。徐愷是戶外運動達人而林毓桐則有羽球底子，兩人高顏值與默契互動也成為現場焦點，吸粉無數。

BL劇CP戰全場、徐愷(左)林毓桐(右)合體。（圖：好看娛樂）

這次男雙也有自媒體創作者加入戰局，擁有10萬追蹤的「沒有營養的生活智慧王」與60萬粉絲的健身網紅「Troy」組隊參賽。智慧王曾是手球校隊出身，近年透過健身成功減脂；Troy則長期推廣「運動是對自己最基本的負責」。兩人首度合作，立志以行動證明實力，目標鎖定「奪冠！」

擁有10萬追蹤的「沒有營養的生活智慧王」與健身網紅「Troy」組隊參賽。（圖：好看娛樂）

此外女星宋城希也二度參戰，上次混雙勇奪第三名，這回轉戰女單，誓言再創佳績。更多精彩的內容，請一定要鎖定全台首創大型混合健身運動競技節目《最強的身體》熱血開賽時間。台視主頻道8月17日起每週日晚上8點 熱血開賽、中華電信 MOD / Hami Video8月24日起每週日晚上12點上線、《最強的身體》YT頻道 8月19日起每週二中午12:00上架。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 蘇炳憲力拚全年齡運動 JR紀言愷爆肌帥氣登場

title: 蘇炳憲力拚全年齡運動 JR紀言愷爆肌帥氣登場


title: 臺北溫泉季開跑　日本貴賓共襄盛舉展城市魅力

content_text:
墨新聞｜記者鄭富鈺／綜合報導

一年一度的「臺北溫泉季」今（30）日熱鬧登場，臺北市長蔣萬安與市民及來自日本的貴賓共同揭開序幕。蔣萬安表示，每到入秋天氣轉涼，就會讓人想起泡湯放鬆的療癒時光。臺北溫泉季不僅是觀光盛事，更融合旅宿、文化與節慶氛圍，成為展現臺北城市魅力的重要名片，一年比一年更盛大精彩。

臺北市長蔣萬安(左前五)、北市觀傳局長余祥(左前二) ，以及台北市溫泉發展協會名譽理事長周水美(右前四)、林致宇理事長(右前二)，共同為2025臺北溫泉季揭幕蔣萬安特別感謝台北市溫泉發展協會理事長林致宇與台灣商圈文化觀光產業聯合總會總會長周水美，近二十年來持續推動活動，讓北投的溫泉文化被世界看見，成功打造出享譽國際的溫泉小鎮。他也感謝來自日本的多位市長、廳長及溫泉會長遠道而來，帶來太鼓表演與踩街活動，讓市民近距離感受日本文化風情，為活動增添熱鬧氣氛。

踩街隊伍穿梭北投街頭，鼓聲與歡呼聲響徹整個街區，熱鬧非凡針對市民關心的設施進度，蔣萬安指出，北投公園露天溫泉浴室已完成招標，預計明（2026）年7月底完工，屆時將提供舒適、安全又衛生的泡湯環境；泉源公園免費泡腳池也於昨日重新開放試營運，邀請民眾親身體驗北投溫泉的療癒魅力。

蔣萬安出席溫泉季活動，與現場民眾一同感受太鼓舞震撼磅礡的節奏與熱烈氣氛蔣萬安並感謝交通部觀光署及經濟部長期支持，並提到北投溫泉今年入圍觀光署「十大觀光亮點獎」，期盼在中央及各界協助下再創佳績。最後，他祝福活動圓滿成功，並邀請大家在這個秋冬相約北投，感受臺北溫泉的溫暖與浪漫。（圖／北市府提供）

臺北溫泉季熱鬧開幕，蔣萬安說，北投已成為享譽國際的溫泉小鎮此篇文章最開始出處為: 臺北溫泉季開跑 日本貴賓共襄盛舉展城市魅力

taiwan-subdivisions: 臺北 成功 北投 臺北市


content_text:
第六屆臺東聲音藝術節將於11月1日下午兩點至六點在臺東美術館戶外草地登場，舉辦「跨域聲音演出與創意市集」，以開放場域與多重感官體驗為特色，由今年金曲獎最佳原住民語專輯得主戴曉君 Sauljaljui 攜手臺東大學音樂系管弦樂團開場演出，帶領觀眾進入一場聲音、表演與環境交織的盛會。

縣長饒慶鈴表示，臺東聲音藝術節自創辦以來，致力於推動跨界合作與地方創作，今年除演出與工作坊活動外，也持續透過「臺東聲音資料庫」的建置，累積屬於這片土地的聲音記憶，同時透過藝術家的展覽與創作延伸，呈現臺東在地文化的深層脈動。

縣府文化處指出，今年跨域演出以打擊樂為核心，邀請由擊樂、聲音工作者薛詠之創立的「不二擊聲音製造所」帶來精彩的演出，以及長年探索實驗音樂的 Olmo 雨果，用即興創作帶來生活中的光影和聲響。還有江忻薇的小提琴與Viktor Schramek的爵士鼓共創的即興交錯，以及今年金曲獎得主戴曉君Sauljaljui與臺東大學音樂系管弦樂團合作，讓古典與流行在聲音藝術節的序幕中交織共鳴。

除了11月1日演出的市集活動外， 11月也將推出6場工作坊，分別為耳朵帶路和聲音製造兩大系列，帶領民眾感受臺東的多重面貌與文化脈絡。

文化處表示，今年臺東聲音藝術節由國立臺東大學美術產業學系張溥騰老師策展，並延續去年「多物種的糾纏」為主題，邀請音樂人吳蒙惠（維恭.魯那登）進行聲音採集，並展出一年多以來駐地創作的王榆鈞、Yannick Dauby澎葉生、吳思嶔Ｘ張幼欣、廖于萱與楊欽榮等藝術家的全新創作，以及來自香港及瑞士藝術家黃加頌與Benjamin Ryser，帶來地震後太魯閣族砂卡礑部落駐村創作的錄像聲音作品。

展覽將於11月08日臺東美術館大文創教室盛大開幕，當天並將有藝術家們親自進行作品導覽。活動詳情請見臺東聲音藝術節社群（https://pse.is/89neds）

此篇文章最開始出處為: 「2025臺東聲音藝術節」以聲為媒介 探索跨域創作與地方連結 11月1日登場

events: 地震 太魯閣

countries: 香港 瑞士

title: 臺東聲音藝術節創意市集11/1登場　戴曉君領軍戶外沉浸演出


content_text:
記者樊德惠/宜蘭報導

為了讓民眾提前感受萬聖節的氛圍，宜蘭縣壯圍聯合國際實驗教育機構UEIS，從10月開始就分別從羅東鎮的公正、北成國小；壯圍鄉的古亭、過嶺國小、壯圍國中、壯圍沙丘；礁溪的玉田國小和宜蘭家樂福、火車站及幾米廣場，演出快閃表演，希望讓大家都能感受到萬聖節的氛圍。

▲於宜蘭火車站前快閃表演。(圖/聯合國際實驗教育機構UEIS提供)UEIS的學生表示，因為就讀的是國際學校，因此也希望把萬聖節的氣氛分享給大家。而指導老師Wenny、和導師Tina表示，美式的教學風格，讓學生們追求自我學習和臨場反應，愈表演反而愈增加自信。

▲UEIS於壯圍國中快閃表演。(圖/聯合國際實驗教育機構UEIS提供)分享糖果和禮物，宜蘭縣壯圍聯合國際實驗教育機構UEIS學務主任Candace說，這樣的快閃活動，不但能讓大家更認識UEIS，也希望活動能讓大家一起感受國際萬聖節的氣氛，度過一個快樂的萬聖節。

▲UEIS希望活動能讓大家一起感受國際萬聖節的氣氛。(圖/聯合國際實驗教育機構UEIS提供)

taiwan-subdivisions: 宜蘭 礁溪 宜蘭縣 羅東 壯圍

title: 影音/慶祝萬聖節 聯合國際實驗教育機構UEIS宜蘭快閃演出


taiwan-subdivisions: 頭份 復興 羅東 宜蘭縣 宜蘭

content_text:
記者蘇凱中/宜蘭報導

宜蘭縣政府文化局與何曉玫舞團合作，推出「宜舞宜情計畫」，11/5及11/7將在宜蘭演藝廳舉行成果發表。這項計畫邀請舞團藝術總監何曉玫與4位來自宜蘭的舞蹈藝術家—許嘉卿、簡華葆、簡慈儀、林柔雯—共同策劃系列社區共創活動，帶著舞蹈回到家鄉，與宜蘭在地社區及團體共同展開一場以身體為語言的文化對話。

何曉玫出身宜蘭，是國家文藝獎得主，長年以舞蹈探索身體與文化的交會，她表示舞蹈不只是舞台上的表演，更是回應土地的方式。這次的計畫，是讓舞者回到成長的地方，用身體再次認識宜蘭。《宜舞宜情》由何曉玫舞團策演，結合宜蘭的文化信仰、教育現場與在地生活，讓4位舞者分別深入不同場域，共構一條「舞蹈走入社區」的軸線；首先是許嘉卿與深耕歌仔戲的結頭份社區發展協會以「戲曲身體與當代舞蹈的交會」為題，融合歌仔戲的身段與現代舞的呼吸節奏，讓地方戲曲文化以新姿態重生；再來是簡華葆與羅東在地藝文團體源緣文藝以「身體記憶與地方故事」為主題，引導民眾以動作書寫土地記憶，讓舞蹈成為生活的詩篇；而簡慈儀與復興國中少年劇團則結合舞蹈劇場與戲劇訓練，帶領學生以身體表達情感，發掘創造力；最後是林柔雯與東嶽廟陣頭團隊以「信仰之舞」為核心，轉譯陣頭與神將身體語彙，展現宗教儀式與當代表演的共鳴。

宜蘭縣文化局表示，「宜舞宜情計畫」是以「宜蘭情感」、「舞蹈與日常」及「舞蹈返鄉」為核心的文化共創計畫，以四場社區工作坊為基礎，結合影像拍攝與最終成果展現，從10月至11月陸續展開，最終將於11月5日及11月7日於宜蘭演藝廳舉行成果演出及舞蹈講座暨影片發表會，更多相關資訊請持續關注「宜蘭演藝廳」Facebook粉絲專頁或「何曉玫MeimageDance 」Facebook粉絲專頁。

title: 用舞步說土地與人情的故事   「宜舞宜情計畫」展成果


content_text:
記者蘇凱中/宜蘭報導

「114年李科永文教基金會獎學金」頒獎典禮，30日在羅東鎮立圖書館三樓階梯視聽館舉行，由羅東鎮鎮長吳秋齡主持，邀請鎮民代表會主席邱文生及李科永文教基金會董事李振宇等貴賓共同出席，為受獎學生頒獎。

李科永文教基金會頒發獎學金，今年邁入第18年，期間共資助1600多位青年學子實現求學夢想。符合本次獎學金計畫資格由學校推薦學生，共計89名學子獲獎(清寒學生共46名)其中15名高中(職)學生，每人獲得3,500元獎學金；24名國中生，每人2,500元；50名國小生，每人1,500元，共頒發獎學金新台幣18萬7,500元。

taiwan-subdivisions: 羅東 宜蘭

people: 邱文生 吳秋齡

title: 李科永文教基金會獎學金頒獎  89位學子獲獎


taiwan-subdivisions: 臺東 新港 臺東縣 成功

content_text:
記者池文中/臺東報導

每年11月當東北季風吹起時，正是臺東縣成功鎮鏢旗魚的季節，也是臍橙盛產的時期，今年度成功鎮兩大重要經濟作物旗魚和臍橙年度慶典正式啟動，11月15日旗魚季當天還有千人辦桌的活動，臺東縣長邀請全國民眾一起到臺東作客，享用肥美滑嫩的旗魚，搭配甜酸可口的臍橙，一起品嘗東海岸當季美食，也欣賞世界衝浪高手的競賽。

饒慶鈴表示，一年一度的旗魚季與臍橙節不僅促進地方觀光與社區參與，也帶動青年返鄉及產業創新，今年的活動將由新港區漁會於11月15日舉辦的「2025東海岸旗魚季」率先登場，緊接著成功鎮農會接力於11月22日辦理「臍橙節」活動，這兩項活動不僅是我們東海岸的年度盛事，也是農、漁民歡聚慶祝與鄉親聯絡感情的重要場合，旗魚及臍橙產業在台灣都是首屈一指的好食、好物，縣府將持續結合以產業、文化及旅遊的永續發展模式跟農、漁民站在一起為農漁業創富，歡迎所有旅人及鄉親們闔家出遊參與盛會並品嘗成功鎮的美食特產。

農業處指出，透過旗魚季及臍橙節活動，除了行銷東海岸特有的旗魚、鬼頭刀、臍橙及咖啡外，更要感謝我們辛勞的農、漁民，以及在地維持兩項產業永續推廣的成功鎮農會及新港區漁會，活動期間還有頒發鏢旗魚王與種植臍橙的果王與果后評鑑。

新港區漁會理事長蔡富榮指出，旗魚季活動將頒發年度鏢旗魚王，最多尾獎與最大尾獎。另也安排豐富的表演，並有結合新港漁港在地旗魚特色菜色的千人辦桌的金曲饗宴，歡迎大家來成功鎮作客，品嘗食在地、食當季的生鮮海鮮美食。

成功鎮農會理事長黃泰裕表示，一年一收的臍橙產季落在11月中下旬為期半個月左右，臍橙果實飽滿充實、外型比柳丁稍大，因為果實底部有副果突起，狀似人體肚臍而得名，富含維生素C，因產期短、產量有限，很快就銷售一空。臍橙節活動重頭戲是臍橙的果品評鑑與頒發年度臍橙果王、果后，安排食農教育及農業體驗活動，還有臍橙試吃與咖啡品嘗、木虌果料理示範與體驗，體驗成功鎮農遊之旅。

title: 「旗」饗．「橙」香   東海岸旗魚季與三仙台臍橙節活動開跑


title: 強化第一線救援與通報能量  林保署攜手南澳部落辦理臺灣黑熊救傷演練

taiwan-subdivisions: 南澳 宜蘭 臺北市

content_text:
記者蘇凱中/宜蘭報導

臺灣黑熊主要棲息於中央山脈區域，近年屢屢出現黑熊侵擾、誤中陷阱受困等通報案件，顯示臺灣的黑熊族群分布有逐漸擴張的趨勢，未來人熊衝突與救援事件發生的可能性將隨之提高，強化第一線救援與通報能量，林業及自然保育署宜蘭分署於南澳舉辦「臺灣黑熊救傷與應變演練」，邀集南澳在地部落居民、保安警察第七總隊第四大隊宜蘭分隊、臺北市立動物園獸醫師團隊及所屬工作站同仁等單位共約45人參與訓練課程與實地演練。

林業保育署宜蘭分署表示，訓練內容包含「人熊相遇應變處理」及「花東地區黑熊救傷實務經驗分享」等課程；同時安排戶外實地演練，於南澳原生樹木園區周邊山區進行現場教學與情境模擬，讓學員熟悉黑熊救援過程及器材操作要領。課程最後並進行分組演練，強化各單位人員對黑熊救傷程序之理解與臨場應變能力。

林業及自然保育署近年來推動「臺灣黑熊生態服務給付示範計畫」，包含「自主通報給付」及「巡護監測給付」兩個部分，「自主通報給付」即民眾若發現黑熊入侵農地或住家，可通報領獎勵金新臺幣3,000元，通報後配合架設相機，再加發獎勵金新臺幣5,000元；「巡護監測給付」是社區部落成立黑熊巡守隊並每月巡守，每年最高核發6萬元獎勵金，若於巡守範圍拍到黑熊影像，每次最高核發5萬元獎勵金(每年3次最高為限)。盼透過「臺灣黑熊生態服務給付示範計畫」的推動，以生態薪水鼓勵山村部落居民一起守護臺灣黑熊，扭轉民眾對於黑熊侵擾村落、家畜、農物作造成損失的負面印象，降低民眾對黑熊的恐懼。

林業保育署宜蘭分署宜蘭分署表示，有鑑於過去臺灣黑熊曾發生因誤觸陷阱，獵人發現後擔心遭到法辦而使黑熊不幸遇害的案例，一旦誤捕黑熊時，只要立即通報、協助救援，就不會被究責。呼籲民眾若發現臺灣黑熊等瀕危保育類野生動物誤觸陷阱或誤捕，請撥打0800-000-930(您您您-救山林)或1999，讓專業團隊前往協助救援。另外，為避免臺灣黑熊誤觸陷阱，民眾可持舊式山豬吊等狩獵陷阱或林業保育署宜蘭分署或所轄工作站洽詢，免費更換改良式獵具，避免誤捕黑熊，共同守護珍貴的臺灣黑熊。


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超過 450 年卓越學術傳統：Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City 將於 2026 年 8 月開幕

2025-10-30

阿聯酋杜拜2025年10月30日 /美通社/ — Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 建基於英國超過 450 年的卓越學術成就，現在與 GEDU Global Education 合作，並已獲 Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) 初步批准，將於 2026 年 8 月在杜拜開設首個國際分校。新分校名為 Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City，將為阿聯酋的年輕人提供英國國家課程，並按照嚴格學術標準授課。Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 一直獲 Ofsted 評為「傑出」，並於英國學校排名中名列前茅。

Queen Elizabeth’s Global Schools 行政總裁 Caroline Pendleton-Nash 表示：「這項里程碑批准允許我們加快實現我們的願景，向阿聯酋各地學生提供世界領先的 K-12 教育。

雖然在英國頂尖私立學校中，建立國際分校模式並非陌生，但這標誌英國傑出公立文法學校史上首次開展此類合作。這代表全球教育史無前例兼令人振奮的里程碑。

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Dubai Sports City 將會是一間男女校，首先開設幼兒至八年級，然後逐步擴展至大學預科。該校位於 Dubai Sports City 內，地理位置優越，並為學生提供舉世無雙的體育設施，該校教育重要支柱為培養傑出體育與體能。我們將透過 QE Flourish Programme 實現這目標，並於關懷、挑戰、創造和競爭四方面培養學生的品格和個人發展，實現學生無限潛力。

該杜拜分校將秉承 Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 的使命、精神、傳統和嚴格學術標準，同時擁抱杜拜的創新與抱負。我們的使命是培養自信、有能力兼有責任感的年輕人，準備他們進入幸福兼充實的大人生活，並為他人作出積極貢獻。我們透過結合英國最傑出學校之一的傳統與杜拜的願景，務求為全球教育卓越樹立全新基準。」

Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet 校長 Neil Enright 表示：「我們很高興得到 KHDA 的鼓勵，而為阿聯酋的兒童提供全面兼豐富的 QE 教育，宣揚機會和支援學生成為他們這一代的領袖。

我們也對國際合作潛力感到興奮，這合作將於未來建立全球 Elizabethans 網絡，造福我們的新生與 Barnet 公立學校的師生。」

英國駐阿拉伯聯合大公國大使 Edward Hobart 陛下表示：「我很高興，Queen Elizabeth’s School 明年將於 Dubai Sports City 開幕。這里程碑標誌英國公立文法學校首次全球擴張，證明英國與阿聯酋教育夥伴關係的持久力量。

透過將 QE 的已證實教育方法和 450 年卓越學術傳統帶至杜拜，增加阿聯酋年輕人接受世界級英國教育的機會。我期待看到這世界級學府對阿聯酋學生和更廣教育環境，帶來正面影響。」

Queen Elizabeth 文法學校由伊利沙伯一世於 1573 年頒佈皇家特許狀而創立，擁有超過 450 年悠久歷史和開拓傳統。該校是英國領導學校，向來自不同背景和普通家庭的學生提供全面教育，並以成績為基礎。Queen Elizabeth’s School 的教育質素，經常優於英國大部份最昂貴兼最嚴格篩選的私立學校。英國私立和公立學校排名中，QE 的成績也一直名列前茅。Queen Elizabeth’s School 獲《星期日泰晤士報》2025 年度最佳公立中學評為 A 級。2024 年，55% 畢業生獲《QS 世界大學排名》首五名院校錄取。如欲查看更多資料，請瀏覽：www.qedubaisportscity.com。

countries: 英國 阿聯


title: AORUS PRIME 5 電競主機正式上市，體現技嘉核心技術與產品穩定實力

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台北2025年10月30日 /美通社/ — 全球電腦領導品牌技嘉科技宣布，全新推出的 AORUS PRIME 5 高效能電競主機正式上市，搭載最新世代頂尖硬體，結合技嘉獨家散熱創新技術與風扇設計，為遊戲與多工應用帶來卓越速度與長效穩定性。AORUS PRIME 5 將效能與美學融合，提供真正的隨插即用體驗，滿足玩家與創作者的全面需求。

AORUS PRIME 5 最高搭載 AMD Ryzen™ 7 9800X3D 處理器與 NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 顯示卡，支援多核心處理與次世代 AI 運算能力。並配置 2TB SSD 固態硬碟與 32GB 高速 RGB 記憶體，提供極致反應速度與流暢的多工操作之餘，還搭載技嘉獨有的散熱解決方案，充分體現了技嘉產品的穩定性與可靠性。

散熱方面，AORUS PRIME 5 完美整合液冷散熱系統與高風流機殼，內建創新 Hawk 風扇，可提升 89% 的風壓與 42% 的氣流，搭配航太級尾翼設計，有效降低擾流與風噪。同時，機殼採用高達 80% 大面積網孔進風設計，並輔以側邊通風孔，不僅讓系統在高負載運行時依然穩定，還能突顯 ARGB 燈效的絢麗視覺，充分體現效能與設計之間的完美平衡。

AORUS PRIME 5 整機集結技嘉精選硬體與技術，預先為玩家與創作者打造一套可輕鬆上手的整機系統，提供完整無縫的使用體驗。實際銷售時程依各地區經銷商與電商平台的上架時間為準。欲了解完整產品規格與購買資訊，請造訪 AORUS PRIME 5 產品頁。


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UKRAINE, NVIDIA:  The US leader said the subject of Russia’s war had come up ‘very strongly,’ while Jenson Huang was hoping that the conversation was good

Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) and US President Donald Trump had differing takes following their meeting in Busan, South Korea, yesterday.

Xi said that the two sides should complete follow-up work as soon as possible to deliver tangible results that would provide “peace of mind” to China, the US and the rest of the world, while Trump hailed the “great success” of the talks.

The two discussed trade, including a deal to reduce tariffs slapped on China for its role in the fentanyl trade, as well as cooperation in ending the war in Ukraine, among other issues, but they did not mention Taiwan.

US President Donald Trump, left, speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping following their meeting at the Naraemaru reception hall in Busan, South Korea, yesterday. Photo: EPA

Trump said after the talks that US tariffs would be reduced to 10 percent — bringing overall US tariffs on Chinese goods to 47 percent.

Trump said Xi “agreed that he was going to work very hard to stop the flow” of the powerful opioid, which has killed thousands of Americans.

“I believe he’s going to work very hard to stop the death that’s coming in,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

Regarding Ukraine, the two reportedly agreed to cooperate more on seeking an end to the war with Russia.

China says it is a neutral party in the conflict, but Kyiv and Western governments have long accused Beijing of providing political and economic support to Moscow.

Trump told reporters that the subject had come up “very strongly” during his talks with Xi.

“He’s going to help us, and we’re going to work together on Ukraine,” Trump said.

Separately, Nvidia chief executive officer Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) said he was confident that Trump and Xi had a good conversation.

Huang was speaking as he arrived at a restaurant in Seoul with Samsung Electronics chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group executive chairman Chung Eui-sun.

Huang said that he was looking forward to meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, and that his company and South Korea had many announcements to make.

Beijing has ramped up its chip industry to beat Washington’s export restrictions on components used to power artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

US chip giant Nvidia has been caught in the middle of that geopolitical tussle.

Nvidia’s chips are not sold in China due to a combination of Beijing government bans, US national security concerns and trade tensions.

“We did discuss chips,” Trump said after meeting Xi, adding that Huang would speak to Beijing about the dispute.

“We’re sort of the arbitrator or the referee,” Trump said.

That would not include the firm’s next-generation Blackwell AI graphics processing unit architecture, he said, “but a lot of the chips.”

“We make great chips,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One. “Nvidia’s the leader.”

Beijing also said it would work with the US administration to resolve issues of TokTok’s ownership.

“China will work with the US to properly resolve issues related to TikTok,” the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said after the meeting.

Xi said that negotiating teams from both countries had reached a consensus, a likely reference to talks held in Malaysia last weekend, Chinese state media reported.

The recent twists and turns in the relationship offer lessons for the US and China, Xi said.

The US and China should have positive interactions on the global stage that demonstrate their responsibility as major powers to achieve positive results for their countries and the world, he said.

“Both sides should take the long-term perspective into account, focusing on the benefits of cooperation rather than falling into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation,” he added.

Additional reporting by Reuters and staff writer

people: 黃仁 習近平

title: Xi, Trump differ on outcome of talks


title: Ministry touts US ties after Taiwan not mentioned

people: 林佳龍 習近平 卓榮泰 林信義

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By Jonathan Chin and Kayleigh Madjar / Staff writers, with CNA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday said it is in close communication with Washington following reports that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) did not discuss Taiwan during their meeting in South Korea.

Taiwan “never came up. That was not discussed, actually,” Trump said on Air Force One after meeting with Xi.

A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement also did not mention Taiwan among the topics it said were discussed.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung speaks to reporters at the legislature in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times

MOFA spokesman Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said, without elaborating, that Taipei is in close communication with Washington over the meeting.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as telling Trump that he would continue to work to build a solid foundation for bilateral ties, and create a sound atmosphere for the development of both countries.

Earlier yesterday, before the meeting began, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) told reporters on the sidelines of a legislative session that Taiwan is “confident” in its relations with the US.

Bilateral ties are based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the “six assurances,” and both countries have engaged in close exchanges and cooperation in areas spanning security, economics and trade, technology and culture, Lin said.

Premier Cho jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government is joining hands with society to safeguard Taiwan, adding that the world would appreciate Taiwan’s value, as long as it firmly stands its ground.

Before the meeting, opposition politicians expressed concern that Taiwan would be used as a bargaining chip in US-China trade talks.

Trump has made it clear that Taiwan was not discussed, Democratic Progressive Party China Affairs Director Wu Chun-chih (吳峻鋕) said.

Rumors circulating before and after the meeting that Taiwan would be betrayed have been proven false, Wu said, adding that Taiwanese should unite and not be influenced by China’s cognitive warfare.

National Taiwan University associate professor of political science Chen Shih-ming (陳世民) said that Taiwan and Japan were the biggest winners of Trump’s Asia visit, as the US president displayed a commitment to the region by touting the US’ security cooperation with Japan and its relationship with the Philippines, as well as acknowledging Taiwan’s geostrategic value.

“Not bringing up Taiwan is the best outcome of the Trump-Xi meeting there could be,” Chen said.

Trump and Xi’s conversation lasted just 100 minutes and went largely unreported in China’s state-run media, suggesting that Beijing likely did not achieve anything it wanted in the negotiations, he said.

Trump’s statement before the meeting that “there’s not that much to ask about. Taiwan is Taiwan,” likely defanged Xi’s efforts to bring the nation’s status into the talks, Chen said.

Washington is unlikely to escalate tensions with Beijing because pushing China into forming a stronger bond with Russia would be unwise while Moscow’s war with Ukraine continues, he said.

Separately, Minister Without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮), who heads the Executive Yuan’s Office of Trade Negotiations, told reporters in South Korea that Taiwan has engaged in talks with high-ranking US trade officials at the APEC ministerial meeting.

The content of the conversations cannot be disclosed, Yang said, citing a need to preserve trust.

Lin told lawmakers that the government is making arrangements for a meeting between Taiwan’s APEC envoy, presidential adviser Lin Hsin-i (林信義), and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Lin Hsin-i previously interacted with then-Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba at last year’s APEC summit in Peru.

Additional reporting by Fang Wei-li


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HOTEL HIRING:  An official said that hoteliers could begin hiring migrant workers next year, but must adhere to a rule requiring a NT$2,000 salary hike for Taiwanese

The government is to allow the hospitality industry to recruit mid-level migrant workers for housekeeping and three other lines of work after the Executive Yuan yesterday approved a proposal by the Ministry of Labor.

A shortage of workers at hotels and accommodation facilities was discussed at a meeting of the legislature’s Transportation Committee.

A 2023 survey conducted by the Tourism Administration found that Taiwan’s lodging industry was short of about 6,600 housekeeping and cleaning workers, the agency said in a report to the committee.

The shortage of workers in the industry is being studied, the report said.

Hotel and Lodging Division Deputy Director Cheng Yi-ping (鄭憶萍) said that hoteliers from the first quarter of next year could begin recruiting migrant workers to do housekeeping and cleaning, as well as operate the front desk, and provide food and beverage services.

However, they must adhere to a rule requiring a NT$2,000 monthly salary increase for a Taiwanese worker before hiring a migrant worker, Cheng told reporters on the sidelines of the committee meeting.

The number of migrant workers that a hotel would be permitted to hire would be capped at 10 percent of its employees covered by the Labor Insurance program, she said.

Migrant workers in the hospitality industry are most likely to be recruited from the Philippines, Cheng said, adding that they must be able to communicate in basic Mandarin and should be paid at least NT$32,000 per month.

Qualifications for migrant workers would be finalized through further negotiations between the Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Labor, she added.

The new policy drew mixed reactions from lawmakers.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Hung Meng-kai (洪孟楷) asked whether lower personnel costs would lead to a decrease in hotel room prices.

Taiwan’s People Party Legislator Lin Kuo-cheng (林國成) said that the “one-to-one” ratio requiring wage hikes for Taiwanese before hiring migrant workers was too great, as the construction industry is required to hire five Taiwanese before they can hire a foreign worker.

From April 2023 to September last year — prior to the proposal — hotels that hired Taiwanese for housekeeping and cleaning duties received subsidies, the Tourism Administration said.

The agency also worked with the Ministry of Education to allow international students who graduated from colleges and universities in Taiwan to work in the hospitality industry, the agency added.

Those initiatives helped recruit 3,964 people for the industry, it added.

Separately, the Tourism Administration faced criticism from lawmakers over a widening gap between inbound and outbound tourists.

As of September, the nation had welcomed 6.05 million international visitors, while 14.10 million Taiwanese traveled overseas during the period, or a difference of 8.05 million.

The Tourism Administration initially set a goal of attracting 12 million international tourists after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted in 2023.

It lowered the target to 9 million for this year.

Lin said that Taiwan does not give international tourists a compelling reason to visit, adding that some hoteliers take advantage of tourists by increasing room prices when there are concerts or other events.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lee Kun-tse (李昆澤) said that National Immigration Agency data showed that about 8.3 million to 8.4 million international tourists would arrive this year, short of the agency’s revised goal.

“Many of the tourist attractions in Taiwan look similar. There needs to be a better integration of tourism and transportation information, so more tourists would not limit their travel to Taipei, Keelung and Taoyuan,” Lee said.

“The quality of popular scenic spots are affected when they are inundated with tourists, while less-well-known tourist attractions are not promoted as much and receive fewer resources,” he said.

“A shortage of workers is another issue,” he added.

Tourism Administration Director-General Chen Yu-hsiu (陳玉秀) said that outbound travel does not hurt domestic tourism and boosts national revenue.

From January to July, there was a 10 percent increase in visitors to Taiwan compared with the same period last year, with arrivals from China up 62 percent, Chen said.

Tourists from Japan, the US and Canada, and the Philippines were up 12 percent, 10 percent and 35 percent respectively, she said.

Domestic travel so far this year has surpassed last year’s levels, although it faces three main challenges, the Tourism Administration said.

Most trips are day trips due to convenient transportation and high accommodation costs, while demand is too low on weekdays and too high on weekends, it said.

The agency plans to introduce measures next year to address those issues, it added.

The hospitality industry needs to narrow the price gap between weekdays and weekends, Chen said, adding that favorable exchange rates are another factor driving Taiwanese to travel abroad.

people: 林國成 洪孟楷 李昆澤

title: Migrant workers granted access to hospitality work


title: Committee passes review of changes to laws for cables

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By Liao Chia-ning and Fion Khan / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA

The legislature’s Economics Committee yesterday passed a preliminary review of amendments to seven laws to protect critical underwater infrastructure that would apply the same penalties for damaging water and natural gas pipelines to damaging submarine cables.

People convicted of intentionally damaging submarine water pipelines, natural gas pipelines or undersea power cables would face up to seven years in prison, the proposed changes say.

They would also allow the confiscation of vessels used to commit the crime.

A ship lays an undersea telecommunications cable in an undated photograph. Photo courtesy of Taiwan Power Co

The Executive Yuan last month advanced amendments to seven acts: the Telecommunications Management Act (電信管理法), the Electricity Act (電業法), the Natural Gas Enterprise Act (天然氣事業法), the Water Supply Act (自來水法), the Meteorological Act (氣象法), the Commercial Port Act (商港法) and the Shipping Act (船舶法).

The proposed changes follow a spate of undersea cable disruptions around Taiwan.

In April, prosecutors for the first time charged a Chinese ship captain with intentionally damaging undersea cables off Taiwan in February.

The Legislative Yuan’s Research Bureau in March published a report urging the government to stipulate a specific law to manage the installation and protection of undersea cables, which should also be in step with similar international laws.

The Economics Committee yesterday discussed bills concerning Article 71-1 of the Electricity Act, Article 55-1 of the Natural Gas Enterprise Act and Article 97-1 of the Water Supply Act.

It passed a preliminary review of articles, which say that those who threaten the normal functioning of natural gas unloading and storage equipment, undersea water supply pipelines or undersea power cables through theft, destruction or other illegal means would face a prison sentence of one to seven years and a maximum fine of NT$10 million (US$325,574), while negligence would be punishable by up to six months in prison, detention or a maximum fine of NT$2 million.

A resolution was also passed to ask the Ministry of the Interior to publicly release maps of the undersea cables and pipelines, and to cooperate with other agencies to increase public awareness before the amendments are passed, and to prevent offenders from claiming ignorance, which would aid enforcement and prosecution, the committee said.

Additional reporting by Reuters, Chen Chih-yu and Shelley Shan


title: Over 100 killed in Rio de Janeiro crackdown on gang

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Residents of a Rio de Janeiro community lined up their dead in harrowing scenes on Wednesday after Brazil’s bloodiest police raid killed at least 119 people, spotlighting the city’s war against drug gangs.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for action against organized crime that does not endanger police or civilians.

Hundreds of police backed by helicopters, armored vehicles and drones on Tuesday entered two favelas that are strongholds of Comando Vermelho — the Red Command — a drug trafficking group.

People look at dead bodies on a street in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

The police and suspected gang members traded heavy gunfire as residents scrambled for cover.

While the operation unfolded, Comando Vermelho seized dozens of buses and used them to barricade main highways, and sent drones to attack the police with explosives, authorities said.

Families of the dead decried what they described as executions by police, while the state government hailed a successful operation against a criminal group that has taken over large swaths of Rio de Janeiro.

State authorities said the provisional death toll now stood at 119, including 115 suspected criminals and four police officers.

“We cannot accept that organized crime continues to destroy families, oppress residents, and spread drugs and violence throughout the cities,” Lula wrote on X. “We need coordinated work that strikes at the backbone of drug trafficking without putting innocent police officers, children, and families at risk.”

Lula sent Brazilian Minister of Justice Ricardo Lewandowski to Rio de Janeiro to meet with Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro to offer cooperation from the federal government.

Lewandowski told a news conference that he had offered to aid the state to “overcome this security crisis as quickly as possible.”

A day after the police operation paralyzed the city, residents of the Complexo da Penha favela recovered dozens of bodies from a forest on its outskirts, including one that was decapitated, journalists saw.

“They slit my son’s throat, cut his neck and hung the head from a tree like a trophy,” said Raquel Tomas, the mother of the 19-year-old who was found decapitated. “They executed my son without giving him a chance to defend himself. He was murdered.”

“Everyone deserves a second chance. During an operation, police should do their job, arrest suspects, but not execute them,” Tomas added.

Lawyer Albino Pereira Neto, who represents three families that lost relatives, told reporters that some of the bodies bore “burn marks” and that a number of those killed had been tied up.

Some were “murdered in cold blood,” Neto said.

The raid also drew alarm from abroad.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “greatly concerned” by the number of casualties, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was “horrified” and called for “swift investigations.”


title: PRC overreaches to instill fear: officials

content_text:
‘LONG-ARM JURISDICTION’: Aside from attempts to prosecute Taiwanese politicians, Beijing could exert pressure on allies to deport Taiwanese to China, Lin Chia-lung said

China is seeking to project an illusion of “long-arm jurisdiction” over Taiwan, in a bid to sow division and fear among Taiwanese, three government bodies said yesterday.

That approach is evident in China’s efforts to prosecute Taiwanese in absentia for what Beijing calls secessionist activities, officials at the National Security Bureau (NSB), the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said at a meeting of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee.

They were responding to lawmakers’ questions on what actions could be taken in response to a China-based report that Beijing is investigating Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) for promoting “Taiwan’s independence.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, center, attends a meeting of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense at the legislature in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency on Tuesday reported that the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau is investigating Shen over allegations of “secessiion-related” criminal activities, including launching the civil defense organization the Kuma Academy.

The investigation is being carried out under the terms of the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and a set of judicial guidelines from last year on how to penalize “Taiwanese independence separatists,” the report said.

Yesterday, MOFA, NSB and MAC officials told legislators that such actions by China were meant to “create the illusion of long-arm jurisdiction over Taiwan.”

Beijing’s aim is to “sow divisions and instill fear” among Taiwanese and to further isolate Taiwan on the international stage, the officials said.

Noting that China has extradition treaties with more than 60 countries, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said it is not unlikely that Beijing would exert pressure on those countries to deport Taiwanese deemed as criminal suspects to China.

In addition to “trials in absentia,” the PRC could request that Interpol issue a “red notice” for the arrest of Taiwanese listed as wanted by China, with a view to extradition, Lin said.

In view of those presumptive threats, the ministry has asked its overseas missions to bolster communication with the governments, judicial divisions and law enforcement authorities of host countries, he said.

The ministry is also expanding its emergency assistance to Taiwanese travelers, and enhancing intelligence sharing with friendly countries, Lin added.

MAC Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung (沈有忠) said his agency has issued a travel warning for China, urging Taiwanese to be on high alert over their personal safety.

Since January last year, 233 Taiwanese have gone missing, been detained or interrogated or had their personal liberties restricted in China, he said.

Puma Shen, who was banned in October last year from entering China, Hong Kong or Macau, and listed as a “stubbornly pro-Taiwan independence” person, said he was being investigated purely for political reasons.

Ordinary Taiwanese could face similar charges in the future, Puma Shen said at the meeting, adding that extradition treaties in most countries are usually implemented for the return of suspects or convicts in major criminal cases.

In response, Shen Yu-chung told the DPP lawmaker that his agency was considering tightening entry permit requirements for Chinese officials in charge of Taiwan affairs, following Beijing’s actions targeting a Taiwanese politician.


content_text:
Immigration agency revokes household registration of Chinese spouse

STILL HERE:  Unlike three Chinese spouses who were ordered to leave the country earlier this year, Qian Li can stay and work in Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council said

The National Immigration Agency has revoked the permanent residency and household registration of a Chinese spouse for allegedly advocating for China to annex Taiwan by force and reporting coworkers’ activities to Beijing, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said yesterday.

Chinese national Qian Li (錢麗) reportedly works at Asustek Computer Inc where she is a key member of its workers’ union, the council said.

She allegedly reported her supervisors and coworkers to Beijing for contravening the laws of the People’s Republic of China, and set up a Facebook page to advocate for China’s use of force to take over Taiwan and intimidate Taiwanese, it said, adding that immigration and cross-strait officials were informed about the case.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wang Ting-yu, left, questions officials about the residency status of a Chinese spouse during a legislative session in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

MAC Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung (沈有忠) told lawmakers at a meeting of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee that Qian’s permanent residency and household registration were revoked on Aug. 28 following multiple discussions among government agencies.

MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) told a news conference that Qian’s permanent residency and household registration were revoked in accordance with the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area (臺灣地區與大陸地區人民關係條例), after authorities determined that her actions endangered national security and risked destabilizing society.

Unlike three Chinese spouses who were ordered to leave the country soon after their household registrations were canceled earlier this year, Qian can continue to stay in Taiwan, work and use the National Health Insurance and Labor Insurance systems, as the reason for her residency — she is married to a Taiwanese — has not changed, Liang said.

Qian is appealing the ruling to the Executive Yuan and possibly the administrative courts, Liang said, adding that she can use Taiwanese laws to defend her rights.

Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Puma Shen (沈柏洋) is being investigated by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security for allegedly “undermining national unity.”

Shen said he could be arrested by Chinese security personnel while overseas.

Since 2017, China has handled about 3,000 cases through the Interpol, of which 500 were “red notices,” a request that law enforcement authorities arrest a person pending extradition, Liang said.

A Uighur activist was arrested and detained in Morocco in 2021 after China issued a red notice for him, he said.

Shen’s arrest could happen in countries particularly close to China, although extradition treaties that China signed with 60 countries generally exclude the extradition of political prisoners, Liang said.

Under UN treaties, a person can only be extradited when both countries believe them to have committed a criminal offense.


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China likely using religious groups as matchmaking front: MAC

Beijing could be using religious groups to host cross-strait matchmaking events for young people as part of a scheme to infiltrate Taiwanese society, Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung (沈有忠) told lawmakers yesterday.

Citing the Taiwan Information Environment Research Center, Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Chun-yu (陳俊宇) said at a meeting of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee that 16,000 Taiwanese last year participated in matchmaking events held by religious groups in China.

A majority of the events were held in China’s Fujian Province, which is a hotbed of Beijing’s “united front” operations targeting Taiwan, he said, before asking Shen to elaborate on the government’s stance on such activities.

Shen said the government is not opposed to normal exchanges between religious groups, but has discovered to its regret that Beijing has inserted itself into these interactions to facilitate political interference.

Chinese temples are seemingly under instructions to refer to Matsu (媽祖) as a Chinese goddess and that pro-Beijing talking points are inserted into package tours, he said.

The Chinese Communist Party is using religious festivals to lure young Taiwanese into mixing with Chinese nationals in matchmaking events, he added.

This is likely a ploy to facilitate the assimilation of Taiwan into China via cultural influence and social networking, Shen said.

Separately, Shen said the MAC and the National Security Bureau are closely monitoring a surge in fake reports on social media and news outlets following the summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) yesterday.

Beijing appears to be utilizing pro-China academics and think tanks based in the US to spread narratives that favor China or cast doubt on the US’ trustworthiness as an ally, he said.

Using Americans to distribute Chinese-made propaganda is a strategy to bolster the apparent credibility of pro-Beijing talking points, he added.


people: 楊宗澧 林俊憲

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Language rights advocates, including Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) politicians, yesterday called for the establishment of a dedicated body to revive Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwanese), and urged the government to formulate a complete set of policies to promote the language.

Taiwan is facing a serious crisis, as “the loss of habitat for languages” has led to younger people having fewer opportunities to hear and speak their mother tongue, the Taigi Policy Promotion Alliance told a news conference at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei.

The group said the central government should establish a new body, which it called the “Hoklo Revitalization Council,” similar to the government councils dedicated to rejuvenating Hakka and indigenous languages.

Advocates for the Hoklo language hold a news conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times

“Hoklo was in the past the main medium of communication between ethnic groups in Taiwan. However, the use of Hoklo and the opportunities to speak it have dwindled so much that many are concerned that it would disappear,” alliance representative Hsu Hui-ying (許慧盈) said.

Koo Kwang-ming Foundation executive director Yang Zong-li (楊宗澧) said it was the result of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government’s suppression of all aspects of Taiwanese culture during the Martial Law era, and its push to make Mandarin Chinese the dominant language, while sidelining other languages such as Hoklo, Hakka and indigenous languages.

“People whose mother tongue is Hoklo should encourage its use in society and everyday life. However, nowadays, Mandarin prevails in the workplace, professional settings, the media and the public sector,” he said.

“Take as an example the recent discovery of African swine fever at a Taichung farm. Most veterinarians received their training in Mandarin, which is what they use at work, but most hog farmers speak Hoklo. This language gap creates problems in communication,” Yang said.

“We urgently need to revitalize Hoklo,” because it is the mother tongue of the majority of people in Taiwan, DPP Legislator Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) said. “It is also the soul of Taiwanese culture, the repository of Taiwanese history and our collective memory.”

While a recent government survey showed that Hoklo speakers are still the majority, the use of Hoklo in daily life has rapidly declined, he said.

Among people aged 65 or older, more than 70 percent can speak Hoklo, but that percentage is only 7.4 percent among young people, he said.

“There exists a generation gap ... but the government has been slow in responding to this situation,” he added.

“Instead of chanting slogans, the government must set up a Hoklo revitialization council because we need a comprehensive policy reform, with all ministries collaborating from top to bottom to promote Hoklo,” he said.

“Hoklo is now classified as an endangered language according to the standards of UNESCO,” Lin said. “I have repeatedly urged the government to take action to stop the decline of Taiwan’s mother tongue, to set up a dedicated body and build a Hoklo culture park to promote the language’s use in our daily lives and in society.”

title: Advocates call for a dedicated body to promote Hoklo


content_text:
The Executive Yuan yesterday approved a draft bill to strip the possibility of parole for criminals sentenced to 10 years or more for murder, attempted murder or child abuse resulting in severe injury or death.

The Cabinet said in its proposal that the new rule aims to “deter major violent crime.”

It was approved as part of a broader package of amendments drafted by the Ministry of Justice, but must still be reviewed by the Judicial Yuan before moving to the legislature.

A person holds on to a prison bar in an undated photograph. Photo: Chen Kuan-bei, Taipei Times

Other amendments in the package seek to address Constitutional Court judgements issued between 2021 and last year concerning parole and death penalty conditions.

One of the proposals would bar courts from imposing the death penalty on defendants whose judgement was found to be impaired by mental or cognitive illness during the crime or trial.

The Criminal Code currently exempts only those younger than 18 or older than 80 from capital punishment.

A Constitutional Court ruling last year found that sentencing someone to death while they are unable to defend themselves due to cognitive impairment breaches their constitutional right to a fair legal defense.

The court added that such punishment conflicts with Article 19 of the Criminal Code, which states that people may have their sentence reduced when their ability to recognize the illegality of their actions is impaired due to cognitive conditions.

title: Cabinet seeks to ban parole for major violent crimes


title: House renovation subsidy planned

content_text:
The Executive Yuan is considering subsidies to renovate old residential structures as part of a government initiative to bolster national resilience, National Land Management Agency Chief Secretary Ou Cheng-hsing (歐正興) said yesterday.

The National Land Management Agency’s NT$5 billion (US$162.8 million) plan to subsidize projects linked to refurbishing aging buildings would be funded via the national resilience special budget President William Lai (賴清德) unveiled last week, Ou said.

The Cabinet is expected to approve the three-year plan in the near future, with a goal of renovating 500 buildings, he said.

Buildings in Taipei are pictured on May 8. Photo: Hsu Yi-ping, Taipei Times

Depending on ownership, 30-year-old residential buildings between four and six stories high might be eligible for subsidized renovations, including structural reinforcements and accessibility improvements, he said.

The plan could be enacted before the end of the year, he said, adding that applications might open concurrently with the public comment period.

The subsidies would cover up to 65 percent of refurbishment costs on renovating exterior walls, including tile replacements, rooftop waterproofing, elevators, internal handrails, gap elimination, anti-slip and fall protection, and other accessibility features, Ou said.

Homeowners who are elderly or disadvantaged people could receive an additional 50 percent bump on the baseline if the renovations are intended to enhance safety, he said.

The project would prioritize spending on the nation’s most densely populated areas, with the agency holding public hearings in designated areas ahead of the local rollout, he said.

It would first be launched in Taipei and New Taipei City, followed by Hsinchu, Keelung and Changhua County, then other administrative regions, Ou said.

Whether the plan would be expanded after the first 500 buildings would depend on the performance metrics, he said, adding that the program could become a regular part of government spending if it does well.


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Airports, markets to have stricter controls amid ASF

HELP AVAILABLE: Pig farmers and pork-related industries affected by the transport, slaughter and feed bans would be eligible for subsidies and financial support on loans

All inbound travelers to Taiwan would have their luggage X-rayed at airports to check for pork products, and local health bureaus have been instructed to increase market inspections beginning this week, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said yesterday.

The announcements came after African swine fever (ASF) was detected in Taichung last week.

The Legislative Yuan yesterday invited ministries and agencies to discuss the detection and prevention of the smuggling of meat in packages from overseas, bolstering the nation’s borders to prevent epidemics and enhancing domestic prevention of outbreaks.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, in coordination with the Customs Administration, would soon require inbound travelers to undergo animal and plant quarantine inspection, Shih said.

Previously, travelers from countries with high risk of ASF were handed a “red card” before passing immigration and had to have their carry-on luggage X-rayed for pork products.

Travelers from countries that were not at risk of ASF were handed a “green card” and allowed to go straight through to immigration.

All incoming parcels are also subject to X-ray screening or manual inspections by the Customs Administration, Shih said, adding that X-ray screening is to be expanded.

The Food and Drug Administration is to continue inspecting vendors who sell meat products and supermarkets, including shops with Southeast Asian goods, he said.

As of this month, 35,000 inspections have been carried out and no ASF was detected in illegally imported meat products, he added.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency is also coordinating with the Customs Administration and the Coast Guard Administration to inspect inbound travelers, cargo containers, express parcels and coastal fishing vessels, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

The agencies have implemented strict procedures for the disposal of kitchen waste from international flights and cruise ships, it added.

In other news, the Executive Yuan yesterday announced subsidies for pig farmers and other pork-related businesses affected by controls put in place due to the ASF outbreak.

The program aims to counter the effects of a 15-day ban on transporting and slaughtering pigs, as well as pig feed controls.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said that the ban greatly impacted pig farmers and pork-related industries.

Subsidy applications are expected to open on Monday next week, the Cabinet said.

The subsidies for pig farmers available would be as follows: NT$810 per pig for additional costs resulting from the slaughter ban, NT$300 per pig to cover the difference in feed cost due to the ban on using kitchen waste and NT$2,500 per pig if sows die due to overcrowding due to the transport ban.

Fuel subsidies for 434 hog farms certified to use food waste as feed would also be available, starting at NT$8,000 for farms with 200 to 500 pigs and up to NT$18,000 for those with more than 2,000 pigs.

Pig wholesalers are entitled to a subsidy of NT$15,000 for operation suspension losses, slaughterhouses could get NT$280 per pig affected by the slaughter ban and meat sellers could receive NT$30,000 for income losses.

Those who voluntarily report cases of ASF would also receive NT$5,000 per report, the agriculture ministry said.

Financial support for the hog industry would also be available, with interest rates for six months capped at 1 percent for first-time borrowers, it said.

Repeat borrowers could apply for a six-month deferral for their payments, during which the government would subsidize up to 1 percent of the interest rate, the ministry said.

Each borrower could receive up to NT$6 million in loans, and would not have to pay guarantee fees during the subsidy period, it added.

Additional reporting by Lin Chi-y


title: Lai discusses circular economy, green plans

content_text:
CRUCIAL: Added value created by the circular economy, renewable energy and energy efficiency showed that green growth drives national development, the president said

The circular economy roadmap for 2050 is to be unveiled next year at the earliest, with resilience corridors built to address various challenges, President William Lai (賴清德) said at the fifth National Climate Change Countermeasures Committee meeting yesterday.

Typhoons Danas and Ragasa caused catastrophes such as flooding and landslides in Taiwan this year, and abnormally high temperatures continued nationwide, he said.

Those are clear warnings that climate-related disasters would become more frequent and severe, Lai said.

President William Lai speaks at the fifth meeting of the National Climate Change Countermeasures Committee at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office

Extreme weather has become more frequent globally and is impacting the society and economy of almost every country, he said.

The international trade landscape is also restructuring drastically, with new tariff barriers and emerging green supply chain requirements posing challenges to Taiwan’s export-oriented economy, he added.

The pressure from climate and economic changes has caused unease in society and increased uncertainty about the future, Lai said, adding that the government has a clear attitude toward these issues and would back Taiwanese and the nation’s industries.

Taiwan must be consistent in its green transition, he said.

A more resilient Taiwan that can better adapt to climate change would be more prosperous and economically independent, Lai said.

The Ministry of Environment has unveiled the draft bill for its circular economy roadmap for 2050, with the official version to be announced next year at the earliest, Lai said, adding that the ministry is also working on amendments to resource circulation regulations.

The added value created by the domestic green technology sector surpassed NT$500 billion (US$16.3 billion) last year, accounting for 2 percent of GDP, he said.

Meanwhile, added value from the circular economy, energy efficiency and renewable energy systems accounted for 73 percent of the sector’s total added value, which showed that these fields are crucial and that green growth is a driving force for overall national development, Lai said.

That is the fruit of the government’s efforts in promoting circular economy and energy transition policies, he added.

The government would also encourage more net zero initiatives in society, Lai said.

The Ministry of the Interior’s goal would be to reduce carbon emissions of the residential and commercial sector by 35 percent by 2030, aiming to promote energy-saving housing, he said.

The Ministry of Environment would propose ways to meet net zero targets while lowering air pollution to ensure clean air and improve public health, he added.

The road to net zero would have many challenges, but Taiwan should not change direction due to temporary difficulties, Lai said.

The government would work with the private sector to bolster the nation’s ability to deal with disasters, he said, adding that it would also set up more comprehensive climate adaptation mechanisms and construct resilience corridors to tackle different challenges.

The committee has two new members: National Cheng Kung University architecture professor Lin Tzu-ping (林子平) and Executive Yuan Youth Advisory Committee member Lei Ya-chi (雷雅淇), who is also managing director of Science Media Center Taiwan.

Executive Yuan Secretary-General Xavier Chang (張惇涵) and Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) are the committee’s executive secretaries.


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New urgent care center, IVF policies to begin tomorrow

New policies from the Ministry of Health and Welfare are to go into effect tomorrow, including expanded subsidies for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), the creation of urgent care centers and the next phase of government-funded vaccinations.

Under the latest IVF program, women younger than 39 would be eligible for a maximum subsidy of NT$150,000 (US$4,884) for their first treatment, and NT$100,000 for their second and third attempts, the ministry said.

Women aged 39 to 45 could get a subsidy of up to NT$130,000 for their first treatment, and NT$80,000 for their second and third attempts, it said.

Those younger than 40 are eligible for a maximum subsidy of NT$60,000 during their fourth to sixth attempts, the ministry said.

Couples from low and lower-middle-income households could get a subsidy of up to NT$150,000 regardless of age or number of attempts, it added.

Women younger than 39 could have one embryo implanted, while those aged 39 to 45 may implant up to two embryos, it said, adding that the policy aims to protect the mother’s and the infant’s health.

The ministry said it is also introducing at-home care services to reduce hospital overcrowding, such as the Outpatient Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment Incentive Program, which would allow patients to receive antibiotic injections at home through portable infusion devices under a one-day payment scheme.

The program would also reduce the overuse of broad antibiotics and is expected to benefit about 10,000 people, it said, adding that it has allocated a NT$54 million budget.

Trial operations of an urgent care center program to reduce emergency room overcrowding is to begin tomorrow, the ministry said.

The National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) said 13 urgent care centers across six major cities would be open from 8am until midnight on Sundays and national holidays.

Medical appointment fees at the centers would initially be NT$150 per visit, it said, adding that the centers are designed to care for people in need of urgent but noncritical care, or triage levels 3 to 5.

Patients with more critical or complex needs, or under triage levels 1 or 2, would be fast-tracked to larger hospitals, the NHIA said.

The centers would be staffed with general practitioners from primary care clinics and would have basic equipment, such as X-ray machines, delivery kits, suture kits and defibrillators, it said.

The NHIA said it expects to treat 36,000 people per year, adding that an estimated NT$280 million budget has been allocated for the centers until next year.

The ministry said the second phase of government-funded COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations is to begin tomorrow, and would be available to people aged 50 to 64 who do not have high-risk chronic conditions.

The expanded criteria for doctors to prescribe influenza antiviral medicines, which was due to end today, would be extended to Nov. 15, it added.


title: Elderly driver gets 14 months for negligent homicide

content_text:
An unlicensed elderly driver who struck and killed two elementary-school children in central Taiwan last year has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for negligent homicide.

A verdict released by the Changhua District Court yesterday said that the judge handed down the sentence to the 74-year-old driver, surnamed Hsiao (蕭), who showed no remorse for driving without a license and failed to reach a settlement with the victims’ family.

The ruling can be appealed.

A vehicle involved in a fatal accident in Changhua County’s Shengang Township is pictured on Feb. 22 last year. Photo courtesy of a reader

The incident occurred in the county’s Shengang Township (伸港) at 6:21pm on Feb. 22 last year, when Hsiao’s SUV was traveling at 77kph as three Chen siblings — two sisters and a brother — were crossing an intersection on a crosswalk while the pedestrian light was red.

The two sisters, who were in third and fourth grade, initially stopped breathing at the scene, but were resuscitated by emergency personnel.

They remained in critical condition and died in September and October of the same year.

Police ruled out the possibility of the motorist driving under the influence.

During the trial, Hsiao said that he was not at fault, as he did not exceed the speed limit and the traffic light was green.

However, Taiwanese law requires that drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks regardless of the traffic light.

The children’s grandfather told reporters he planned to appeal the ruling, calling it “unfair.”

The Changhua District Prosecutors’ Office said it would decide whether to appeal after receiving the verdict, and that the family’s views would be taken into consideration.


content_text: A Third Prince deity, centenarians and children dance together in front of Taipei Railway Station yesterday at an event organized by the Huashan Social Welfare Foundation urging people to care for the elderly.

title: Caring for elders


title: Warm up

content_text: Groups invited to perform at this year’s Taipei Hot Spring Festival — including a “taiko” drum troupe from Okinawa, Japan — pose at an event in the city yesterday to promote the festival, which is ongoing near Xinbeitou MRT Station until Monday.


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FRAGILE TRUCE:  A talk between the two leaders was ‘amazing,’ Trump crowed, but China’s concessions were minor walk backs of recent trade war-motivated policies

US President Donald Trump hailed a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) as “amazing” and a “12” on a 10-point scale, but the agreement the two leaders reached appears to be no more than a fragile truce in a trade war with root causes still unresolved.The framework announced yesterday — that includes China resuming soybean purchases, suspending its rare earths export curbs for a year, and the US lowering tariffs on China by 10 percent — broadly rewinds ties to the status that existed before Trump’s “Liberation Day” offensive triggered mutual escalation.

The deal exposes the fundamental mismatch between what Washington wants and what Beijing is willing to offer. Absent from the talks were the big issues cited by Trump as he launched his tariffs in April — China’s industrial policies, manufacturing overcapacity and its export-led growth model.

“So what are we talking about? We are talking about de-escalation of the measures that both sides have taken since the start of the Trump administration in this kind of escalating trade war,” said Emily Kilcrease, director at the Center for a New American Security.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media on board Air Force One en route to the U.S., October 30, 2025. Photo: Reuters

The outcome underscores the robustness of Xi’s new approach to dealing with the US, which relies on a broad toolbox of measures like export controls, swiftly deployed in response to each move by the Trump administration.

An official briefed on the deliberations said the Chinese had a realistic set of expectations for this encounter — and those did not include a fundamental reset of two-way ties. Chinese officials were happy with Trump’s tone entering and his framing of the meeting as a “G2,” said the official, who declined to be named or further identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

China sees this as a stepping stone to a bigger meeting where they can stabilize the relationship, the official added.

Given the long-simmering tensions, the very fact that both leaders had a warm meeting — and agreed to two follow-up visits next year — offers rattled multinational corporations caught in the middle a much needed reprieve, analysts said.

Trump said tariffs on Chinese imports would be cut to 47 percent from about 57 percent by halving the rate of levies related to trade in fentanyl precursor chemicals to 10 percent from 20 percent.

The deal buys both sides maneuvering room: Trump gets a win before his planned visit to Beijing next year, Xi gets relief from elevated US tariffs that have put pressure on Chinese manufacturers.

Even this tactical victory is incomplete. China’s latest rare earths licensing curbs are delayed, not dismantled, but earlier restrictions on the critical minerals that have upended global trade remain, leaving US factories facing uncertainty in sourcing critical materials.

“I think that what we’ve seen this year has been a more or less total vindication of China’s strategy of never striking first, but always striking back,” said Joe Mazur, geopolitics analyst at Trivium China, a consultancy.

“It’s very clear that rare earths is the primary piece of leverage, the ace in the hole that China is able to wield over the US — it doesn’t look like the US has any comparable leverage or any way of breaking the stranglehold for the time being,” he said

The agreement highlights how dramatically the relationship between the world’s two biggest economies has deteriorated since Trump’s first term, when negotiators produced a comprehensive 96-page document covering intellectual property, banking and agriculture.

title: Trump touts success in talks with Xi


content_text:
The agenda of the one hour and 40 minutes meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping appears not to have touched on some perennial problems such as tensions over the self-governed island of Taiwan.

But Trump said China had agreed to buy large quantities of American farm products and to ensure steady supplies of rare earths elements used in many industries. Here are some of the key takeaways from the meeting.

Rolling back tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump, first right, accompanied by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, attends a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, first left, accompanied by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at Gimhae International Airport, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Trump told reporters that he had agreed to cut to 10% his 20% tariff increase imposed over China’s role in producing fentanyl and chemicals used to make it. China confirmed that will take average tariffs on Chinese goods the U.S. imports to 47% from 57%.

Other tariff increases remain in place, but for now, the two sides have extended a truce on even steeper tariff increases that began in May when Trump and Xi agreed to pause those to allow time to work on a framework for resolving trade tensions.

Trump said that he would go to China in April and Xi would come to the U.S. “some time after that.”

Sales of computer chips to China

China will speak with Silicon Valley chipmaker Nvidia about purchasing their computer chips. That won’t include its next-generation Blackwell AI chip, Trump said, “but a lot of the chips.”

U.S. soybeans and other farm exports

Trump said the Chinese side has committed to buying “a tremendous amount” of American soybeans, sorghum and other farm products.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said China has agreed to buy 12 million metric tons of American soybeans during the current season and to buying 25 million tons annually for the next three years.

Rare earths, port fees and U.S energy sales

Trump said China had agreed not to tighten restrictions on exports of rare earths and the technology and equipment used to process them. Trump earlier had threatened a 100% import tax because of China’s rare earth restrictions.

“Xi had agreed to a one-year reprieve on the curbs that is likely to be “routinely extended.” “All of the rare earth has been settled, and that’s for the world,” Trump said.

China and the U.S. likewise said they would not impose higher port fees on each others vessels. Trump also said China had agreed to begin purchasing oil and gas from Alaska.

No TikTok deal yet

Beijing said it will work with the Trump administration to resolve issues related to TokTok’s ownership.

Ukraine

The U.S. and China will “work together” on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, Trump said, adding, “Ukraine came up very strongly, we talked about it for a long time.”

China’s take on the meeting

According to Chinese state media, stressing that dialogue is better than confrontation, Xi listed a range of issues where China and the U.S. could work together, including combating illegal immigration and telecom fraud, anti-money laundering efforts, artificial intelligence and handling infectious diseases.

title: Takeaways from Trump’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi


title: ASE continues profitable streak

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Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Technology Holding Co (ASE, 日月光投控), the world’s biggest chip assembly and testing service provider, yesterday said consolidated revenue this year would grow more than 20 percent annually, attributing strong customer demand from artificial intelligence(AI)-related applications and a broad recovery in non-AI sectors.

The Kaohsiung-based company made the comments after reporting the strongest quarterly net profits in 11 quarters. Net profits last quarter surged 45 percent sequentially to NT$10.87 billion (US$354 million) from NT$7.52 billion. That represented annual growth of 12 percent from NT$9.73 billion. Earnings per share rose to NT$2.5 last quarter from NT$1.74 a quarter earlier and NT$2.25 a year earlier.

The overall environment appears to be strengthening for the company and the upward seasonality during the third quarter has been the strongest since the COVID-19 pandemic, ASE said.

ASE Technology Holdings Co’s logo is pictured in Kaohsiung on Sept. 25. Photo: CNA

“For the full year, for the chip assembly and test manufacturing business, we’re seeing better than expected momentum of mainstream business given the continuing recovery of the general market. While on leading edge revenue, we are on track to reach the US$1.6 billion mark as planned,” chief financial officer Joseph Tung told investors during a virtual investor conference.

“We continue to see very strong momentum, and we are very, very confident that we will gain another over-a-billion-dollar kind of revenue increase for 2026 in this space,” Tung said.

ASE plans to further increase its machinery capital expenditures by several hundred million dollars in expanding advanced wafer probing and final test capacity to meet customers requests and to support continuing business momentum into next year, Tung said.

That could raise the company’s manufacturing equipment expenditures this year to top US$6 billion, an all-time high.

“I think AI or high performance computing is really the momentum and is here to stay,” Tung said. “We’re not going to be shy about making the necessary investment to not just secure our dominant position in this space, but also to expand that dominance against our competitors and to fully support our customers’ needs in terms of margin and return.”

The company expects the additional capital investment to generate meaningful revenue in the later part of next year when those capacities are utilized for next-generation AI chips, Tung said.

When asked about ASE’s US investment strategy as customer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) commits to building multiple chip manufacturing facilities there, Tung said it has not decided to make further investment yet.

Any decision would only be made when the investment makes economic sense, he said.

“It is about the overall infrastructure which can support that kind of a business at a reasonable cost structure, and even with some premium pricing,” Tung said.

TSMC has selected Amkor Technology Inc as its chip packaging and testing service provider in the US.

Looking ahead, ASE expects consolidated revenue this quarter to rise 1 to 2 percent sequentially from NT$168.57 billion. The assembly and test manufacturing business would grow faster, 3 to 5 percent quarterly, the company said. Electronics manufacturing business would see a flat revenue on a quarterly basis, or a mild decline, ASE said.

Gross margin would climb by 0.7 percentage points to 1 percentage point this quarter, from 17.1 percent last quarter. Gross margin improvement would be even larger at between 1 percentage point and 1.5 percentage points, compared with 22.6 percent last quarter, ASE said.


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HOPES DASHED:  Attempts to turn around the chipmaker’s losing streak were hampered by exhange rates, low factory usage, excessive inventory

The stock price of Macronix International Co (旺宏) yesterday took a nosedive after the memory chipmaker reported its ninth consecutive quarter of losses, dashing the company’s hopes of a turnaround amid a robust recovery in the memorychip industry.

The stock price tumbled by 10 percent, the daily limit, to NT$34.65 yesterday, ending a four-day winning streak and underperforming the TAIEX’s 0.03 percent decline.

Macronix, the world’s biggest supplier of NOR flash memory chips, said its losses narrowed to NT$862 million (US$28.06 million) during the quarter ending Sept. 30 from last quarter’s NT$1.28 billion. However, on an annual basis losses widened from NT$296 million.

Macronix International Co chairman Miin Wu is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo: Grace Hung, Taipei Times

That translated into losses of NT$0.47 last quarter, compared with losses per share of NT$0.69 in the prior quarter and NT$0.16 in the same period last year.

“Personally, I am very disappointed about the company’s third-quarter financial results. That significantly fell short of our expectations,” Macronix chairman Miin Wu (吳敏求) told investors on Wednesday.

“I had thought we would have at least been able to eke out a profit in any one month of the third quarter, but we did not make it,” he said.

Wu apologized for the disappointing financial performance and said he would focus on turning around the company within the upcoming year.

He said he would focus on improving the operations of Macronix’s factories and reducing capacity idleness, as well as beefing up digestion of excessive inventories.

As Samsung Electronics Co has exited the low-density embedded multimediacard (eMMC) NAND flash memory chip market and caused supply constraints, Macronix has a good chance to fill the void left in its wake, Wu said, adding that he believes the memory chip market is full of growth potential in the next year or two.

“The current market changes are in favor of us,” Wu said.

Macronix aims to bring its gross margin back to 40 percent in the long term, just as in the past, he said.

Gross margin last quarter weakened to 13.5 percent from 15.6 percent in the second quarter and 28.9 percent in the third quarter last year, company data showed.

Macronix said unfavorable foreign exchange rates were behind the lower margin, along with lower factory usage and excessive inventory.

Revenue rose 21 percent sequentially, or 6 percent annually, to NT$8.21 billion last quarter from NT$6.8 billion.

The NOR flash memory chips accounted for 52 percent, with revenue shrinking 6 percent sequentially last quarter.

The read-only memory chips, primarily used in Nintendo Co’s Switch consoles, made up 26 percent.

The NAND flash memory chips, including eMMC NAND flash memory chips, made up 16 percent of the company’s total revenue last quarter, after surging 44 percent quarter-on-quarter.

title: Macronix posts 9th losing quarter


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Power supply and electronic components maker Delta Electronics Co (台達電) yesterday said it is optimistic about its revenue outlook this quarter, as major US hyperscalers continue to increase capital expenditure in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, boosting demand for the company’s power supply and heat dissipation products.

The revenue outlook for the first quarter of next year is also positive, Delta Electronics chairman Ping Cheng (鄭平) told an investor conference in Taipei yesterday.

The company’s forecast is based on the consumption that hyperscalers would not slow down AI data investment in the short term.

Delta Electronics Co chairman Ping Cheng attends the company’s investor conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo courtesy of Delta Electronics Co

Delta expects power supply unit shipments to grow quarterly this quarter, particularly those used in AI-related products.

Gross margin is expected to remain stable this quarter, thanks to improving product portfolios, the company said.

Delta on Wednesday reported record-high net profit for last quarter. Net profit last quarter rose 33.3 percent from a quarter earlier and 50.7 percent from a year earlier to NT$18.61 billion (US$605.9 million).

Earnings per share increased to NT$7.16, compared with NT$5.37 in the previous quarter and NT$4.75 a year earlier.

Gross margin fell to 34.87 percent last quarter from 35.5 percent in the second quarter, due to a broader product portfolio, as well as inventory and unfavorable exchange rates, Delta said.

Operating margin improved to 16.5 percent last quarter from 15.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Third-quarter revenue rose 21.1 percent quarter-on-quarter and 33.9 percent year-on-year to NT$150.32 billion.

During the first nine months, AI-related power supply units accounted for 23 percent of the company’s revenue, surpassing the 20 percent share estimated by the company earlier.

To mitigate capacity tightness, Delta said three new plants in Thailand would start operations by the end of this year.

Delta plans to spend NT$40 billion on new equipment and facilities this year, and plans to spend a similar amount next year.

title: Delta optimistic about revenue on AI investment


title: Central bank cautions against private stablecoins

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The central bank yesterday cautioned that privately issued stablecoins could divert deposits from commercial banks and weaken monetary policy, even as it acknowledged the tokens’ potential role in broader payment and financial innovation.

However, digital tokens are not expected to be widely used for day-to-day payments in Taiwan in the near term, central bank Deputy Governor Chu Mei-lie (朱美麗) told a meeting of the legislature’s Finance Committee.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies designed to maintain a stable value, usually by pegging their price to a fiat currency.

The central bank is pictured in Taipei in an undated photograph. Photo: Chen Mei-ying, Taipei Times

If private stablecoins were legalized, issuers would be required to maintain reserves akin to electronic payment operators, including demand-deposit reserves and high-quality liquid assets, such as government bonds, at levels equal to or exceeding the value of tokens in circulation, Chu said.

Lawmakers raised concerns that allowing private entities to issue money-like instruments could pose risks to financial stability and erode the central bank’s control over money supply.

Chu said that funds could migrate from traditional bank deposits to stablecoin issuers, potentially weakening banks’ funding bases.

The broader monetary impact would depend on how the issuers deploy their funds — whether they remain within the banking system or are invested in bonds, securities or other financial assets, she added.

“Stablecoins could influence inflation, interest rates and the effectiveness of monetary policy,” Chu said.

The rise of private digital currency also raises concerns about monetary sovereignty, liquidity management and the central bank’s ability to steer the economy through conventional policy tools.

Taiwan is finalizing rules to regulate virtual-asset platforms and stablecoin issuers, reflecting a global push to tighten oversight of cryptocurrencies following high-profile token failures and instances of market volatility.

The US Congress enacted the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act, creating a federal framework for stablecoin regulation.

The Financial Supervisory Commission has indicated that existing banks should be the primary issuers of stablecoins, rather than leaving it to unregulated entities.

Cathay United Bank (國泰世華銀行), the lending arm of Cathay Financial Holding Co (國泰金控), said it is exploring the issuance of stablecoins, but emphasized that tokens must be interoperable across financial institutions to provide meaningful utility.

Major payment networks including Visa and Mastercard have already adopted stablecoin payments, bringing the digital tokens closer to being directly exchangeable with traditional currencies.

The developments highlight the rising significance of stablecoins in global finance, even as their domestic adoption in Taiwan is still being considered, the bank said.


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Fed lowers rates, but Powell suggests move may be the last of 2025

A policy divide within the US central bank and a lack of federal government data might put another interest rate cut out of reach this year, US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday, as he acknowledged the threats that officials see to the job market, but also the risky nature of making further rate moves without a fuller picture of the economy.

The Fed on Wednesday cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, as expected, as a way to temper any further weakening of the job market. However, the central bank’s new policy statement included several references to the lack of official data during a federal government shutdown, and Powell told reporters later that policymakers are likely to become more cautious if it deprives them of further job and inflation reports.

“We’re going to collect every scrap of data we can find, evaluate it and think carefully about it. And that’s our job,” Powell told a news conference after a two-day policy meeting, as he ticked off private data the Fed can use, along with its own in-house surveys of business executives and less formal interviews with a range of contacts around the country.

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell holds a press conference after the Fed cut interest rates by quarter of a percentage point, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 29, 2025. Photo: Reuters

“If you asked me could it affect ... the December meeting, I’m not saying it’s going to, but yeah, you could imagine that. You know, what do you do if you’re driving in the fog? You slow down,” he said.

His comments show the developing dilemma for the Fed as a budget dispute between US President Donald Trump and Democrats in the US Congress extends into a second month, with the government unable to carry out surveys and produce reports that are key to central bankers’ policy decisions — in this case possibly delaying rate cuts that Trump himself wants.

Beyond the data issues, Powell said there were “strongly differing views” among his Fed colleagues about the appropriate path for monetary policy moving forward, with “a growing chorus now ... feeling like maybe this is where we should at least wait a cycle” before cutting rates again.

“Powell explicitly signaled a break between this and future meetings,” as he manages a policy-setting committee that agreed to consecutive rate cuts last month and this month, even as many of its members remain concerned that inflation is expected to rise through the remainder of this year, said Michael Pearce, deputy chief US economist at Oxford Economics.

Powell still called the Fed’s 10 to two vote in favor of lowering the benchmark interest rate to the 3.75 percent to 4 percent range a “solid” endorsement of easing policy to help support a gradually cooling labor market.

However, “there were strongly differing views about how to proceed in December,” Powell said, an unusually blunt comment about an upcoming meeting, something Fed chiefs usually shy away from.

“A further reduction in the policy rate at the December meeting is not a foregone conclusion. Far from it, policy is not on a preset course,” he said.

Powell said his own view is that the current policy rate remains “modestly restrictive” and is still putting some downward pressure on inflation.

“I think it would not be appropriate to just ignore or assume away the inflation issue; at the same time I think the risk of higher, more persistent inflation has declined significantly since April,” Powell said, adding that the Fed would resume its rate cuts at some point.

“I think we are trying to get to the end of this cycle with the labor market in a good place and with inflation on its way to 2 percent or at 2 percent.”


title: Antiquities trade

content_text: An Egyptian vendor sells souvenirs at the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, in Giza, Egypt yesterday, before the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum tomorrow.


title: EDITORIAL: If you want peace, prepare for war

people: 梁文傑 鄭麗文 賴清德

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A large majority of Taiwanese favor strengthening national defense and oppose unification with China, according to the results of a survey by the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC).

In the poll, 81.8 percent of respondents disagreed with Beijing’s claim that “there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China,” MAC Deputy Minister Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) told a news conference on Thursday last week, adding that about 75 percent supported the creation of a “T-Dome” air defense system.

President William Lai (賴清德) referred to such a system in his Double Ten National Day address, saying it would integrate air defenses into a more efficient network.

The survey also found that nearly 80 percent of respondents believe that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other and support the government’s crackdown on public servants who obtain Chinese identification documents.

Unlike polls conducted by partisan think tanks, one commissioned by the MAC should, in principle, be politically neutral. However, the sample size — about 1,000 respondents — is relatively small, and it is unclear whether their political affiliations or attitudes toward cross-strait relations are representative of the broader public. However, if the results could be viewed as broadly indicative, Taiwanese across party lines appear to support increased defense spending and reject unification with China.

This sentiment could reassure those concerned about the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) election of Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) as party chair. The KMT holds a legislative majority, and Cheng has said she does not support raising defense spending to 5 percent of GDP — a target proposed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Her stance has sparked concerns that Taiwan might not be prepared to defend itself in the face of growing Chinese military pressure.

If KMT supporters share the public’s apparent belief in the need for stronger defense, Cheng might eventually soften her position or engage in dialogue with the DPP on defense funding.

However, Cheng has also expressed skepticism toward what she calls “overreliance” on the US, saying she opposes spending heavily on US-made weapons. This presents another challenge, as part of the proposed T-Dome architecture would rely on US systems.

Greater self-reliance in defense production is a worthy goal, and Taiwan could pursue it by investing more into local weapons development. At the same time, procurement of foreign arms should emphasize cost-effective, asymmetric capabilities that maximize deterrence at lower cost.

Naturally, Taiwan should continue to strengthen defense cooperation with the US, Japan and other friendly democracies. However, partnerships should focus on joint training, intelligence sharing and interoperability, while maintaining a domestic defense base that can sustain itself in wartime.

Washington has repeatedly called for Taipei’s participation in joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, and Taiwan should seek to join them. Meanwhile, it must stockpile precision missiles, drones and critical munitions to prepare for possible conflict scenarios.

Another step is ensuring communications resilience. Taiwan should invest in secure communications systems capable of linking its forces with those in Japan and the Philippines, given Beijing’s track record of damaging undersea cables. In the event that China disrupts Taiwan’s access to global networks, the government should be able to receive information through secure satellite channels and relay it domestically.

Most Taiwanese oppose subjugation by Beijing. That sentiment must translate into policy. The KMT and DPP should put aside politics and focus on turning Taiwan into an unassailable fortress — one that deters aggression through readiness, resilience and unity.

Friendly relations with China are desirable, but peace cannot depend on goodwill alone. As the ancient adage reminds us: If you want peace, prepare for war.


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As Asia enters a phase of geopolitical transition, the Taiwan-Indonesia relationship warrants greater strategic consideration. The two societies are significantly interconnected beyond what their lack of formal diplomatic relations might imply. Economic exchanges, educational cooperation and human mobility have quietly established a robust foundation for engagement. Nonetheless, this connection remains under the radar, pragmatic, cautious, yet full of potential. In a region increasingly characterized by competition among major powers, Taiwan and Indonesia exemplify moderation and adaptability. Their relationship embodies a form of regional diplomacy that is understated, but consistent; informal yet effective. It is based on the shared understanding that stability in the Indo-Pacific region would depend less on grand alliances and more on practical cooperation among middle and emerging-power states.

Indonesia’s foreign policy under Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto continues a long-standing tradition of strategic autonomy. Jakarta maintains an independent posture toward Washington and Beijing, while deepening ties with regional partners that respect its sovereignty. This balance leaves space for cooperation with Taiwan, especially in areas of education, technology, labor and innovation, all fields where Taipei could contribute without creating political friction.

Taiwan, for its part, has shown through its New Southbound Policy that engagement with Southeast Asia could be pragmatic and visionary. Among ASEAN members, Indonesia occupies a central position. It is the region’s largest economy, a key manufacturing base and a demographic powerhouse. Over the past decade, Taiwan and Indonesia have strengthened their economic and educational ties, and trade volumes are expanding, Taiwanese investment in the digital and manufacturing sectors is growing, and more than 10,000 Indonesian students now study at Taiwanese universities.

Equally important is the human dimension. About 270,000 Indonesian workers are employed in Taiwan, contributing to essential sectors such as care, fisheries and small-scale industry. Managed responsibly, this connection could become a pillar of long-term trust between Jakarta and Taipei. The relationship, in other words, already exists beyond official diplomacy; it only needs recognition and structure. A further element that adds complexity and promise to the partnership is maritime geography.

Both Indonesia and Taiwan occupy strategic positions along vital sea lanes. Cooperation in maritime safety, port connectivity and sustainable fisheries could serve as a new platform for engagement. These initiatives would not only improve economic resilience, but also support regional security in a nonconfrontational way. Taiwan’s experience in digital monitoring, marine research and coastal management could complement Indonesia’s vast maritime ambitions under its Global Maritime Fulcrum doctrine.

Cooperation with Jakarta enables Taiwan to maintain engagement within the broader ASEAN framework while respecting regional sensitivities. Additionally, this partnership aligns with Indonesia’s aspiration to establish an inclusive Indo-Pacific order, devoid of hegemony by a single power. Taiwan’s capabilities in education, technology and sustainable industries align with Indonesia’s requirements for skill development and innovation. Collaborative efforts in digital governance, renewable energy and maritime logistics could solidify the relationship around shared priorities rather than formal diplomatic engagements. Such discreet and consistent cooperation would contribute directly to ASEAN’s objectives of connectivity and resilience, areas where Taiwan’s expertise offers distinct value.

This partnership could also evolve into a platform for triangular cooperation. Taiwan and Indonesia could work jointly in capacity-building programs for other ASEAN countries, particularly in green technology and public administration. By doing so, they would position themselves as cocreators of regional solutions rather than competitors. This would also reinforce ASEAN’s own centrality by demonstrating that regional cooperation can emerge organically from shared interests, not just from formal institutions.

Indonesia and Taiwan have constructed their regional outlooks on the principle of moderation. Neither country seeks confrontation; both favor adaptability and pragmatic dialogue. This shared disposition affords their partnership a stability that is uncommon in an era characterized by polarization. As major powers vie for influence, the capacity of middle-tier states and societies to cooperate calmly and unobtrusively becomes a vital component of regional security.

Institutionalizing this cooperation should be prioritized. Regular consultations on labor, vocational education and maritime development could foster predictability and transparency. Expanding academic partnerships would deepen mutual understanding among their peoples and establish a sustainable foundation for future leaders. Both sides could also explore a more structured economic dialogue, perhaps in the form of a Taiwan-Indonesia business and innovation forum, designed to connect industries and policymakers in an ongoing exchange of expertise.

Indonesia and Taiwan already share a vision of an Asia that values autonomy, development and dignity. Their discreet partnership serves as a reminder that diplomacy need not always be overt to be effective. In a region riddled with tensions and ambitions, the most resilient connections are often those cultivated patiently, with respect and consistency. In many ways, Taiwan and Indonesia are quietly proving that regional order can also be built from below, through trust, moderation and shared purpose, rather than through power alone.

Aniello Iannone is a lecturer in Indonesian and Southeast Asian politics at the Department of Political Science and Government at Diponegoro University in Indonesia. His research focuses on ASEAN regionalism, Indonesian politics and the international political economy of Southeast Asia.

title: Partners in a shifting Indo-Pacific