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The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as the epicenter of geopolitical contestation, where great and middle powers test their strategies. Among these, Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy (NSP) and South Korea’s New Southern Policy-plus are key frameworks that illustrate how smaller and middle powers adapt to a region shaped by China’s rise.

From a southern perspective, particularly that of Indonesia and the rest of ASEAN, the policies can be conceptualized as two strands of a southern helix: Taiwan’s bottom-up and resilient approach, intertwined with South Korea’s visible and institutional engagement. Together, they expand Southeast Asia’s policy space and reaffirm its agency in navigating the South China Sea.

Taiwan’s NSP, launched in 2016 under the leadership of then-president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), was designed to offset diplomatic isolation by deepening ties with South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand. It emphasizes six corridors: technology, health, resilience, think tanks, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and young people. For Indonesia, Taiwan’s role as a top 10 source of foreign direct investment is crucial, particularly in the electronics, petrochemicals and manufacturing sectors.

Beyond investment, the NSP’s real value lies in scholarships, linkages with small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), and vocational training. Cooperation flows through academia and NGOs rather than formal diplomacy, thereby avoiding Beijing’s retaliation and preserving an informal yet resilient channel of engagement.

This mode of engagement might appear quiet, but it is precisely its low profile that makes it sustainable. The impact of Taiwan’s NSP is subtle, but significant, nurturing social capital, diversifying investment and reducing dependence on China. It is the hidden strand of the helix: quiet, informal and resilient.

The approach highlights how soft power and grassroots engagement can foster long-term resilience, even under political constraints, thereby providing ASEAN with continuity even when high-level diplomacy falters.

South Korea’s NSP, introduced in 2017 by then-South Korean president Moon Jae-in, aimed to diversify Seoul’s foreign policy after the crisis over US involvement in a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile installation and reduce reliance on China. Structured around the pillars of people, prosperity and peace, the policy was upgraded to New Southbound Policy Plus (NSP+) with a greater emphasis on health, digital economy and the environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike Taiwan’s informal approach, South Korea’s policy operates through structured state-to-state cooperation. Indonesia has benefited from South Korea’s prominent projects. A Hyundai electric vehicle plant in Bekasi symbolizes industrial modernization, while defense cooperation on the KF-21 warplane project reflects deeper strategic ties.

South Korea has also invested in smart city development for Ibu Kota Nusantara. These initiatives generate jobs, enhance technology transfer and embed Indonesia within regional supply chains. For ASEAN, South Korea’s policy institutionalizes engagement through summits, free-trade agreements — including the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership — reinforcing ASEAN’s role in the Indo-Pacific order.

South Korea’s policy represents the outward spiral of the helix: visible, formal and structural. It situates ASEAN not only as an economic partner, but as a strategic player, signaling Seoul’s commitment to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia and the rest of ASEAN face the dilemma of managing economic dependence on China while protecting sovereignty in the South China Sea. Chinese incursions near the Natuna Sea highlight the stakes.

Taiwan’s NSP indirectly supports resilience by offering maritime domain awareness training, fisheries management cooperation and technology transfer under civilian cover.

South Korea’s policy can deliver patrol vessels, digital surveillance and port resilience projects shaped as economic or environmental initiatives.

ASEAN’s cautious consensus limits collective action, so external engagement must strengthen unity rather than fragment it. Taiwan’s informal, bottom-up approach and South Korea’s structured, top-down engagement can be complementary if balanced carefully. Together, they provide ASEAN with the tools to reinforce resilience without escalating confrontation.

The contrast between Taiwan’s and South Korea’s policies creates a dual track for Indonesia. Taiwan strengthens the foundations of societal resilience, while South Korea offers industrial and strategic visibility. The duality gives Indonesia policy flexibility: It can engage both strands of the helix without being bound to one great-power orbit. Taiwan operates as the inner spiral, quiet and enduring, while South Korea functions as the outer spiral, visible and transformative.

The metaphor of the helix is especially apt, as both strands are distinct, yet inseparable, generating a combined force that enhances Indonesia’s government as it manages external pressures.

For ASEAN, the southern helix metaphor captures the interplay of these two approaches. Taiwan contributes bottom-up resilience through education, SMEs and civil society, while South Korea institutionalizes ASEAN’s strategic role in formal frameworks. Together, they reinforce ASEAN’s capacity to act as more than a passive arena of great-power rivalry.

Taiwan ensures that ASEAN can document and monitor maritime activities, while South Korea gives members the state-level platforms to amplify their concerns. In combination, the approaches transform ASEAN into an active site of middle-power experimentation, where alternative strategies to manage China’s rise can be tested without undermining ASEAN unity.

The southern helix is not without risks. Chinese pushback remains a serious concern, ranging from economic retaliation to diplomatic isolation. ASEAN cohesion could fracture if member states prioritize bilateral deals with China over collective resilience. Taiwan’s informal channels limit scalability, while South Korea’s formal frameworks risk reducing ASEAN’s flexibility. Yet, these risks can be mitigated by framing cooperation in non-military terms, such as disaster relief or environmental protection, and anchoring initiatives in ASEAN-centered mechanisms. By doing so, Indonesia and ASEAN can extract maximum benefit while minimizing escalation.

Framing cooperation as inclusive and developmental helps preserve ASEAN centrality while strengthening its negotiating leverage in the South China Sea.

Taiwan’s and South Korea’s policies reflect two complementary strands of a southern helix. Taiwan’s approach prioritizes human capital and civil society through subtle, bottom-up engagement. South Korea’s approach delivers industrial modernization and strategic partnerships through visible, institutional channels. For Indonesia, the duality provides resilience and transformation, and for ASEAN, it demonstrates that the region is not merely a passive recipient, but an active laboratory of middle-power strategies.

In navigating the South China Sea and broader shifts in the Indo-Pacific region, the helix metaphor underlines how Southeast Asia can weave together the strengths of Taiwan and South Korea. By doing so, ASEAN affirms its agency and secures a more balanced and autonomous future, proving that the region can shape its own trajectory in an era of great-power competition.

Darynaufal Mulyaman is an international relations lecturer at the Christian University of Indonesia, focusing on international political economy and area studies.

title: Taipei’s and Seoul’s south policies


companies: Google Apple

title: Why green energy transition matters

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In last year’s presidential election, the major blue, green and white political camps each put forward their visions for renewable energy. Across the board, they advocated for the share of renewable energy to reach 30 percent by 2030.

Local governments run by different parties have also been rolling out their own initiatives. In Taichung, where the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) enjoys a governing majority, solar power capacity is to be scaled up fivefold. Meanwhile, Kinmen County Commissioner Chen Fu-hai (陳福海) of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has overseen the installation of solar panels on the county’s Jinhu Reservoir (金湖水庫). These steps indicate that, regardless of political affiliation, the winds are blowing decisively in favor of renewable energy development.

However, some KMT and TPP politicians — despite being aware of the global consensus on the necessity of renewable energy — continue to spread misinformation, and seek to undermine solar and wind power policies in public debate.

Their pattern of revoking their previously offered support for renewables after getting elected is not only dishonest, but dragging out Taiwan’s energy transition.

Countries worldwide are accelerating investment in renewable energy to achieve net zero emissions targets. The EU, the US and Japan have their own expansion plans. The private sector is also responding: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) has pledged to achieve 100 percent renewable energy use by 2040 as part of the RE100 initiative, and international giants such as Apple and Google have already fully transitioned to green energy. The UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) has called for a tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Of course, renewable energy development is not without challenges. Land use disputes, environmental review processes, and grid stability issues are real and pertinent. However, they should be addressed through rational discussion, transparent governance and science-based decisionmaking rather than political mudslinging or misinformation. Overemphasizing specific cases to make sweeping claims about green energy equaling corruption or about solar panels being damaging to the environment are serious misrepresentations of the truth and can erode public trust.

Renewable energy should be understood not as a partisan issue, but the foundation of Taiwan’s international competitiveness. As global supply chains reorganize and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism comes into effect, green energy has become a prerequisite to enter international markets.

If Taiwan continues to descend into political infighting and conspiracy theories, it would miss its opportunity for industrial transition.

The government should, as a matter of priority, establish reasonable regulations and market mechanisms to ensure that renewable energy development balances environmental, industrial and local interests. Taiwan needs continued innovation from the private sector to improve efficiency and security, and a long-term vision and support from the public for a green transition. This is more than a decision on energy policy — it is make or break for whether Taiwan can secure its competitiveness in the emerging global green economy.

Lin Ren-bin is an academic member of the Taiwan Environmental Protection Union and an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at Chinese Culture University.

Translated by Gilda Knox Streader


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A Chinese diplomat’s violent threat against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi following her remarks on defending Taiwan marks a dangerous escalation in East Asian tensions, revealing Beijing’s growing intolerance for dissent and the fragility of regional diplomacy.Chinese Consul General in Osaka Xue Jian (薛劍) on Saturday posted a chilling message on X: “the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off,” in reference to Takaichi’s remark to Japanese lawmakers that an attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival.The post, which was later deleted, was not an isolated outburst. Xue has also amplified other incendiary messages, including one suggesting

By KhedroobThondup

title: EDITORIAL CARTOON


title: Amnesia is turning Asia’s tyrants into heroes

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Celebrating authoritarians is being sold as an attempt to reconcile with history, but it risks weakening government and societal stability

Indonesia’s decision to honor former president Suharto as a hero is a stark reminder that authoritarianism’s appeal endures in Southeast Asia. Enabled in part by a younger generation that might not fully grasp the dangers of autocratic rule, this collective amnesia threatens hard-won democratic gains.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto — Suharto’s former son-in-law — on Monday last week posthumously awarded him the title of National Hero, the country’s highest civilian honor. It is a recognition typically reserved for citizens who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation. Previous presidents, including Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Joko Widodo, had considered the move, but ultimately declined.

This willingness to whitewash history is reflective of a broader trend across the region.

The announcement provoked outrage from human rights groups, but perhaps more striking was the relatively muted public response. In a country famous for street protests, there were no mass demonstrations. That is a sharp contrast to the student-led uprising that brought down Suharto’s regime (known as Orde Baru, or New Order) in 1998, and the more recent Gen Z protests over a slowing economy and perks for politicians.

Suharto presided over more than three decades of military-backed rule, an era marked by rapid economic growth, but also corruption, cronyism and human rights abuses. His government, backed by a brutal army, controlled the press, and jailed or disappeared political opponents.

His rehabilitation today is remarkable.

“This is part of how we honor our predecessors — especially our leaders who, despite everything, made extraordinary contributions to the nation,” Indonesian Secretary of State Prasetyo Hadi said.

Indonesia has form when it comes to rewriting history. I grew up in Jakarta during the years of the dictatorship, and by then the historical sanitization was fully entrenched.

Suharto’s regime glossed over the 1965-1966 anti-communist massacres, framing them as killings committed by ordinary civilians, rather than the army. Restive provinces such as Papua and Aceh were depicted as rebellious, rather than victims of military suppression.

In that dominant narrative, Suharto was not dictator, but “Bapak Pembangunan,” the father of development. To be fair, he did bring about strong economic growth, but that was built on shaky foundations, corroded by nepotism and profiteering. By 1998, the Asian Financial Crisis exposed the fragility of the system, and his power collapsed, plunging the country into economic and political turmoil.

The ensuing chaos is one of the reasons many Indonesians view the Suharto era as a time of stability, despite its many problems. Citizens of all ages remember his era fondly, the authors of a study on authoritarian nostalgia released last year said. They might also be less likely to support democratic institutions.

Prabowo has tapped into that sentiment. A former special-forces commander accused of human rights abuses (allegations he denies), he recast himself during his presidential campaign as a cute and cuddly grandfather, an image that resonated with younger voters born after the dictatorship ended. Since taking office, Prabowo has shown flashes of the New Order style: centralizing power, sidelining critics and expanding the military’s role in public life.

There are more worrying signs. Earlier this year, the government said it would issue new textbooks to promote national pride, but that was postponed after backlash from historians who warned the books would likely omit key events, including those tied to Prabowo’s past, and downplay mass killings.

The phenomenon of authoritarian nostalgia is not isolated to Indonesia. In the Philippines, the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr has been whitewashed through a widespread campaign of social-media disinformation, paving the way for his son’s return to power in 2022.

A population too young to remember martial law has helped sustain the myth that those years were a golden age of peace and prosperity. Thailand’s recurring coups and Cambodia’s dynastic rule are sold as stability, not stagnation.

China’s model of smart authoritarianism is offering proof that economic growth and innovation without political freedom is possible. That has emboldened leaders in the global south and further afield who see democracy as inconvenient.

Civil society must push back before further ground is ceded. Teaching the darker chapters of history in schools and universities is essential. When young citizens do not know what dictatorship looks like, they become more vulnerable to its return.

The risk of that kind of nostalgia goes beyond politics. Authoritarian systems often go hand in hand with a lack of transparency. Suharto’s Indonesia should serve as a warning sign of how perceived stability can crumble overnight. Investors and policymakers alike should note that weak institutions and selective memory make for a volatile mix.

Indonesia’s decision to celebrate Suharto is being sold as an attempt to reconcile with history. It is not. It is a reminder that when nations forget their authoritarian pasts, they risk inviting them back.

Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China. Previously, she was the BBC’s lead Asia presenter and worked for the BBC across Asia and South Asia for two decades. Ruth Pollard is a Bloomberg Opinion managing editor. Previously, she was South and Southeast Asia government team leader at Bloomberg News and Middle East correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald. This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.


title: Chinese shoppers are choosing local luxury over LVMH

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By Daniela Wei, Shirley Zhao and Lulu Shen / Bloomberg

When Bernard Arnault, one of the world’s richest men and chairman of LVMH, dropped by Shanghai last month, many assumed his itinerary would be routine: check in on Louis Vuitton, Dior and the rest of his empire’s boutiques in China’s most prestigious malls. Instead, Arnault did something unexpected — he went shopping for Chinese brands.

At the new-age luxury shopping mall Qiantan Taikoo Li in Shanghai, Arnault stopped by Songmont, a minimalist leather goods label. There, he bought two handbags, said people familiar with the situation who asked not to be named discussing a private matter.

He also went to another high-end mall and wandered into Laopu Gold, a homegrown jeweler that opened a store a few doors down from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. He reportedly lingered for half an hour, muttering words such as “exquisite” and “interesting.”

It was a small gesture with big symbolism. Arnault, whose companies helped define modern luxury, was browsing in boutiques that might represent its next chapter, at least in China.

The anecdote reflects how China’s US$49 billion luxury market is changing fast. As the economy cools, spending on foreign premium brands has stalled. Instead, when Chinese consumers do splash out, they are turning to homegrown labels. Their rise is redrawing the map of one of the world’s top luxury markets and forcing global players to take note.

Online retail platforms have been key to their growth. Five domestic prestige brands in handbags, apparel, fragrance, cosmetics and jewelry have outpaced seven foreign rivals in sales growth over the past two years, according to data compiled by BigOne Lab and analyzed by Bloomberg News.

E-commerce sales at Laopu Gold have surged more than 1,000 percent during the first three quarters of this year compared with two years ago, while Songmont’s online bag sales have soared about 90 percent.

By contrast, Gucci’s online bag sales in China have slumped more than 50 percent and Michael Kors’ has dropped about 40 percent. Other Chinese labels — makeup brand Mao Geping Cosmetics, perfumier To Summer and luxury clothing label ICICLE — have pulled off similar feats in their categories.

On Tmall, the country’s largest online retailer, revenues for some Chinese brands are on par or even higher than overseas ones: Laopu sold US$630 million in its Tmall store over 12 months through last month, compared with US$57 million for Van Cleef & Arpels, industry consultant Hangzhou Zhiyi Tech said.

Mao Geping’s revenue was US$125 million, more than doubling Bobbi Brown’s sales. For Laopu Gold, sales for online and in-store jumped 250 percent in the first half of this year, after doubling in 2023 and last year, according to its financial results.

Mao Geping Cosmetics, a homegrown beauty label named after its celebrity founder, reported double-digit percentage revenue growth so far this year as well as last year.

Meanwhile, Bain & Co estimated that China’s luxury market, which is dominated by European giants such as LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Kering SA and Burberry Group PLC, shrank by as much as 20 percent last year, its steepest decline since at least 2011.

Although there have been glimmers of recovery, executives talk about “caution” and “uncertainty.”

China’s worsening economy has wrecked the appetite for global luxury brands. Demand that was supposed to return after the lifting of strict COVID-19 restrictions has instead slumped for overseas firms. That disappointment has helped erase shares at key luxury houses, with LVMH down about 30 percent from their 2023 peak, while Kering has plunged about 60 percent since its high in 2021 in Paris.

In the US, Estee Lauder Companies Inc shares are about 76 percent off their high in 2021. After spiking following the easing of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021, consumer spending in China has largely flatlined.

Representatives at LVMH, Kering, Chanel, Richemont, Estee Lauder, Max Mara and Capri did not respond to requests for comment.

That is leading shoppers to turn to domestic brands with their lower pricing. ICICLE’s cashmere and wool Aircoat is priced about US$1,123 to US$2,808. Max Mara’s 101801 coat, often highlighted as comparable by Chinese consumers, costs more than US$4,200. Songmont’s bucket bags, described by social media users as a dupe for Hermes’ Picotin Lock bags, sell for about US$421, while the latter costs US$5,054 to US$8,016.

It is not just a China phenomenon. Shoppers globally have become more discerning, with consumers turning to labels that look premium at lower price points as they grow increasingly weary of spending on big name brands that keep raising prices.

What is more surprising is that the price tag alone is not the deciding factor, said Jacques Roizen, managing director of China consulting at Digital Luxury Group.

“Contrary to common perception, Chinese beauty brands aren’t competing on price — they’re building rich brand universes and prioritizing storytelling,” Roizen said. “For Western prestige beauty brands, the rise of local competitors should serve as both a wake-up call and a warning.”

That story is rooted in craft and cultural pride, and is resonating with younger Chinese shoppers who no longer see Western logos as tickets to sophistication. Instead, modern shoppers are hunting for items that feel more tailored to them, and many Chinese brands have turned that shift into their core identity.

Labels such as To Summer and Songmont draw deeply from local history, art and everyday life. The message: Modern luxury can be proudly Chinese.

Songmont’s philosophy emphasizes “Eastern aesthetics,” with the designs of its stores reflecting Chinese calligraphy. To Summer builds scents around traditional ingredients such as tea, osmanthus and preserved orange peel, and uses porcelain made in Jingdezhen, China’s most important ceramics production center. ICICLE draws on the Confucian ideal of harmony and restraint.

It is a concept that Songmont’s founder Fu Song (付嵩) consciously designed from the start.

“We’ve positioned ourselves as a Chinese brand rooted in local culture,” she said. “In the global fashion conversation, there are still too few Chinese voices.”

The strategy works especially well online, with the marketing more attuned to local consumers.

Songmont launched its own podcast focusing on the lives of urban women, which is resonating for its celebration of self-worth and diverse life values rather than social status, said BigOne partner Amber Zhang (張安博).

The campaign struck deeper than those from global brands, she said.

For shoppers such as Wan Yihuan, a 30-year-old Shanghai finance worker, that message hits home. Once a self-described Hermes and Tom Ford addict, she now carries a US$210 Songmont hobo bag and wears Mao Geping makeup.

“I fell into the trap of consumerism when I was younger,” she said. “Now I just want things I truly like.”

Among the new Chinese players, Laopu Gold stands out for its more than 100 percent revenue growth in physical stores since early last year, where Tiffany and Bulgari have seen double-digit percentage declines, BigOne data showed.

At Beijing’s exclusive SKP mall, Laopu Gold’s sales rose more than 200 percent in the first half of the year, said a person familiar with the figure who declined to be named discussing a private matter.

It last month opened a store in Plaza 66, a glass-clad cathedral of luxury long dominated by European names, becoming the first domestic brand to establish a presence in all 10 of China’s top-tier malls.

It might seem strange to associate “Made in China” with luxury, for a country where low-cost manufacturing helped drive its economy to the world No. 2 spot.

However, these domestic premium brands are challenging that perception with a slower and more premium manufacturing process that is relayed to consumers through localized marketing campaigns.

In 2013, ICICLE bought a garment factory that manufactures for Max Mara in China’s eastern Jiangsu Province. Songmont uses full-grain top-layer cowhide and gold-plated hardware, crafted by artisans with decades of traditional sewing and craftsmanship experience from the founder’s hometown.

Laopu Gold incorporates elaborate filigreed shapes and enamel glazes into its jewelry. Mao Geping, China’s answer to America’s Bobbi Brown, teaches makeup application on local models to millions of fans online.

Their popularity is spreading outside China’s border. In London, 16-year-old Naomi Jiang looks beyond marquee labels when buying handbags. Finding designer brands such as Hermes overpriced, she chose Songmont for its design and value instead.

“We’re getting a more diverse, higher quality selection of clothing,” she said.

“Chinese premium brands now have the design talent, the manufacturing muscle, and the marketing intelligence,” said Leng Yun, a Shanghai-based apparel consultant. “They’re no longer chasing the West. They’re becoming what the West once was.”

Executives at the Chinese brands, including Songmont, To Summer and Mao Geping, said they want to expand globally. The brands have not disclosed their overseas sales yet, but analysts’ consensus is that the amount is likely still small.

“Chinese brands must look beyond China,” To Summer founder and chief executive officer Elvis Liu (?惠璞) said. “Why are global brands often better positioned in their competition against Chinese brands? Because they are backed by the global market. If you only have the Chinese market, it’s like you are a local brand and this will put you at a very disadvantageous position amid the competition.”

Still, obstacles loom. Few domestic brands have crossed the 10 billion yuan (US$1.41 billion) annual revenue mark, Goldman Sachs Group Inc retail analyst Michelle Cheng (鄭絜雲) said.

“China’s market is huge, so you can hit 1 billion yuan with hot products, or even 3 to 5 billion,” she said. “But further growth depends on having a strong management team, talented staff and long-term vision.”

The high sales growth figures also stem from a low base: The top 10 best-selling brands in China’s personal luxury segment are all Western brands, accounting for 63 percent, or about US$31 billion, in sales last year, Euromonitor International data showed.

In contrast, no Chinese brands have more than 0.5 percent of the market share, the data showed.

The bigger risk might be psychological, with the same economic malaise that led to European brands’ sales waning potentially spreading to domestic brands, too, Cheng said.

“For luxury to truly grow, you need rising wages and a growing middle class, both of which are being challenged by ongoing economic headwinds,” she said.

Take Guo Wenjun, who once spent more than US$70,000 in a shopping spree — Rolex, Chanel, even a toddler-sized Armani jacket. Now, the 37-year old has a child in an expensive international school and feels job uncertainties are mounting.

She has turned to buying US$7 tote bags and US$4 T-shirts from budget shopping site 1688.com.

“Luxury used to make me feel like a queen,” she said. “Now it no longer has that magic.”

With assistance from Haze Fan.


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LATE WINNER: In Malta, Poland were given a scare on the way to a 3-2 victory which ultimately did not lift them out of second place and they head to the playoffs

Germany and Netherlands on Monday went on goal sprees as they wrapped up FIFA World Cup qualification with resounding wins in their final group matches.

“Every player played well today and worked like a dog,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told German broadcaster ZDF.

Both European giants needed only to draw to be sure of reaching the global showpiece in the US, Canada and Mexico. Instead, both went on the attack.

Germany’s Leroy Sane, center, scores against Slovakia in their FIFA World Cup qualifier in Leipzig, Germany, on Monday. Photo: AP

Germany took early control as they beat Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig. The Netherlands took longer to pull away before overcoming Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam.

Slovakia finished second in Group A. Poland, who survived a scare to win 3-2 in Malta, ended up second to the Netherlands in Group G.

Second spot secures a place in the 16-team European playoffs in March next year.

Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over Luxembourg in Belfast could not lift them out of third in Group A, but they will make the playoffs because of their UEFA Nations League performance.

In Group L, Croatia, already assured of first place, scored twice in the final 18 minutes to come from behind and win 3-2 away to Montenegro. The Czech Republic, in second, slaughtered visiting Gibraltar 6-0.

In Leipzig, four-time winners Germany started the night level on points with opponents Slovakia atop Group A, but with an edge on goal-difference. Slovakia, who beat Germany earlier in qualifying, created some threatening moments, but could not take them.

Nick Woltemade headed Germany into an 18th-minute lead. Once Serge Gnabry added a second 11 minutes later, the hosts were in total control.

Leroy Sane scored twice before halftime, and substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo struck in the second half.

“We’re relieved. It’s a great moment,” Woltemade told ZDF. “I’m playing, I’m scoring goals and I’m hopefully playing at the World Cup. Tonight we showed the quality we have in this team. It was a pleasure.”

Nagelsmann praised his team’s attitude.

“We showed incredible team spirit and pushed ourselves on the pitch from the very beginning,” he said.

In Amsterdam, Ronald Koeman’s team entertained the 50,000 spectators as their high-tempo play constantly pinned Lithuania back in their own half.

Tijani Reijnders perfectly set up by Frenkie de Jong gave the hosts a 15-minute lead, but the massed visiting defense and a spectacular first-half display by goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas held the hosts at bay until the 58th minute.

Cody Gakpo added a second from the penalty spot, before Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen struck in the next four minutes allowing Koeman to bring on five substitutes.

Like Woltemade, the 27-year-old Reijnders was excited to be heading to the World Cup. He did not make his Netherlands debut until after the 2022 edition in Qatar.

“I watched it at home, on the couch, with my Oranje shirt on,” he said. “This time round it’s obviously going to be very different for me. I’ll have to wait a while until it comes around, but I’m really looking forward to taking part for the first time.”

In Malta, Poland were given a scare on the way to a victory which ultimately did not lift them out of second place.

Robert Lewandowski, whose unhappiness at a reduced role in the team led to a coaching change earlier in the campaign, gave Poland the lead after 32 minutes.

Irvin Cardona replied for the hosts four minutes later.

Lewandowski then set up Pawel Wszolek after 59 minutes, but the game took a wild swing to Malta in the 68th minute.

Karol Swiderski finished a Poland counterattack by sticking the ball into the net, but a video assistant referee check showed that at the start of the move Jakub Kiwior had fouled Cardona in the Poland penalty area.

Teddy Teuma leveled from the penalty spot, but Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike flew in off a post after 85 minutes to give Poland victory.

title: Germany, Netherlands book their spots


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Nigeria’s soccer coach has accused the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) of practicing “voodoo” after his squad’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup ended in a penalty shoot-out loss in the African playoff final.

DR Congo and Nigeria drew 1-1 after extra-time in the tie in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday and the central Africans won 4-3 on penalties to book a place in inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico in March next year.

In his post-match remarks to journalists, coach Eric Chelle said a member of the DR Congo team “did some voodoo, every time, every time, every time.”

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle looks on before their FIFA World Cup African playoff final against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday. Photo: EPA

“That is why I was a bit nervous,” said former Mali international Chelle, who took charge of Nigeria in January.

Chelle had admitted prior to the match that it was going to “be very difficult in Morocco.”

Using hand gestures, he said he saw a DR Congo member waving his hand as if sprinkling or shaking something.

“I don’t know if it’s water or something like that,” he said.

In a nervy shoot-out in which four spot-kicks were saved and another missed, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba defied a bottle thrown toward him and torrential rain to convert the winning penalty as his team seek a return to the global showpiece after a lengthy absence.

Nigeria, African soccer giants, lie 19 places above DR Congo in the world rankings and were pre-match favorites.

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the second World Cup in a row. They had not missed back-to-back editions since their debut in 1994.

While Nigeria have been regular participants at the World Cup, the sole appearance by DR Congo came in 1974 when the mineral-rich central African nation was called Zaire.

The Nigeria Football Federation in a statement said that it wanted “to openly and sincerely apologize” for missing out on the World Cup, calling the loss “a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football.”

“Missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time is a disappointment of great weight and emotional depth,” the federation said on social media.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu urged the squad to “put behind them the loss” and to focus on preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which starts on Dec. 21.

title: Nigeria coach blames ‘voodoo’ after hopes crushed


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Wei Yu-tze claims Taiwan’s first medal at 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics

Wei Yu-tze (危宇澤) has secured Taiwan’s first medal at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, taking silver in the men’s decathlon.

Wei finished second Tuesday with 5,985 points, giving Taiwan its first medal since An Ching-lung (安慶隆) competed in the same category and stood on the podium at every edition of the quadrennial competition from 2001 to 2009.

The 18-year-old Wei was making his international debut in Tokyo, where he was the youngest of the 10 competitors.

He previously won gold in the men’s long jump and silver in the men’s 100 meters at the 2024 World Deaf Youth Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Taiwan has 76 athletes competing in 11 sports at the ongoing Deaflympics, which run through Nov. 26.


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Australian cyclist Paige Greco, a Paralympic gold medalist, has died.

She was 28.

A joint statement by the Australian Paralympic Committee and Cycling Australia said that Greco “passed away in her Adelaide home after experiencing a sudden medical episode” on Sunday.

Australia’s Paige Greco holds her gold medal after winning the women’s C1-3 3,000m individual pursuit at the Tokyo Paralympic Games in Izu, Japan, on Aug. 25, 2021. Greco passed away in her Adelaide home after experiencing a sudden medical episode on Sunday. Photo: AP

“Paige meant everything to us,” her mother Natalie Greco said.

“Her kindness, her determination and her warmth touched our family every single day. She brought so much joy and pride into our lives, and the pain of her passing is something we will carry forever, “ Natalie Greco said.

“While we are devastated by her loss, we are incredibly proud of the person she was and the way she represented Australia,” she said.

Paige Greco, who was born with cerebral palsy, won the first gold medal of the COVID-19 pandemic-delayed Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, breaking her own world record in the women’s C1-3 3,000m individual pursuit.

She went on to add bronze medals in the road race and time trial.

Paige Greco also won multiple world championship titles and World Cup medals, after bursting onto the para-cycling scene with three world records, two gold medals and a silver at the 2019 track world championships — just a year after switching to cycling from para-athletics.

Paralympics Australia chief executive officer Cameron Murray said the loss one of the brightest young stars of the Australian Paralympic movement was devastating.

“The sadness being felt across Paralympics Australia today is a reflection of the enormous regard in which she was held,” Murray said.

“Paige was an extraordinary athlete, but more importantly, a remarkable person. Her achievements on the international stage were exceptional, but it was her kindness, her quiet determination and the way she uplifted people around her that will stay with us all,” he said.

“She had a rare ability to make people feel included and supported, and her influence will no doubt leave a lasting impression on so many,” he added.

title: Paralympic gold medalist Paige Greco dies at 28


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An emotional Dak Prescott on Monday threw four touchdowns as the grieving Dallas Cowboys scored a 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL giants’ first game since the death of teammate Marshawn Kneeland.

The Cowboys were plunged into mourning earlier this month after 24-year-old Kneeland was found dead from an apparent suicide on Nov. 6 following a police pursuit.

A poignant return to action for the Cowboys at the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas saw both teams remember Kneeland with a moment of silence before the game kcked off.

Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in their NFL game in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday. Photo: AFP

Both Raiders and Cowboys players wore shirts honoring Kneeland during the warm-ups, with the Raiders jerseys carrying the number “988” of a suicide prevention helpline.

Prescott, whose elder brother Jace took his own life at the age of 31 in 2020, wore a wristband bearing the words “One Love,” an expression often used by Kneeland.

“I have no better peace than being on this field, and I know that’s the same for a lot of guys out here,” Dak Prescott told ESPN.

“It was a blessing to be out here, this is where the healing happens for me. We love Marshawn, we’re going to continue to shine a light for him and we’re blessed to continue his light for him,” the Dallas quarterback added.

Dak Prescott oversaw a comfortable win for the Cowboys, who had won only three of nine games before Monday’s fixture in Las Vegas.

After the Raiders edged into an early 6-3 lead thanks to two first-quarter field goals from Daniel Carlson, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense took over in the second quarter.

Dak Prescott reeled off touchdown passes to CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson and George Pickens in quick succession to push the Cowboys into a 24-6 lead, with the Raiders only able to muster a further Carlson field goal before halftime.

Dak Prescott then led a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter, connecting with Ryan Flournoy from close range to keep the points flowing and make it 31-9.

Tre Tucker grabbed a consolation touchdown for Las Vegas before Dallas’ final points came from a safety.

While the Cowboys (4-5-1) have an uphill battle to force their way into the post-season reckoning — they trail the 8-2 Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football Conference East — Dak Prescott believes Dallas can mount a charge for the playoffs.

“The confidence that these men have, the way that we played tonight,” Dak Prescott said. “Our brotherhood has been tested, and it’s time for us to answer that challenge and honor Marshawn with each and every snap.”

title: Grieving Cowboys defeat Raiders


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The Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday breezed past the New Orleans Pelicans to maintain their lead in the Western Conference as the Detroit Pistons rolled to a 10th straight win to extend their advantage at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

Defending NBA champions the Thunder improved to 14-1 for the season with a 126-109 victory on the road in New Orleans thanks to 26 points from Chet Holmgren, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in with 23.

The game was effectively sealed in the opening quarter, as Oklahoma City poured in a franchise-record 49 points to take the game away from New Orleans.

Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, right, dunks against the New Orleans Pelicans in their NBA game in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Monday. Photo: AP

Once again, Oklahoma City’s balanced offense proved decisive, with six players finishing in double digits in a wire-to-wire victory.

Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Gilgeous-Alexander has now logged 87 consecutive games in which he has scored 20 points or more.

Only NBA great Wilt Chamberlain, who leads the all-time rankings with 20-point game scoring streaks of 92 and 126 games, has achieved more.

Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons, left, dunks against the Indiana Pacers in their NBA game in Detroit, Michigan, on Monday. Photo: AP

Jeremiah Fears led the Pelicans scorers with 24 points as New Orleans slumped to their 12th defeat of the season.

Oklahoma City lead the West from second-placed Denver, who were downed 130-127 by the Chicago Bulls.

Nikola Jokic scored a 36-point triple-double for the Nuggets, but the Bulls held off a fourth-quarter rally to snatch victory.

In Detroit, Michigan, the pace-setting Pistons extended their winning streak to 10 games with a confident 127-112 defeat of the struggling Pacers.

Indiana, beaten by Oklahoma City in last season’s NBA Finals, have endured a nightmare start to the new campaign and are now 1-13 and rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers never looked like shaking off their early-season torpor, despite facing a Detroit team missing both Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris.

Jalen Duren did the damage for Detroit with 31 points, while Daniss Jenkins scored 26, with five Detroit players making double figures.

“We’ve gotta be better, really, in all areas,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said.

In Cleveland, Ohio, Donovan Mitchell’s 37-point salvo helped the Cavaliers to a 118-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks jumped out to an early 14-point lead in the first quarter, but were gradually reeled in by the Cavs.

Defeat for Milwaukee was compounded by an injury to star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who left the game in the second quarter with a groin issue.

“We won’t know anything until tomorrow, but it didn’t look great, I can tell you that,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said of Antetokounmpo’s injury. “We’ll know more tomorrow.”

Elsewhere, the Heat edged the Knicks 115-113, the 76ers overcame the Clippers 110-108, the Timberwolves thrashed the Mavericks 120-96 and the Raptors swatted aside the Hornets 110-108.

Additional reporting by staff writer

title: Thunder rout Pelicans, Pistons beat Pacers


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POST-KHASHOGGI: The US president said he would sell F-35 jets to Riyadh, despite concerns from Israel, and push for normalization of Israeli-Saudi Arabian relations

US President Donald Trump yesterday prepared a lavish welcome for Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with the two sides expected to sign defense and nuclear deals during the latter’s first visit to the US since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Trump was expected to roll out the red carpet for the prince with a fly-by, cannon fire and a gala dinner — giving the prince the equivalent of a state dinner, even though he is not a head of state and is only the kingdom’s de facto ruler.

Trump has made a priority of boosting ties with the oil-rich Gulf kingdom, and on Monday said he would sell coveted F-35 stealth fighters to Saudi Arabia, despite concerns from Israel.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, right, speaks with US President Donald Trump on the day of the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13. Photo: Reuters

In another area of past contention, he was to sign a deal on a framework for civilian nuclear cooperation, a source familiar with the negotiations said.

Trump would also push Prince Mohammad, commonly known as MBS, to normalize relations with Israel, as he seeks a wider Middle East peace deal after the war in Gaza.

“We’re more than meeting,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Friday when asked about the visit.

“We’re honoring Saudi Arabia, the crown prince,” he said.

The Saudi heir to the throne is looking forward to a fresh start on his first US trip since the murder of Washington Post columnist Khashoggi by Saudi agents sparked global outrage.

The killing also chilled relations with Washington, as US intelligence suggested the prince approved the operation inside the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul, an allegation which Saudi authorities deny.

However, the 40-year-old prince has fostered close ties with Trump and his family over the years — a relationship burnished by a lavish welcome and US$600 billion in investment pledges when the US president visited Saudi Arabia in May.

Prince Mohammad will have his own agenda, seeking firmer US security guarantees after Israeli strikes in September on Qatar, an iron-clad US ally, rattled the wealthy Gulf region.

Along with the F-35 jets, Riyadh is seeking to buy advanced air and missile defense systems.

It would also push hard for access to the high-tech chips it needs to fuel artificial intelligence ambitions, experts said.

However, Saudi Arabia is unlikely to agree to normalization with Israel at this stage, despite Trump’s aim for the grand prize of Riyadh joining the Abraham Accords that he launched in his first term.

“We have a lot of people joining the Abraham Accords and hopefully we are going to get Saudi Arabia very soon,” Trump said earlier this month.

Potential Saudi moves toward normalization in return for security and energy guarantees were put on hold after the outbreak of Israel’s devastating war in Gaza in October 2023.

Riyadh appears in no mood to budge without any progress on its international push for a Palestinian state.

Trump is also expected to attend today a US-Saudi investment forum spotlighting energy and artificial intelligence taking place in Washington.

His family also has extensive business ties with the Saudis.

The day before the prince’s visit, Saudi developer Dar Global announced a new partnership with the Trump Organization to build a luxury hotel in the Maldives.

Investors would be able to participate in its financing through digital tokens.

title: Trump hosting Saudi crown prince


title: Drone strikes Turkish tanker in Ukraine

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A drone yesterday struck a Turkish-flagged tanker and set it ablaze in southern Ukraine’s Odesa region, officials said, a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a deal to import US liquefied natural gas through the area.

The MT Orinda was hit during the offloading of liquefied petroleum gas at Izmail port, the Turkish Directorate for Maritime Affairs said.

All 16 crew on board evacuated and no one was hurt, it said.

Residents carry humanitarian aid at the site of apartment buildings damaged during Russian missile strikes, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in the town of Balakliia, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Russia has used drones, missiles and artillery to repeatedly batter the Odesa region, especially its Black Sea ports, since its full-scale invasion of its neighbor nearly four years ago.

There was no immediate comment from Russia yesterday.

Ukrainian officials did not comment specifically on the tanker, although regional military administration head Oleh Kiper said Russian drones attacked the Odesa region overnight, and damaged energy and port infrastructure in several cities.

The attack sparked multiple fires and damaged an unspecified number of civilian vessels, Kiper said, adding that one person was injured.

Izmail lies on a Black Sea estuary and is one of a string of ports that are vital for Ukrainian imports and exports. With Russia also targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Zelenskiy is trying to secure gas and other energy imports that can help see his country through the approaching winter.

Zelenskiy on Sunday was on an official visit to Greece. Starting in January, US liquefied natural gas is to flow to Odesa via pipelines from the northern Greek port of Alexandroupolis.

In Romania, authorities on Monday ordered the evacuation of people and animals from two villages close to Izmail on the Romanian side of the border, saying the nature of the tanker’s cargo required such precautions.

It was the first-ever evacuation in Romania as a result of the war in Ukraine. The evacuation order was lifted yesterday.

“Following a risk analysis and information received from Ukrainian counterparts, a decision was made to lift the evacuation order for the village of Ceatalchioi,” Romanian emergency services announced in a statement yesterday.

Elsewhere in Ukraine, Russian missiles killed three people and injured 11 others in Balakliya in the northeastern Kharkiv region in an overnight attack. Four girls aged 12, 14, 15 and 17 were among those injured, authorities said.

Russian drones and artillery also killed two people and injured two others in a daylight attack on Nikopol in the central Dnipropetrovsk region on Monday.

Additional reporting by AFP


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New coin honors Freddie Mercury, his 4-octave range

Britain’s Royal Mint is celebrating Freddie Mercury with a new coin design that marks 40 years since his iconic Live Aid concert performance.

The coin features an image of the Queen front man, head thrown back and holding the microphone stand midperformance. A musical stave that runs around the edge of the coin represents his four-octave vocal range.

The first coin was struck by Mercury’s sister Kashmira Bulsara at the Royal Mint in Wales last week.

A photo provided by Royal Mint on Saturday shows a UK coin to celebrate one of the greatest showmen of all time, Freddie Mercury. Photo: AP

“As Freddie died young, he didn’t get the chance of being awarded a royal medal for his talents in the music world. So to have a royal coin this way is wonderful and very fitting,” she said.

“The coin perfectly captures his passion and the joy he brought to millions through his music,” she added. “I think the design is very impressive and they managed to catch the most iconic pose of Freddie, which is so recognizable worldwide.”

Royal Mint director of commemorative coin Rebecca Morgan said the timing was perfect for Mercury to be celebrated with his own coin.

She said fans had been “calling out” for it and “this felt like the year to do it,” because it’s 40 years since he captivated audiences at the 1985 Live Aid concert, hailed by many as the greatest live gig of all time.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s solo studio album, Mr Bad Guy.

Mercury died at age 45 in 1991, just one day after he publicly announced he was HIV positive.

The Royal Mint has issued special coins to celebrate other music legends, including David Bowie, George Michael, Shirley Bassey and Paul McCartney.

The coins went on sale yesterday on the Royal Mint Web site.

Prices start at ￡18.50 (US$24.32) for an uncirculated ￡5 denomination version.

A 2 oz gold proof coin costs ￡9,350.

The Royal Mint said it would donate a special gold edition of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity that was started in the singer’s memory and donates funds to those living with AIDS and HIV.


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GLOBAL CREDITOR: Beijing’s lending to wealthy nations focuses on critical infrastructure, minerals, high-tech, with the US receiving over US$200 billion for 2,500 projects

The US is the biggest recipient of China’s lending activities globally, according to a study that tracked Beijing’s credit activities and found it is increasingly lending to higher-income countries over developing countries.

The report, published yesterday by AidData, a research lab at US university William & Mary, said China’s lending and grant giving totaled US$2.2 trillion across 200 countries in every region of the world from 2000 to 2023.

China has long been seen as a creditor to developing countries through its Belt and Road initiative, but is shifting toward lending to advanced economies — backing strategic infrastructure and high-tech supply chains in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and clean energy.

President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, shake hands before their U.S.-China summit talk at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. Photo: AP

Beijing’s portfolio size is two-to-four times larger than previous estimates suggest, AidData said, adding that China remains the world’s largest official creditor.

More than three-quarters of China’s overseas lending operations now support projects and activities in upper-middle-income countries and high-income countries.

“Much of the lending to wealthy countries is focused on critical infrastructure, critical minerals and the acquisition of high-tech assets like semiconductor companies,” said lead author Brad Parks, AidData’s executive director.

The US received the most official sector credit from China, more than US$200 billion for nearly 2,500 projects and activities, the report said.

Chinese state-owned entities are “active in every corner and sector of the US,” bankrolling the construction of liquefied natural gas projects in Texas and Louisiana, data centers in Northern Virginia, terminals at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, the Matterhorn Express Natural Gas pipeline and the Dakota Access Oil pipeline, AidData said.

Beijing has financed the acquisition of high-tech companies, while Chinese state-owned creditors have provided credit facilities for many Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, AT&T, Verizon, Tesla, General Motors, Ford, Boeing and Disney, the report said.

The share of lending to low and lower-middle income countries fell to 12 percent in 2023 from 88 percent in 2000. Beijing has also cut lending for infrastructure projects in the global south, under its Belt and Road Initiative.

At the same time it has ramped up its share that supports middle-income and high-income countries to 76 percent in 2023 from 24 percent in 2000. The UK, for instance, received US$60 billion, while the EU got US$161 billion.

title: US is the biggest recipient of Chinese loans: study


title: Australian prisoner sues for right to eat Vegemite

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A prisoner is challenging an Australian state’s ban on inmates eating Vegemite, claiming in a court suit that withholding the yeast-based spread breaches his human right to “enjoy his culture as an Australian.”

Andre McKechnie, 54, serving a life sentence for murder, took his battle for the salty, sticky, brown byproduct of brewing beer to the Supreme Court of Victoria, documents released to The Associated Press yesterday showed.

Most Australians revere Vegemite as an unfairly maligned culinary icon, and more than 80 percent of Australian households are estimated to have a jar in their pantries.

A piece of toast is prepared with Vegemite in Sydney on Monday. Photo: AP

However, inmates in all 12 prisons in Victoria are going without.

McKechnie is suing Victoria’s Department of Justice and Community Safety and the agency that manages the prisons, Corrections Victoria. The case is scheduled for trial next year.

Vegemite has been banned from Victorian prisons since 2006, with Corrections Victoria saying it “interferes with narcotic detection dogs.”

Inmates used to smear packages of illicit drugs with Vegemite in the hope that the odor would distract the dogs from the contraband.

Vegemite also contains yeast, which is banned from Victorian prisons, because of its “potential to be used in the production of alcohol,” the contraband list says.

McKechnie is seeking a court declaration that the defendants denied him his right under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act to “enjoy his culture as an Australian.”

The act guarantees “all persons with a particular cultural, religious, racial or linguistic background” the right to “enjoy their culture, to declare and practice their religion and to use their language.”

He also wants a declaration that the defendants breached the Corrections Act by “failing to provide food adequate to maintain” McKechnie’s “well-being.”

Manufactured in Australia since 1923 as an alternative to Britain’s Marmite, Vegemite was long marketed as a source of vitamin B for growing children.

The spread is beloved by a majority of Australians, but typically considered an acquired taste at best by those who were not raised on it.

The last US president to visit Australia, Barack Obama, once said: “It’s horrible.”

Australian band Men at Work aroused international curiosity about the spread when they mentioned a “Vegemite sandwich” in their 1980s hit Down Under.

The band’s lead singer, Colin Hay, once accused American critics of laying Vegemite on too thick, blaming a “more is more” US culture.

It is a favorite on breakfast toast and in cheese sandwiches, with most fans agreeing it is best applied sparingly.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety and Corrections Victoria yesterday declined to comment.

McKechnie is held at maximum-security Port Phillip Prison. He was 23 years old when he stabbed to death wealthy Gold Coast property developer Otto Kuhne in Queensland in 1994.

Victims of crime advocate and lawyer John Herron said it was a frivolous lawsuit that was offensive to victims’ families.

“As victims, we don’t have any rights. We have limited if any support. It’s always about the perpetrator, and this just reinforces that,” Herron said.

His daughter Courtney was beaten to death in a Melbourne park in 2019. Her killer was found not guilty of murder by reason of mental impairment.

“It’s not a case of Vegemite or Nutella or whatever it may be. It’s an extra perk that is rubbing our faces in the tragedy that we’ve suffered,” he added.


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The books of two award-winning New Zealand authors have been disqualified from consideration for the nation’s top literature prize because artificial intelligence (AI) was used in the creation of their cover designs.

Stephanie Johnson’s collection of short stories Obligate Carnivore and Elizabeth Smither’s collection of novellas Angel Train were submitted to the 2026 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards’ NZ$65,000 (US$36,825) last month, but were ruled out of the competition the following month in light of new guidelines around AI use.

Quentin Wilson, the publisher of both books, said the awards committee amended the guidelines in August, by which time the covers of every book submitted for the awards would have already been designed.

“It was, therefore, far too late for any publisher to have taken this clause into account in their design briefs,” Wilson told the Guardian.

“It is obviously heartbreaking that two wonderful pieces of fiction by highly respected authors have become embroiled in this issue, even though it has absolutely nothing to do with their writing,” he said.

Wilson said it was also upsetting for the production and design team, who had worked hard on the books.

Johnson was sympathetic to the award organizers, saying she, too, is deeply concerned about the use of AI in creative fields, but was disappointed with the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she told the Guardian. “It’s my 22nd book, and it is my fourth collection of short stories. These stories … were written over a sort of 20 year period, so for me, it’s quite an important book.”

Johnson said authors typically have very little to do with the design of their books, and she had no idea AI had been used to create her cover, which features a cat with human teeth.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” Johnson said, adding that unlike younger generations who are adept at identifying AI, she had trouble distinguishing images created with the technology.

Johnson worried people would now assume she had used AI to write her book, which she “most certainly did not.”

“Instead of talking about my book … and what the inspiration was, we are talking about bloody AI, which I hate,” she said.

In a statement, Smither said the designers spent hours working on the cover of her book, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke,” inspired by artist Marc Chagall’s figures.

“It is them I am most concerned about: that their meticulous work … is being disrespected,” Smither said.

Both Smither and Johnson have previously judged categories of the Ockham awards, and both said the covers were given very little consideration.

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” Smither said.

Nicola Legat, the chair of the book awards trust, which administers the Ockham awards, said the trust takes a “firm stance on the use of AI in books.”

“The trust does not take lightly a decision that prevents the latest works of two of New Zealand’s most esteemed writers from being considered for the 2026 award,” Legat said.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The decision to amend the criteria around AI was spurred by a desire to support creative and copyright interests of the country’s writers and illustrators, she said.

“As AI evolves, there may well be a need for the trust to revisit and develop the criteria further,” she said.

Wilson said publishers and authors regularly use Grammarly and Photoshop, which draw on AI, and the situation highlighted an urgent need for carefully developed guidelines.

“As an industry, we must work together to ensure that this situation does not happen again.”

title: Authors dumped from NZ’s top book prize over AI covers


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Funding shortfall deepening hunger crisis, WFP says

The world is facing a deepening hunger crisis with resources falling far short of needs, the World Food Programme (WFP) said yesterday, citing sharp declineass in humanitarian funding.

In its 2026 Global Outlook, the Rome-based WFP said 318 million people were expected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse next year, more than double the number in 2019.

However, shrinking humanitarian funding means the WFP only plans to assist about 110 million of the most vulnerable people next year, at a cost of US$13 billion, the UN agency said.

Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen after the global hunger monitor, Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), said that Gaza City and surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine that will likely spread, in Gaza City, August 28, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Current forecasts suggest it might receive only about half that amount.

“The world is grappling with simultaneous famines, in Gaza and parts of Sudan. This is completely unacceptable in the 21st century,” WFP executive director Cindy McCain said in a statement.

“Hunger is becoming more entrenched. We know early, effective solutions save lives, but we desperately need more support.”

The WFP’s biggest donor, the US, has slashed its foreign aid under President Donald Trump, and other major nations have also made or announced cuts in assistance.

The WFP last month said that it expected to receive 40 percent less funding this year compared with a year earlier, resulting in a projected budget of US$6.4 billion, down from US$10 billion last year.

Conflict, extreme weather and economic instability are expected to drive severe food insecurity, WFP said.

This year, its famine prevention efforts pulled communities back from the brink of starvation, but the overall crisis shows no sign of easing.

The agency said it would deliver emergency food and nutrition aid, help communities build resilience to food shocks, and provide technical support to strengthen national systems, while leveraging technology to improve efficiency.

“WFP provides a critical lifeline to people on the frontlines of conflicts and disasters, and we are transforming how we work to invest in long-term solutions,” McCain said. “Ending entrenched hunger demands sustained support and real global commitment.”

The UN agency urged governments and donors to invest in proven solutions to curb hunger and move closer to the goal of zero hunger.


people: 陳水扁 郝龍斌 鄭麗文 馬英九 習近平 連戰 胡錦濤 盧秀燕 李登輝

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The KMT elected the equivalent of a FOX News personality as their new chairperson. Two weeks after assuming the role, what does her election mean for her party, and for Taiwan?

Since Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) was elected Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chair on Oct. 18, she has become a polarizing figure. Her supporters see her as a firebrand critic of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while others, including some in her own party, have charged that she is Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) preferred candidate and that her election was possibly supported by the Chinese Communist Party’s (CPP) unit for political warfare and international influence, the “united front.” Indeed, Xi quickly congratulated Cheng upon her election.

The 55-year-old former lawmaker and ex-talk show host, who was sworn in on Nov. 1, has launched her term with a flurry of controversy: that all Taiwanese should be able to proudly say “I’m Chinese,” that Putin was democratically elected, that NATO is to blame for the Ukraine War and that the US may no longer be a reliable ally of Taiwan.

On one hand, says Brian Hioe (丘琦欣)), a political commentator and founder of the social activist media platform New Bloom, she is already being attacked from within her own party, so “people question how long she’ll last in this position.”

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chair Cheng Li-wun, right, and the new German Representative to Taiwan Karsten Tietz at a press gathering yesterday in Taipei. Photo courtesy of the Chinese Nationalist Party

But on the other hand, she has dominated daily headlines for weeks in an almost Trumpian fashion, prompting speculation that if she survives, even as a meme candidate, she could ride a wave of populism to become the KMT’s next presidential candidate in 2028, he added.

“It could go either way,” Hoie said. “She either tries to aim higher or she gets pushed out.”

But who is Cheng Li-wun? What does her recent election mean? And how big a role will she play in shaping the KMT’s future — as well as her party’s and Taiwan’s relations with Beijing and Washington?

At 55, Cheng is tall, thin and telegenic, with lustrous long hair falling over the shoulders of smartly tailored suits.

Though she has served various roles in the KMT since joining in 2005, including two terms as a party-list legislator and executive branch spokesperson under president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), talk shows helped fuel her recent rise. With an aggressive on-air personality (think FOX News), she is known for pithy, barbed soundbytes, early on from Li-wun’s Strait Talk (麗文正經話), a show she hosted in 2014 and 2015 on the TVBS cable network, and since 2020 as a regular political commentator on the major terrestrial network CTV.

At the foreign journalists’ presser, Cheng was still hot on the campaign trail, and her opening salvo was a get-out-the-vote speech she’d been hammering on her own constituents. Getting numbers needed to beat the DPP, that was the main thing, she said, before delivering a rapidfire analysis of demographics and districts.

“Win! Win! Win!” she said, pumping her fist.

The real keys, she continued, were the youth vote and the KMT’s alliance with Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), on whom the KMT depends for a coalition majority in Taiwan’s national legislature. The TPP skews to a younger, online demographic, and through the alliance, she said, the KMT would “maximize leverage.”

Many say Cheng’s fiery oration propelled her to victory in the KMT leadership race, which she won with a commanding 50 percent of the votes in a six-candidate race. Voter turnout was however low, with just 130,000, or 39 percent, of eligible KMT party members casting ballots, the second lowest turnout in KMT party history.

Generally, the KMT has struggled to maintain a clear sense of direction in recent decades, which is also to say Taiwan’s democratic era. Traditionally, the party chair position was virtually equivalent to that of Republic of China (ROC) president, and from 1938 to 2000 it was held by only three men, presidents Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石), Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣經國) and Lee Tenghui (李登輝). It was Lee who finally broke the chain when he relinquished the presidency in 2000.

Lately, the KMT chair has become a hot seat, changing hands 14 times since 2007.

Today, according to Tso Chen-Dong (左正東), a professor at National Taiwan University, the chairperson’s major role is presiding over the party’s selection of its next presidential in 2028 — the current front-runner is Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕), with whom Cheng claims a “sisterly” friendship.

Cheng was even more candid.

“The party chair is no longer a king but a kingmaker,” she said.

‘DAUGHTER OF YUNNAN’

Cheng comes into her new, precarious role with a colorful, if mottled, pedigree. She calls herself a “daughter of Yunnan” after her father, Cheng Ching-hui (鄭清輝), who was born in China’s Yunnan Province in the city of Puer. During the Chinese Civil War, the elder Cheng fought for Chiang Kai-shek’s army, and then, after 1949, continued as a guerrilla fighter in Myanmar with the Yunnan Anti-Communist National Salvation Army.

A political officer tasked with enforcing party loyalty, the elder Cheng eventually “repatriated” to Taiwan, where he retired with the rank of major and settled in a military village in Taiwan’s Yunlin County. There, he married a local woman. Cheng quips that her parents are “taro and sweet potatoes,” a metaphor of ethnic integration between mainlanders and native Han Taiwanese.

Cheng entered college at National Taiwan University, where she studied law as an undergraduate and, in 1990, joined the Wild Lily Movement, which protested for direct, democratic presidential elections and Taiwan’s formal independence from China.

She joined the DPP upon graduation, and after masters degrees from Temple University in the US and Cambridge University in the UK, held some minor party offices.

But in 2002, Cheng backed false claims of sexual harassment against a fellow DPP politician, and in 2004 she became disillusioned with the party and resigned.

A year later she joined the KMT.

WARM TO BEIJING

When Cheng joined the KMT in 2005, the chair was Lien Chan (連戰), who had just lost his second straight presidential election to the DPP’s Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). In the wake of successive failures, the KMT leader accepted an invitation to travel to China and meet its president Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) in what would become the first meeting between the KMT and the Chinese communist leaders since a 1945 summit between Chiang and Mao Zedong (毛澤東).

Cheng, who had that same year accompanied Lien to a Taipei meeting with former US president Bill Clinton, views Lien’s visit as “an historic ice breaker.”

Speaking with Hu in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, Lien made the KMT’s most significant avowal up to that moment of its commitment to the “1992 consensus,” an idea — based on an agreement that never actually happened — that there “is only one China” and that “Taiwan is part of China,” but each side is free to interpret that differently.

The “1992 consensus” has been a core KMT position ever since, and while Cheng stands behind it as precedent that enabled the opening of direct flights and mail, institutional exchanges and limited cooperation on technical issues and law enforcement across the Taiwan Strait, she now claims the need to “form a new Taiwan consensus,” which she defines as “a more solid and comprehensive foundation for strengthening cross-strait peace.”

Cheng is unabashed about her openness to Beijing, and this separates her even from some in her own party, including old guard factions who stand firm on ROC sovereignty. During the KMT chair election, fellow candidate Jaw Shaw-kang (趙少康) accused her of being backed by China, while her main competitor, former Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌), vowed to uphold national sovereignty and differentiated between “cultural Chinese identity” and “political Chinese identity” — commitments that Cheng has seemed unwilling to make.

Cheng’s warmness to Beijing is also mirrored by her extreme skepticism of the US.

“The reason I ran for party chairman is because in Taiwan, many believe that time is not on our side. If Trump, during his four-year term, wants to make a major political deal and leave his mark on history, the most likely one I can think of is a deal with Beijing,” she said.

In such a deal, she warned, Taiwan “will have no say” and could become “a sacrifice” or a “second Ukraine.”

“This is what the Taiwanese people fear most,” she said, adding, “we will not become Trump’s bargaining chip. We must take back our autonomy and our leadership.”

For these reasons, Cheng also opposes increasing budgets for arms purchases from the US, declared that Taiwan “should not be America’s ATM.”

For many mainstream Taiwanese voters, who draw a red line at surrendering Taiwan’s de facto independence, many of Cheng’s views are beyond what they can accept, said Hoie, adding that Cheng is also creating schisms within the KMT.

“I think she will be a splitter of the party, and I think that actually is a very bad sign for her ability to maintain power,” Hoie said.

But Cheng insists that the KMT is ready for a generational changing of the guard, and that’s why she won.

“When traditional KMT politicians discuss cross-strait relations, people just aren’t interested,” she said. “But at least when I speak, people pay attention. That’s a new beginning.”

title: Who is Cheng Li-wun?


content_text:
Are You Trapped in a ‘Filter Bubble?’ 別讓演算法綁架你！三招破解「過濾氣泡」

Have you ever argued with your parents about politics, news or social issues? Maybe you think their opinions are outdated, while they claim you have been brainwashed by the Internet. The truth is, neither of you is wrong. You’re simply living in different “filter bubbles,” seeing entirely different versions of reality.

A filter bubble forms when Web sites use algorithms to predict what content you want. Based on the videos you watch on YouTube, the TikToks you linger on or the articles you click, the system feeds you more of the same. Before you know it, you’re stuck in a personalized information bubble that reinforces your existing beliefs and interests.

This mounting problem has real consequences. First, it strengthens confirmation bias, where people tend to believe information that supports their existing beliefs and ignore opposing viewpoints. Second, filter bubbles speed up the spread of false or misleading content. If a post matches your beliefs, you’re more likely to be shown it and to believe it, even if it’s fake.

So, how do you pop the bubble? Start by following creators or pages with different perspectives. For example, if you often watch videos that say school uniforms are pointless, try seeing why others believe they are helpful. When someone disagrees with you, don’t rush to argue. Instead, challenge your assumptions by finding out why they think that way. Clearing your browser cookies or using private mode can also reset algorithmic recommendations.

You and your parents might never fully agree, and that’s OK. Still, encountering diverse perspectives can help you understand why people think the way they do—and that’s where real conversations begin.

你曾經和父母因為政治、新聞或社會議題爭論過嗎？也許你覺得他們的觀點過時了，而他們卻聲稱你被網路洗腦了。事實上，你們雙方都沒有錯。你們只是生活在不同的「過濾氣泡」中，看到的是完全不同版本的現實。

當網站使用演算法來預測你想要什麼內容時，過濾氣泡就形成了。根據你在 YouTube 上觀看的影片、你停留觀看的 TikTok，或你點擊的文章，系統會提供給你更多相同類型的內容。在你意識到之前，你就被困在一個個人化的資訊氣泡中，這個氣泡會強化你現有的想法和興趣。

這個日益嚴重的問題會帶來真實的後果。首先，它加強了確認偏誤，即人們傾向相信支持自己現有觀點的資訊，而忽略相反的觀點。其次，過濾氣泡加速了虛假或誤導性內容的傳播。如果一則貼文符合你的想法，你就更有可能被推播這則貼文並相信它，即使它是假的。

那麼，要怎麼戳破氣泡呢？從關注具有不同觀點的創作者或專頁開始。例如，如果你經常觀看說學校制服毫無意義的影片，不妨看看為什麼其他人認為制服是有幫助的。當有人不同意你的觀點時，不要急於爭論。反之，透過了解他們為什麼這樣想來挑戰你的假設。清除你的瀏覽器 cookie 或使用無痕模式也可以重設演算法的推薦。

你和父母可能永遠不會完全同意對方的觀點，這沒關係。儘管如此，接觸多元化的觀點可以幫助你理解人們為什麼會有那樣的想法—而這才是真正對話的開始。

MORE INFORMATION

outdated adj. 過時的；陳舊的

algorithm n. 演算法

linger vi. 逗留；徘徊

personalized adj. 為某人特製的；個人化的

algorithmic adj. 演算法的

KEY VOCABULARY

1. reinforce vt. 加強；加固

? The teacher used real-life examples to reinforce students’ understanding of the lesson.

老師用生活中的例子來強化學生對課程的理解。

2. mounting adj. 增加的；加劇的

There is mounting pressure on the government to address climate change.

政府面臨的要求解決氣候變遷的壓力越來越大。

3. bias n. 偏見

confirmation bias 確認偏誤（選擇性地只注意或相信支持自己原本想法的資訊，忽略或排斥相反的資訊）

Some news articles show clear bias and don’t provide a balanced view of the facts.

有些新聞文章帶有明顯偏見，沒有呈現平衡的事實觀點。

4. opposing adj. 對立的；相反的

The debate featured two students with strongly opposing views on the topic.

這場辯論中有兩位學生對主題持強烈對立的看法。

5. viewpoint n. 觀點；見解

Everyone has a different viewpoint based on their background and life experience.

每個人根據自己的背景和人生經驗會有不同觀點。

6. misleading adj. 誤導的

The ad gave misleading information about the product’s real price and quality.

這則廣告對產品的實際價格與品質提供了誤導資訊。

7. assumption n. 假定；設想

It’s not safe to make an assumption without first checking the facts carefully.

在未仔細確認事實前就做假設是不安全的。

8. mode n. 模式；方式

private mode 無痕模式（一種網頁瀏覽方式，網站不會記錄你的搜尋紀錄和瀏覽內容）

Please switch your phone to silent mode during the meeting.

會議期間請將手機切換到靜音模式。

9. recommendation n. 推薦

The app gives movie recommendations based on what you’ve watched before.

這個應用程式會根據你先前觀看的內容提供電影推薦。

學習音檔: https://magazine.english4u.net/Magdata/menu/av87q

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title: ENGLISH DIGEST 實用美語(空中美語)


title: 防水機能外套推薦！王一博同款Helly Hansen、HERNO城市到戶外都能穿

content_text:
記者鮑璿安／綜合報導

隨著陰雨天氣到來，輕便保暖的高性能穿搭成為民眾首選，今年秋冬，來自挪威與義大利的品牌Helly Hansen、 HERNO陸續進駐BELLAVITA 寶麗廣塲在台亮相，以截然不同的風格語彙詮釋外套的全新可能，打造金字塔頂端級別的戶外穿搭。

Helly Hansen 以極端氣候為研發基礎，本季新品延續品牌最引以為傲的 Helly Tech Professional 防水科技，並加入全壓膠貼條、立體剪裁等專業細節，使外套在防風、防水、透氣之間維持完美平衡。王一博展示的 ODIN 防水外套不僅擁有高規格耐候性能，胸前拉鍊、立體裁片與肩線設計更拉出俐落且專業的視覺效果，也將機能層級推向更高安全標準。

▲HERNO 長年以「奢華機能」著稱，本季從剪裁到材質都延續品牌對高級工藝的堅持 。（圖／品牌提供）

HERNO本季於 BELLAVITA 打造全台唯一旗艦店，以沉穩高雅的氛圍呈現原生於義大利湖區的靜謐氣質。HERNO 長年以「奢華機能」著稱，本季從剪裁到材質都延續品牌對高級工藝的堅持。男仕羊羽絨西裝外套以 cashmere 羊毛與羽絨的 7:3 完美比例打造，在溫暖、輕盈與挺拔版型之間取得巧妙平衡，外層具防潑水機能、領片可拆換，是都市男性在正式與休閒風格間自由切換的理想單品。女仕系列則展現品牌擅長的柔和線條，生態皮草羽絨大衣以 HERNO 獨家技術 In-Tech 製成，摸感柔軟、重量輕盈，卻具備媲美天然羽絨的保暖性；前短後長的立體輪廓優雅修飾比例，使大衣在冬日層層包覆的穿搭中依舊顯得纖細俐落。

countries: 挪威 義大利


content_text:
▲統一與家樂福的股權交易進行最終核算，確認交易價金為9.7億美元。（示意圖／翻攝Google Maps）

記者柯振中／綜合報導

統一企業與統一超今日宣布，併購家樂福的股權交易進行最終核算後，確認交易價金為9.7億美元（約新台幣302.3億元），較2023年交割時的10.02億美元（約新台幣311.6億元）減少3200萬美元（約新台幣9.9億元），調整後金額正式確定。

根據《中央社》報導， 統一與統一超於2023年完成併購台灣家樂福，兩家公司買回家福（台灣家樂福的法人名稱）六成股權，並公告當時交易價金為10.02億美元。歷經後續核算程序，雙方今日分別公告，依股份買賣契約確認最終價金為約8億美元及1.69億美元，合計約9.7億美元，較原先金額減少3200萬美元。

家樂福目前在台經營量販店與超市通路。依家樂福官網資料，量販店共有63間分店、超市店則有239間；以量販店規模來看，家樂福仍為全台量販業者之首。

title: 統一集團收購台灣家樂福價格確定了！最終收購價302億元


companies: 蘋果 Google

content_text:
▲Cloudflare大當機以後，許多網友搜尋，導致關鍵字飆上熱搜。（圖／翻攝Google）

記者柯振中／綜合報導

網路公司Cloudflare發生技術故障問題，導致全球大規模當機，社群平台X、聊天機器人ChatGPT等網站也出現無法載入的情況。值得一提的是，當機狀況發生以後，Google熱搜關鍵字當中，立即出現一段「請解除封鎖 challenges.cloudflare.com以繼續」，搜尋次數更是已飆破5萬，顯見有許多人受到困擾。

據了解，Cloudflare是提供網路基礎設施服務的公司，技術廣泛支持網站穩定、安全性，孰料台灣時間18日晚間突然發生大當機的情況。對此，該公司則表示，正在了解問題影響範圍，並且在積極排除中，若有最新資訊，會盡速公布。

事件發生後在社群軟體上引起極大討論，不少網友對此求救，「好奇問問，有人的ChatGPT完全不能用了嗎」、「我的ChatGPT炸掉了嗎？重開機也沒用。頁面一直出現『請解除封鎖…以繼續』」、「有人的電腦版ChatGPT突然說要解除封鎖，不然無法使用嗎」、「目前發生大當機，疑似cloudflare.com遭受網路攻擊。目前全球節點都掛掉，請各位稍微再等等吧…。」

▼Cloudflare故障造成全球網站大當機。（圖／翻攝網站）

而當機事件發生以後，不少網友將頁面提示「請解除封鎖 challenges.cloudflare.com以繼續」等文字丟上Google搜尋，因而導致這段文字瞬間成為關鍵字，搜尋量瞬間超過5萬，3個小時內成長率飆破1,000％。

至於為何會跳出這段關鍵字？根據《蘋果仁》報導，這是因為使用ChatGPT時，有部分網路流量需經過Cloudflare的驗證服務，來判斷是一般使用者或是機器人。

▼ChatGPT當機以後，許多網友點入網站，都會跳出「請解除封鎖 challenges.cloudflare.com以繼續」等關鍵字。（圖／ETtoday資料照）

不過因為Cloudflare發生全球性異常，導致驗證流程當機，ChatGPT拿不到通行證，最終只能跑出錯誤訊息。這並非網友將該驗證封鎖，而是驗證異常，才導致大家都被擋住。

title: ChatGPT大當機「這關鍵字」飆上熱搜！一票網友哀號：不能用了嗎


title: Gemini 3震撼亮相！突破技術上限　AI開始能設計、能規劃也能執行

content_text:
記者吳立言／綜合報導

Google 今（19日）正式發表新一代模型 Gemini 3，被視為 Google 打造「AI 作業系統」的起點。這並非單純提升模型能力，而是將搜尋、介面生成、任務代理與開發環境全面整合，讓 AI 開始具備真正能處理工作、規劃流程與生成工具的能力，標示 Google 的 AI 產品線正式跨入新階段。Google 表示，Gemini 3 的定位不只是性能更強的模型，而是要讓 AI 承接更接近「作業層」的角色，成為支撐整個產品體驗的核心。

因此，Gemini 3 的重點已不再是讓 AI 「更會聊天」，而是讓它真正能理解、能行動、能搭建工具，並參與使用者的整個工作流程。本次升級也展現多項核心強化，包括：

‧ 聽得懂複雜指令，‧ 看得懂所有媒材，‧ 能自己生出介面、工具和 UI，‧ 能真的幫你跑任務、代為行動，‧ 能在開發者端自己規劃流程。

更強的推理與語意理解能力

Gemini 3 在推理方面的進步是全面性的。它不再只是抓住問題表面的字詞，而是會分析語境、理解你真正的意圖，並在複雜任務中保持一致的邏輯線。當你提出含糊問題時，它會補齊你沒講明的部分；遇到較深的專業內容，也能串連背景知識並給出更完整的觀點。Google 表示這一代模型在「細膩度」與「準確度」上都有明顯提升，也減少了過去模型常出現的敷衍式或模糊回答。

真正成熟的多模態：懂圖片、影片、聲音，也懂背後的概念

Gemini 3 不只做資料解析，而是能理解內容」。給它一段實驗影片，它可以同時看懂動作、文字與物理過程；給它一份手寫筆記，它能辨識筆跡、理解內容並延伸出補充說明；給它一張醫學影像，它能描述影像、連結領域知識並指出可能的重點。這種跨模態理解更像是把人類的「觀察」與「解釋」合在一起，而不是單純做辨識。

生成式介面（Generative UI）：AI 不只是答覆，而是「直接變出工具」

Search 的 AI Mode 讓 Gemini 3 可以動態生成視覺化介面，這是 Google 這次最大的體驗層突破。當你問複雜問題，它不會只是用文字講解，而是直接產生一個能操作的模擬器、比較工具或動態排版畫面。例如查房貸，它會做成兩種利率方案的比較工具；問科學問題，它會給你看得懂的互動畫面；想要旅遊規劃，它給你的會是像旅遊網站或雜誌般的行程版面。也就是說，Gemini 3 的回答不是“把資訊丟給你”，而是“替你做出一個能用的介面”。

Vibe Coding：用語氣與想像就能打造 UI 的新方式

Vibe Coding 是這次最有未來感的新能力。你不需要寫 Code，也不需要畫線框圖，甚至連功能細節都不用精確定義，只要告訴它「我想要一個有太空氛圍、深藍配色、能左右滑動的天氣小工具」，Gemini 3 就能生成完整介面。這不只是畫出視覺稿，而是能直接做出有互動、可運作的 UI，包含動畫、元素布局甚至前端程式碼。對一般使用者來說，它讓「零門檻的應用程式設計」變得可能；對工程師與設計師來說，它是一種能快速試錯、快速出草稿的全新工作流。

Gemini Agent：從回答問題走向真正能「行動」的 AI

Gemini Agent 是一個能執行多步驟任務的 AI 助理，並與你的 Google 生態整合。它能整理 Gmail、管理行事曆、比價機票與租車、彙整文件、跨 App 操作，甚至能根據你的需求自動完成一連串複雜流程。例如你說要安排一趟出差行程，它會去讀你的 email，抓出目的地與日期，再幫你比價租車與飯店，全部整理好後再請你確認。Google 強調這項功能的重點是「可控、安全」，所有會影響你帳戶或金錢的行為都需要你確認。

Antigravity：AI 為開發者做完整工作流程的工具

Google 同時推出新的開發平台 Antigravity。它不是讓 AI 寫一些 Code，而是讓 AI 能夠自己規劃整個開發流程：打開 IDE、生成程式碼、執行測試、修 bug、控制瀏覽器做 E2E 測試等。這次 Gemini 3 提供的推理能力與操作能力，使 AI 能夠從「工具」變成「能與工程師並肩工作的小幫手」。開發者可以讓它協助做元件設計、UI 測試、資料處理，甚至是完成一個完整功能的初版。

長期規劃能力：更可靠的多步驟決策

在模擬長期任務的測試（例如管理一間自動販賣機商務的 Vending-Bench）中，Gemini 3 表現顯著優於其他模型。這意味著它在長鏈推理與多步驟任務中不容易跑偏，適合用在需要「數十到數百次決策的任務」，也是 Agent 能更可靠的原因之一。

安全性：Google 最嚴格的一代模型

Gemini 3 經過更完整的安全訓練，包括抗誘導能力、降低幻覺、避免被惡意指令操控、強化事實性等。Google 也與外部研究單位合作進行測試，避免模型在金融、健康或法律等領域產生錯誤指引。整體來說，這一代模型在安全層面上比以往更穩定。

也因此，Gemini 3 本次不只是模型升級，而是讓整個 Google 產品線正式進入「AI 原生時代」。


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記者王靖淳／綜合報導

女星玉兔（鄭如吟）2022年嫁給導演Howard，同年底生下兒子姆姆，今年5月驚喜宣布懷二寶，事後透露寶寶性別是女生。今（18）日深夜他透過社群開心報喜，宣布二寶「彌彌」已經平安出生，同時也曬出老公陪進產房的照片，表示自己已正式成為二寶媽。

▲玉兔升格二寶媽。（圖／翻攝自Instagram／bellayutu）

玉兔透過社群發文，並開心寫下「今天早上彌彌登陸地球了。」回顧這段懷孕過程，玉兔坦言孕期中難免會感到辛苦，但只要她轉念一想「在肚子裡的妳，一定也是經歷千辛萬苦才來到我的身邊」，這份信念便成了她堅持下去的最大動力。

▲玉兔會在社群分享生活。（圖／翻攝自Instagram／bellayutu）

玉兔形容這段過程是彼此「雙向奔赴的努力著」，只要想到女兒也在為見面而努力，她就會變得勇敢，堅強面對所有挑戰。除了分享迎接新生命的感動，玉兔也不忘感謝老公。她特別在文中標註老公的IG帳號，甜蜜地謝謝對方「在我懷孕這段日子，包辦家事」，不但一肩扛起家中的大小瑣事，更照顧陪伴兒子，「人生的里程碑，湊成一個『好』字。」

title: 玉兔二寶生了！　湊成好字甜曬合照：我們是雙向奔赴


title: 涉北市精舍命案出庭不答「愧疚嗎」　李威夫妻拒認罪11／25齊作證

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記者黃哲民／台北報導

台北地院審理佛學作家王薀領導的宗教團體涉犯精舍命案，今（18日）開庭傳喚13名被告勘驗被害人蔡女遭虐昏、被拖到屋外淋雨垂死畫面，蔡女家屬當庭崩潰痛哭，同案被告藝人李威與妻子開完庭分頭走，不回應媒體詢問「覺得愧疚嗎」，夫妻倆訂於下周二（25日）轉為證人出庭應訊。

▲台北地院審理北市精舍命案，18日開庭後，被告王薀（王江鎮）還押。（圖／記者黃哲民攝）

北院從今天起到今年（2025年）底，排定每周二全天密集審理本案，今上午勘驗蔡女赴「死亡研討」出事後，現場屋外的街道監視畫面，只見凌晨2點多，蔡女在颱風夜的風雨裡，被數人拖到路邊，躺在地上沒動靜，在場幾名信徒自顧自撐傘，有人用傘戳蔡女，用腳踢蔡女試探。

▲台北地院審理北市精舍命案，18日開庭後，涉案女信徒游秀鈴還押。（圖／記者黃哲民攝）

蔡女淋雨約8分鐘被拖回屋內，隨即又被帶出來放上推車，用膠帶固定蓋上透明雨衣推走。蔡女家屬看到畫面，當庭崩潰痛哭，被扶到庭外仍無法平息，控訴「太慘了！為什麼要弄到死為止！」被記者詢問時，家屬泣訴蔡女個子嬌小，「10幾個人對付她，叫她怎麼招架？我看這影片好像看到剴剴（另案遭虐死男童）一樣！」

下午庭訊由來台向王薀學佛的愛爾蘭男子施惟哲（Syed）作證，他中文相當流利，遇到不易口語形容的中文概念，可說英語由身旁翻譯表達，對於檢方主張蔡女赴「死亡研討」時，已因遭逼頻繁做五體投地大禮拜而眼、額瘀傷，施男自稱「我也有做大禮拜，太用力也會瘀傷」。

▲台北地院審理北市精舍命案，18日開庭後，涉案女信徒梁碧茵（左）、幹子昀（右）還押。（圖／記者黃哲民攝）

施男說做大禮拜是化解前世今生業障，他自願做，沒看過蔡女被逼做，他在精舍值班，會聽見蔡女做大禮拜的跪地、磕頭聲響，他參與團體內的「研討」不會責罵體罰，而是分享讀書與佛法、反省自己。

施男說蔡女出事當天凌晨被送回所住精舍，他在精舍值班熟睡，被叫醒幫扶蔡女回房，惺忪間沒注意蔡女衣著、外表有無濕漉漉、是否貼著膠帶，僅納悶蔡女怎麼不出力、把全身重量壓在他身上，是不是假裝的。

後來他覺得不對勁，很快又去察看，發現蔡女似乎沒有生命跡象，在場住持吳慧珠不會急救，他急忙為蔡女做CPR，公訴檢察官問他為何不叫救護車，施說「我的義務是做CPR，專注這件事，沒多問別的」。經辯方發問，施男「想起來」，住持有幫蔡女做口對口人工呼吸。

檢方認為施男語多保留，不斷提示證據要他「想清楚再講」、「不是挖坑給你跳，是喚醒記憶」，施說事後努力恢復正常生活、不回想這件事，很多細節記不清，有些回答是他推論，檢方要他作證別推論，施說不能推論，就只能說不記得，檢方立刻追問「那你的推論是什麼？」

▲台北地院審理北市精舍命案，涉案藝人李威（後）與妻子簡瑀家分頭走，靠律師擋駕，不回應媒體詢問「覺得愧疚嗎」。（圖／記者黃哲民攝）

法庭內傳出陣陣笑聲，辯方也異議不應要求證人臆測、藉此解圍，但檢方狀似無厘頭、卻是刻意打亂施男心防，以便講清楚疑點，檢方最後認為施男證詞諸多模糊之處、不足採信，審判長再問一次為何當下不將蔡女送醫急救，施說「這是個好問題，但我沒有好答案」。

王薀與3名核心女信徒開完庭還押，其餘被告在夜色中鳥獸散，李威和妻子簡瑀家分頭走，被媒體包圍追問今出庭後「覺得愧疚嗎」，李威靠律師擋駕不回應，他在偵查中認罪獲檢方建請法院減刑或免刑，但上月（10月）出庭改採無罪答辯，聲稱沒附和叫罵或傷害蔡女，因同情蔡女，才喊話「說對不起，事情就可以結束」。

▲台北地院審理北市精舍命案，18日開庭後，與藝人丈夫李威共同涉案的簡瑀家，不回應媒體發問。（圖／記者黃哲民攝）

王薀（本名王江鎮）領導的宗教團體信徒眾多，包括高階白領菁英，也有外籍修行者，追隨王薀習佛20多年的50多歲退休會計蔡女，因記帳出錯害王薀損失數百萬元，加上拒絕剃度出家，去年（2025年）5月間連續多日被信徒公審，每天做五體投地的「大禮拜」400到500次懺悔。

檢方起訴指稱，去年7月23日深夜10點多，蔡女從平日居住的北市瑞安街精舍，被叫到附近1家「水月草堂」茶館內，遭李威夫妻等10多名信徒以「研討」之名集體批鬥，不停起身 、下跪，外加拖拉、踹踢與辱罵，蔡女受虐3個多小時，隔天（24日）凌晨1點多昏迷。

▲北市精舍命案涉案住持吳慧珠（右）。（圖／記者湯興漢攝）

王薀在蔡女倒地前已先離開現場，信徒合力將蔡女用膠帶固定在手推車上，覆蓋透明雨衣，在颱風夜中由精舍住持吳慧珠與信徒姜芃妤、李淵源推回精舍，上午10點多發現蔡女斷氣，報案謊稱不明原因死亡。

警方見蔡女遺體滿布嚇人瘀傷，報請檢方指揮偵辦，查出這起精舍命案，今年（2025年）3月依傷害致死、強制等罪嫌起訴13人，王薀與3名核心信徒「讀書會師姐」幹子昀（幹做姓氏時讀音同韓）、梁碧茵與游秀鈴至今在押。

events: 颱風 死亡


countries: 義大利 挪威


title: 最美玉女歌手出道25週年開唱　一看台下哭了：我還在唱給你們聽

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記者蔡琛儀／台北報導

新加坡歌手蔡淳佳「淳粹·25週年世界巡迴演唱會」昨（18日）在廣州開跑，正逢她出道25週年的同一天，她一口氣唱滿23首經典，從〈兩個人間〉暖場到〈掌聲響起〉收尾，正式段落兩小時外加半小時寵粉合影，相當有誠意。

▲蔡淳佳日前在廣州開唱。（圖／Joi Music、淳萃文化提供）

她一出場就哽咽：「今天剛好是我出道日…一晃25年，我還在唱給你們聽。」現場粉絲尖叫聲震耳欲聾，」她情緒剛落定，下一秒馬上變身「新加坡老師」現場開課，教粉絲喊Singlish「STEADY bom pi pi！」全場大叫到破音，連燈光師都笑出來。

演出一路穿越她的聲線記憶，〈幾何〉、〈回到最初〉點開初期時光，情歌段落〈眼裡眉間〉、〈等一個晴天〉把全場變成千人KTV，無插電版的〈依戀〉、〈相思河畔＋蝴蝶〉靜默到能聽見呼吸，〈愛如潮水〉與〈等你成空〉接連掀起大合唱，她還笑問：「你們想搶我工作嗎？」觀眾秒笑瘋。

▲蔡淳佳下個月將來台開唱。（圖／Joi Music、淳萃文化提供）

最後以〈風鈴〉、〈慶幸有你愛我〉一路灌滿暖意，安可再用〈他和她〉回到舞台中央，並在台上陪粉絲拍照近半小時，瘋狂揮手、比心、點名，最終以〈有一天我會〉、〈掌聲響起〉作結，廣州首站在歌聲與掌聲中完美落幕。台北站將於12月13日在Legacy TERA登場。


title: ChatGPT大當機「這關鍵字」飆上熱搜！一票網友哀號：不能用了嗎


references: 網友 Facebook

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記者蔡宜芳／綜合報導

資深媒體人呂文婉經常在社群與網友分享日常，她18日透露去廟裡拜拜時，經然遇上離奇事件，莫名被一位陌生婦人「塞籤紙」，事後她也直呼：「舉頭三尺有神明，難道不怕現世報嗎？」

▲呂文婉18日分享去廟裡拜拜遇到的怪事。（圖／翻攝自Facebook／呂文婉get in TOUCH）

呂文婉表示，自己一大早特地準備鮮花素果前往白沙屯拱天宮參拜，而自己也不是「一年信徒」，平時只要有空，大概一、兩個月就會去參拜一次。呂文婉說，正在廟裡參拜時，突然聽到一名婦人喊她的名字，「我轉過頭禮貌性點頭打了招呼，心想應該是認識我的觀眾……孰料，接下來劇情超展開……她沒來由塞給我一張籤詩，『這是一位老師要跟妳結緣的……』然後轉身消失在人群中……」

不過，呂文婉還來不及細看籤詩內容，廟裡一名義工馬上衝過來，將那張籤當場撕碎丟掉。呂文婉這才從廟方義工口中得知，原來廟裡時不時會出現不肖人士假借通靈接近信眾，目的是製造信眾恐慌，藉此攀談騙財，「當然也有另外一種可能，就是意圖把壞運過給我……宗教聖地，媽祖娘娘慈愛庇佑眾生之所，居然有人膽敢如此歹心……」

▲呂文婉在廟裡被陌生人塞籤紙。（圖／翻攝自Facebook／呂文婉get in TOUCH）

呂文婉聽完坦言確實被嚇到，也一度忐忑不安。不過，解籤義工強調，籤詩必須由個人向媽祖稟告再經由擲筊確認，「屬於個人，跟他人無關」，並安撫呂文婉說：「真的不需要想太多，她幫妳過了一個厄運。」

呂文婉的遭遇曝光後，許多網友都留言表示「怎麼有這種人，實在很可惡」、「光把下下籤籤詩丟給別人，是無法把壞運過給別人的，因為那不是給你的，也不是你的，請勿擔心」、「沒有道德良知真不知道這些歹心人在拜什麼意思」、「真是可惡至極耶，怎麼有這種人啊？都不怕害人害自己～遭天譴」。

【呂文婉全文】

#舉頭三尺有神明#難道不怕現世報嗎

起了大早，準備鮮花素果前往白沙屯拱天宮拜拜，我不是「一年信徒」，只要有空大約一兩個月就會回去一次！今天卻讓我碰上了怪事

在廟裡參拜過程中 ， 一位婦人突然喊一聲文婉...我轉過頭禮貌性點頭打了招呼，心想應該是認識我的觀眾...孰料，接下來劇情超展開...她沒來由塞給我一張籤詩，「這是一位老師要跟妳結緣的...」然後轉身消失在人群中...

從字面上看來，那張籤詩不是很好...來不及細究，廟裡義工立馬從我手中抽走，撕碎丟入垃圾桶（原來他目睹一切...)另一名解籤的師兄了解狀況後，無奈表示，廟裡屢屢發生不肖人士假借通靈，製造信眾恐慌，藉此攀談騙財...（其實廟方早有公告，提醒信眾務必多多提高警覺，但防不勝防...）當然也有另外一種可能，就是意圖把壞運過給我...（宗教聖地，媽祖娘娘慈愛庇佑眾生之所，居然有人膽敢如此歹心...當下，多少有些忐忑有些不安...所幸在解籤義工釋疑後，才放下心中疙瘩！他強調，籤詩是經由個人向媽祖稟告事由，再以搏杯確認並取得媽祖指示籤詩！ 屬於個人，跟他人無關！這種異想天開，意圖將壞運過給別人的卑劣行徑怎可能得逞：「真的不需要想太多，她幫妳過了一個厄運。」心存善念 福雖未至禍已遠離心懷惡念 離地獄門前已不遠

title: 呂文婉廟裡拜拜遭陌生婦「塞籤紙」！　義工秒衝上前撕碎揭真相


title: 王大陸忘帶身分證被法官問　網笑瘋傳「開庭與開溜，選擇開天窗」

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記者許力方／台北報導

藝人閃兵案「最高價碼客戶」同時也是關鍵突破口的王大陸，18日首度出庭，被控偽造文書、妨害兵役等3罪，他當庭全數認罪，並交代了360萬元付款金流，不過法官一開庭就問他「為什麼沒帶身分證」，他致歉解釋「出門太趕」，再度引起網友討論。

還原整起事件始末，一開始因王大陸打不開車門「自投羅網」，遭檢警查出案外案，接著牽扯出18名藝人涉案閃兵，他更成了其中「最高價碼客戶」。王大陸一連串事跡受到網友瘋傳，如今首度出庭，就被法官問「為什麼沒帶身分證？」他稱自己出門太趕忘記帶，最後是用卷裡的駕照影本報到。

▲王大陸首度開庭全認罪。（圖／記者陳以昇攝）

意外插曲再度引起熱烈討論，網友紛紛笑稱「王大陸到底有多天兵」、「天兵也算是一種兵」、「這麼有趣的靈魂真適合當藝人」、「我快瘋掉XD」、「王大陸真是寶藏男孩欸（讚美口吻）」、「在開庭跟開溜之間，選擇了開天窗。」

藝人閃兵案扯出18人名單，新北地檢署偵辦起訴12人，第一波針對修杰楷、陳柏霖等5人具體求刑2年8月，導火線王大陸則被求刑1年，他18日被以被告身分傳喚出庭，全數認罪並2度鞠躬認錯，向大眾道歉，求從輕量刑，庭訊14分鐘結束後態度相當低調。


title: 港籍男操盤1100萬共諜案！高院裁定「6軍官全羈押」　僅1人免禁見

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▲台灣高等檢察署破獲港人丁小琥共諜組織案，起訴7人。（圖／記者屠惠剛攝）

記者黃哲民、閔文昱／台北報導

台灣再爆重大共諜滲透案，高等法院合議庭18日晚間針對港籍男子丁小琥及6名共犯的移審接押進行裁定。經訊問後，法官認定7人涉嫌為大陸地區發展組織、收集與交付國家機密，犯罪嫌疑重大，且罪名最輕本刑均達5年以上重罪，具高度逃亡風險。其中丁、王、譚、呂、邱、楊等6人更被認為仍有串供之虞，裁定全數羈押禁見；至於楊女則無串證疑慮，但仍有羈押必要，裁定羈押但未禁見，全案仍可抗告。

本案源自高等檢察署偵辦的大型共諜網絡。港籍男子丁小琥受中共軍委政治部聯絡局南寧工作站指示，自2023年起多次假藉商務、觀光名義來台，發展共諜組織。他斥資逾1100萬元，以金錢為誘因吸收我國現役、退役軍官共6人，內容涉及陸軍備戰部署、空軍飛指部機密等資訊，甚至遊說現役軍官在戰時採取「消極不抵抗」。

檢方查出，丁男先吸收陸軍退役中校王文豪、飛彈指揮部退役中校譚俊明，再由2人向下擴散，拉攏陸軍裝甲兵指揮部士官長呂芳契、北區測考中心少校參謀官楊博智、飛指部中尉人事官楊千慧及其丈夫邱翰林等人，形成固定且具有層級的滲透網絡。丁男並透過陳姓業者操作地下匯兌，將1112萬餘元匯入台灣，用於支付組織費用及酬庸。

該案自今年7月起由高檢署指揮調查局、憲兵隊、政戰局啟動4波搜索及拘提行動，共7名組織成員均遭聲押至今。高檢署18日偵查終結，依違反《國家安全法》等罪嫌起訴丁男等7人，並求處重刑；同時另針對涉入非法匯兌的丁男與陳姓業者，依《洗錢防制法》、《銀行法》等另案起訴。

國防部則強烈譴責涉案現役與退役軍士官「背叛袍澤、背叛國家」，指出本案由政戰局在內部安全清查時率先發現，並立即啟動國安聯防機制通報，最終成功循線查出上游共諜組織。國防部承諾將持續強化涉密人員調查、接密資格認證與反情報教育，全力堵住中共滲透。

taiwan-subdivisions: 成功 北區


title: 涉北市精舍命案出庭不答「愧疚嗎」　李威夫妻拒認罪11／25齊作證


title: 最美玉女歌手出道25週年開唱　一看台下哭了：我還在唱給你們聽


references: Facebook 網友

title: 呂文婉廟裡拜拜遭陌生婦「塞籤紙」！　義工秒衝上前撕碎揭真相


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金融科技業界領袖表示，更緊密的公私合作與更具支持性的政策將加速中小微企業的數字化轉型

菲律賓馬尼拉2025年11月19日 /美通社/ — 業內人士表示，隨著東盟地區合作不斷深化，中小微企業將從區域協作中獲益，這也讓金融科技公司能夠更好地服務小型企業。

Rowena Zamora, Chief Strategy Officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, and Felix Sharief, vice president of Public Policy and Government Relations at DANA talk about views on ASEAN standardizing cross-border regulations to accelerate MSMEs’ digital shift

GCash母公司Mynt首席戰略官Rowena Zamora表示，東盟為支持金融科技公司賦能小企業所推出的舉措中，「東盟單一窗口」(ASEAN Single Window)便是其中之一，它助力金融科技企業以及中小微企業著顯著提升數字化流程效率。

她表示：「要讓中小微企業在國內以及更廣泛的東盟區域更便捷地進入市場，就必須讓政策與流程更加普惠化，同時通過務實的創新解決參與成本與合規成本等關鍵痛點。」

GCash目前正推動約600萬商戶數字化轉型，並通過與菲律賓的相關決策機構與監管部門合作，為中小微企業提供傳統融資之外的更多選擇。

Zamora表示，隨著東盟逐步統一跨境監管要求，加上GCash已支持跨境交易，包括那些需要從海外采購的中小微企業，企業參與區域市場的成本大幅降低。

Zamora今年9月於瑞士日內瓦舉辦的世界貿易組織公共論壇的一場小組討論中發表了上述觀點。

該小組討論以「Beyond Borders: ASEAN’s Bold Paths to MSME Digitalization」（超越國界：東盟推動中小微企業數字化的創新路徑）為主題，由菲律賓常駐WTO代表團與GCash共同主辦，並邀請了東盟其他相關方參與，包括印尼開放平台電子錢包DANA以及國際清算銀行(BIS)創新中心。

菲律賓常駐WTO代表Manuel Teehankee大使在開場致辭中強調，跨境互聯互通的可及性至關重要，它能幫助中小微企業應對愈加復雜的全球市場環境。

他同時重申了菲律賓對《數字經濟框架協議(DEFA)》的支持，該協議旨在在菲律賓2026年擔任東盟主席國之前，構建一個統一的東盟數字市場。

DANA公共政策與政府關系副總裁Felix Sharief也在會上表示，印尼電子錢包DANA已從東盟電子商務流程標准化與經濟合作中受益，不僅降低了運營成本，也讓其得以向更多未受銀行服務的群體提供更多服務。

Sharief進一步指出，各類關鍵投資正在讓中小微企業更易進入數字經濟。他說：「公私部門的合作共同塑造行業生態，私營企業提供技術與創新，公共部門則制定支持性政策。通過這種方式，我們才能推動轉型與數字化，並確保金融服務對全社會可及。」

Zamora 還參加了由印尼政府主辦的「東盟數字支付：從創新走向普惠」工作會議，會議探討了跨境二維碼互聯互通與區域支付聯動等議題。

title: 東盟金融科技公司GCash和DANA加大支持力度，助力中小微企業

countries: 印尼 瑞士 菲律賓


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Bitget 法務團隊榮獲 LexisNexis 與 Thomson Reuters 旗下《亞洲法律雜誌》頒發多項 2025 年度殊榮

維多利亞，塞舌爾, Nov. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 全球最大的全景交易所 (UEX) Bitget 欣然宣佈，該交易所的法務團隊榮獲三項具業界影響力的 2025 年度獎項，彰顯了加密貨幣領域之法律團隊在全球金融領域日益增長的影響力。

在 Thomson Reuters 旗下《亞洲法律雜誌》(Asian Legal Business, ALB) 的 2025 年度香港法律大獎頒獎典禮上，Bitget 法務總監 Phil Leung 榮膺「年度青年律師」殊榮，他同時亦入圍「年度金融科技律師」決選名單； Bitget 法務團隊入圍「年度金融科技團隊」獎項，法律總監 Hon Ng 則躋身「年度律師」決選名單，使本團隊得以與頂尖國際律師事務所以及頂級企業的法務團隊並駕齊驅。 頒獎儀式匯聚了來自頂尖律師事務所、金融機構以及企業法務團隊的逾 400 名法律專業人士，其中，數家主要加密貨幣平臺亦參加了本次活動。

Bitget 法務團隊隨後榮獲 LexisNexis 之 2025 年度「精英團隊」獎，Phil Leung 更獲評入選 LexisNexis 2025 年度「40 歲以下 40 大優秀律師」榜單。 LexisNexis 特別指出，Bitget 在 2024 至 2025 年間實現了快速擴張，以交易量計算，該平台已從全球加密貨幣交易所的前十名躍升至前四名。 截至 2025 年，該平台全球用戶數已逾 1.2 億，日均加密貨幣交易處理量逾 300 億美元，相當於每年處理逾 1 萬億美元之加密貨幣交易。

Bitget 之法務、合規及內部監控部門成立於 2024 年，由 Hon Ng 先生帶領， 而 Phil Leung 先生隨後加盟，擔任該部門之首任主管。 自成立至今，該團隊已擴展至擁有全球各地百餘名專業人士的龐大規模，在 Bitget 拓展關鍵市場版圖的過程中，為該交易所提供了涵蓋牌照、監管、商業、公司、爭議解決以及僱傭事務等核心法務領域的專業指導。

對於團隊得到的這些認可，Bitget 法務總監 Hon Ng 表示：「我們榮膺這些獎項，無疑證明自設的專業加密貨幣法務團隊已成為主流法律界的一員。 Bitget 的法務團隊專為配合監管變動步伐，保障我們用戶權益，同時支持負責任產品增長而生。」

近期獲 LexisNexis 和 Thomson Reuters 旗下《亞洲法律雜誌》頒發各項殊榮，令 Bitget 法務部門的榮譽清單錦上添花，而該部門將繼續在 Bitget 的國際擴張、風險管理以及監管策略中扮演核心角色。

關於 Bitget

Bitget 成立於 2018 年，是全球最具規模的全景交易所 (UEX)，為超過 1.2 億用戶提供一站式平台，存取數以百萬計的加密代幣、代幣化股票、ETF 以及其他現實世界資產，同時提供即時獲知比特幣、以太坊、瑞波幣及其他加密貨幣價格的功能。 該生態系統致力協助用戶更明智地進行交易，提供由 AI 驅動的交易工具，實現比特幣、以太坊、Solana 與 BNB Chain 之間的相互操作性，並擴大對現實世界資產的存取。 在去中心化方面，Bitget Wallet 為領先的非託管加密錢包，支援 130 多條區塊鏈及數百萬種代幣， 整合多鏈交易、質押理財、支付功能與 20,000 多個去中心化應用程式 (DApps)，平台內置進階兌換服務及市場見解分析。

透過策略夥伴合作關係，Bitget 一直推動加密貨幣普及化，例如擔任世界頂級足球賽事西班牙甲組足球聯賽 (LALIGA) 在東亞、東南亞和拉丁美洲的加密貨幣官方合作夥伴。 配合全球影響力策略，Bitget 與聯合國兒童基金會 (UNICEF) 攜手合作，目標在 2027 年或之前為 110 萬人提供區塊鏈教育。 在電單車賽壇中，Bitget 是世界頂級賽事 MotoGP™ 的獨家加密貨幣交易所合作夥伴。

如欲了解詳情，請瀏覽：網站 | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

傳媒查詢請聯絡：media@bitget.com

風險提示：數碼資產價格存在波動，並有可能出現巨大波幅。 建議投資者只分配能承受損失的資金作投資。 任何投資的價值可能會受到影響，而且財務目標有可能無法實現，或投資本金有可能無法收回。 請務必徵詢獨立的財務意見，並慎重考慮個人的理財經驗和財務狀況。 過往表現並非未來業績的可靠指標。 對由此產生的任何潛在損失，Bitget 恕不承擔責任。 本文中包含的一切內容均不應被視為財務建議。 如需了解更多資訊，請參閱我們的使用條款。

請瀏覽以下網址，查閱此公告隨附的相片：http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a70276f0-121d-47da-b5a2-20dbad901095

countries: 香港 西班牙


countries: 墨西哥 瓜地馬拉 薩爾瓦多 巴拿馬

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倫敦2025年11月19日 /美通社/ — Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 今日公佈 No.51 至 No.100 的擴展榜單，以此頌揚當地蓬勃多樣的餐飲風貌。此榜單由 300 位業界專家投票評選而成，囊括來自 26 座城市的餐廳，彰顯其卓越的烹飪成就。此榜單將為Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 頒獎典禮揭開序幕，該盛會由S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna贊助，將於 12 月 2 日在瓜地馬拉安提瓜舉行。

欲查看完整 51-100 排行榜，請點按此處。

本屆榜單新增 13 間來自 11 座城市的餐廳，其中利馬的 Shizen 首度上榜，位列 No.62。聖保羅以六間餐廳躋身擴展排行榜之首，較 2024 年顯著增長，其中包括五間重新上榜餐廳及新晉入榜的 Cepa (No.73)。布宜諾斯艾利斯、墨西哥城、巴拿馬城和聖地牙哥各佔四間上榜餐廳。墨西哥城以位列No.51的Pujol維持其排名，緊隨其後的是薩爾瓦多的 Origem，位列 No.52。

其他值得關注的新晉餐廳包括：巴拿馬城的 Umi (No.72) 與 Caleta (No.91)；里約熱內盧的 Oseille (No.65)；墨西哥城的 Em (No.71)；加拉加斯的 La Casa Bistró (No.89)；波哥大的 Selma (No.96)；以及聖地牙哥的 Fukasawa (No.100)。位於科爾多瓦的 El Papagayo 重返榜單，位列 No.78。來自瓜地馬拉市的 Ana (No.94) 首度上榜即榮獲 American Express One To Watch Award，而索蘇亞的 Aguají (No.88) 則由主廚Inés Páez Nin (主廚Tita) 領軍入選，該主廚同時也榮獲Champions of Change Award 2025。

Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 內容總監 William Drew 評論道：「我們懷著無比喜悅之情揭曉 2025 年拉丁美洲排名 No.51 至 No.100 的餐廳榜單。這份擴展榜單彰顯出 50 Best 致力於發掘及表揚更多傑出人才的宗旨，隨著以美食為核心的旅遊需求持續強勁增長，更為拉丁美洲更多非凡美食目的地提供了絕佳的展示平台。」

入選擴展榜單51-100 名的餐廳，將於 Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 頒獎典禮上接受表彰。典禮將於 2025 年 12 月 2 日危地馬拉時間 20:00，在 50 Best YouTube 頻道（點按此處）進行直播。

傳媒中心： https://mediacentre.theworlds50best.com/

title: LATIN AMERICA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 揭曉 2025 年度 51-100 強擴展榜單


title: 成大醫院參加德國MEDICA2025國際醫療科技盛會　展出智慧照護成果

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（主流傳媒記者吳敏慈／綜合報導）成大醫院安寧緩和共同照護中心主任蔡瑞鴻率領團隊，11月17日至20日赴德國杜塞道夫參加具全球影響力的國際醫療科技盛會MEDICA 2025。

MEDICA為全球性、深具影響力的醫療科技展覽會，每年於德國杜塞道夫舉行，展會聚焦醫學影像、實驗室技術、診斷設備、健康資訊科技、行動健康、物理治療及醫療耗材等領域，並設有多場高峰論壇與專業研討會，被譽為「全球醫療科技產業的年度盛會」。

成大醫院安寧團隊展出三大核心成果，包括QOCA apc照護包、QOCA abc心電圖系統與nFOPT® Huijia Health智慧光纖薄墊，展現成大醫院以科技力量深化人本關懷，打造溫柔且高效的智慧安寧照護新模式，讓病人與家屬在生命最後階段獲得更有尊嚴與安心的支持。

QOCA apc照護包整合平板、筆電與QOCA平台，支援遠距健廉監測與跨院資料整合，讓安寧居家照護能即時追蹤病況，提升臨床反應效率與照護連續性。

QOCA abc心電圖系統具備24小時即時心律監測功能，透過無線傳輸與臨床平台整合，協助醫護人員即時掌握病人心律變化，縮短急性惡化的反應時間。

nFOPT® Huijia Health智慧光纖薄墊採用光纖感測技術，可偵測呼吸、心跳與熟睡程度，且設有離床警示，提升病人安全性，適用於安寧病房及長照機構。

蔡瑞鴻指出，成大醫院安寧團隊多年來深耕臨床實務與智慧醫療科技結合，持續以實證為基礎，打造跨場域應用的智慧照護模式。此次赴德參展，不僅展示台灣在智慧安寧照護領域的創新成果，亦與國際醫療社群進行交流與合作，推動智慧安寧的價值走向全球舞台。

countries: 德國 台灣


countries: 中國 日本 中国 台灣

references: 網友 臉書

title: 北京報復暫停赴日旅遊！ 他一篇「謝謝中國」獲上千萬人次迴響

content_text:
日本首相高市早苗在國會表態台灣若遭侵略，自衛隊不排除行使集體自衛權的言論讓中方炸鍋，北京採取一連串報復措施，包括暫緩中客赴日旅遊。諷刺的是，該消息曝光後日網一片叫好，因為過去發生過太多中客做出各種不道德、不衛生、不禮貌行為的黑歷史。靜岡大學教授大野旭近日還在社群發表一篇「謝謝中國」的反諷貼文，獲得上千萬人次迴響！

為報復高市早苗政府挺台，中國外交部本月14日呼籲公民「近期暫勿前往日本」，隨後大量中國赴日旅行團取消，日本不少人反而叫好，但觀光業者勢必受到衝擊，因此相關話題近日在日網受到熱烈討論。面對中方無理舉措，日本經濟安保大臣小野田紀美霸氣直言，中國遇到不滿就立刻以經濟手段施壓，過度依賴這樣的國家，本身就是巨大的風險，不僅供應鏈如此，現在也能看到觀光成為他們拿來威脅的工具。

對此，印太戰略智庫執行長矢板明夫18日深夜在臉書發文表示，小野田紀美這番話點出關鍵，當中國把正常貿易、觀光客流與互動都視為可操控的武器時，日本有必要更清楚自身該如何降低脆弱性。

另外，矢板明夫也分享了日籍蒙古裔文化人類學家大野旭（原名為楊海英）近日在X平台上發表的推文，「謝謝你們，中國！不要再來了。沒有你們的新幹線安靜又舒適，沒有你們的京都恢復典雅，沒有你們的銀座更適合和服，沒有你們的居酒屋變得更好吃，沒有你們的溫泉更乾淨，沒有你們的世界更幸福！」該推文曝光至今，已累積超過1700萬人次觀看、近20萬人按讚。

日本網友紛紛表示「說得太好了！」、「完全認同」、「高市就靠一句話就解決觀光客氾濫的問題，怎麼能不支持」、「還有，沒有那些傢伙來的飯店真的很安靜！這點也想加上去，真的很吵」、「沒有不遵守規矩的觀光客，奈良的鹿也會很安心」、「爆買的人不在真是太好了！聽說他們那邊的習慣是吃東西吃得到處都是、剩下一堆才算禮貌，但那景象真的讓人覺得食物可憐又浪費，看了就不舒服」。

ありがとう????中国もう来ないで。あなたたちのいない新幹線は静かで優雅。あなたたちのいない京都は雅。あなたたちのいない銀座は着物が似合う。あなたたちのいない居酒屋は美味しい。あなたたちのいない温泉は清潔。あなたたちのいない世界が幸せ???????????????? https://t.co/Ee4SesgQfZ

— 楊海英（Oghonos Chogtu＝Yang Haiying） （@Hongnumongol99） November 15, 2025


title: 統一集團收購台灣家樂福 最終交易價302億元

content_text:
〔中央社〕統一與統一超今天公告家福股份有限公司（家樂福）股權交易案核算確定最終交易價金9.7億美元（約新台幣302.3億元），相比2023年給付交易價金10.02億美元（約新台幣311.6億元），減少3200萬美元（約新台幣9.9億元）。

統一企業與統一超併購台灣家樂福案2023年完成交割，統一企業、統一超買回家樂福6成股份，當時公告總計給付交易價金約10.02億美元。

在併購家樂福2年後，統一與統一超今天分別公告，就家福股份有限公司股份買賣事宜簽署了股份買賣契約，依契約約定，核算確定最終交易價金約為8億美元和1.69億美元，總計約9.7億美元，相比當初10.02億美元，減少3200萬美元。

目前家樂福有量販店和超市店，根據家樂福官網，量販店為63間分店，超市店有239間分店，以量販店店數來看，為全台量販店龍頭。

一手掌握經濟脈動 點我訂閱自由財經Youtube頻道

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taiwan-subdivisions: 高雄 高雄市 三民區

title: 高雄水利局提升寶珠溝流域防洪  斥資4600萬改建箱涵、抽水站

content_text:
高雄市水利局為完善寶珠溝流域防洪體系，今年投入4600萬元，除了加高民族一路防洪牆外，近來完成三民區建興路箱涵改善，並推動德山街抽水站功能提升工程，預計明年5月完工，降低區域積淹水風險。

高雄因應極端氣候，推動寶珠溝流域各項排水改善工程，水利局今年推動寶珠溝民族一路至十全路明渠段防洪牆加高工程，並同步改建民族一路180巷排水溝，寬度1.2公尺、高度1.2公尺，總經費1200萬元，已於今年7月完成。

此外，建興路排水系統屬於寶珠溝流域，為早期民國70年間建置，鄰近建興市場及眾多商家，其中建昌路至建德路段箱涵老舊破損，尤其大雨過後老舊箱涵受損，經常造成路面下陷，水利局近年多次接獲道路下陷通報，經檢測發現既有箱涵結構老舊破損，影響排水功能與行車安全。

水利局籌措經費2200萬元，推動三民區建興路下水道工程，從建昌路至建德路段，改建箱涵270公尺，並改善7處過路聯通管，整體工程剛完工，重新刨鋪路面，提升周邊生活品質。

水利局持續投入1200萬元，推動德山街35巷抽水站功能提升工程，目前施工中，預計明年5月完工，提升抽水能量與效率，強化整體排水設施效能。