title: Why would Modi not fix New Delhi’s ‘airpocalypse’?

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New Delhi is, once again, surrounded by a toxic, sulfurous haze, and its air quality was recorded as being just about the worst in the world last month.

If you live there, you can sometimes allow yourself to forget this. You can wake up in the morning and, even if the air does not look so good, tell yourself that it is winter — a little fog is only to be expected. However, then you remember the persistent cough, and sinuses that are clogged with dust. Sometimes, your eyes are red enough to make it look like you have not slept a wink.

Is that just the price of living in this thriving megacity of 30 million-plus? After all, this is where all the action is. India grew at 8.2 percent in the third quarter. Perhaps a little bad air is the price Indians have paid for growth that the world envies. They just have to put up with it.

However, it is not necessary for Indians to live this way, and they should not have to. This is a fixable problem, yet one that has never been a priority. That tells us something unpalatable about where India is right now. Perhaps it is growing at more than 8 percent, but if so, that is in spite of the deficiencies of its state and not because of it.

New Delhi’s world-beating pollution is only the most visible, tangible example of this. The reason it continues is because too many authorities are involved — each with their own interests, priorities and incentives. The New Delhi government might be directly responsible to the capital’s people, but those in the states that surround it are not, and it is their farmers whose bonfires of agricultural waste make the city’s air worse. The municipal corporation is in charge of implementing anti-smog measures, but its officials do not see eye-to-eye on the issue with the Delhi state authorities.

Then there is the federal government. It also sits in New Delhi, breathing the same poisoned air as the rest of Indians. However, it has been strangely unwilling to get everyone involved in a room and hammer out a sustainable solution.

For a simple coordination problem of this kind, solutions usually have to come from the top. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never been shy about centralizing authority when it suits him; surely he should treat this problem the way that the leadership in Beijing treated China’s smog crisis more than a decade ago, or Britain’s parliamentarians did after the Great Smog of London in December 1952.

The Indian government can point to small improvements in air quality averages, but the reality for those who live there is that the air this winter remains bad enough to make them sick. Still, there is no sense of urgency; if anything, the approach is cautious and studied.

This stings — especially when compared to the “airpocalypse” of January 2013 that led the Chinese Communist Party to work out that no matter how effectively it controls the narrative, you cannot hide that millions of city-dwellers are inhaling poisonous black dust all day. So, it acted to fix it. It is almost as if Beijing’s authoritarians are more responsive than the institutions of the world’s largest democracy.

India has always moved forward, short-circuiting its fractured governance architecture, when those in charge have been willing to spend some of their political capital on a problem. By that standard, New Delhi’s leaders, past and present, have been failures. Modi’s popularity could give him a level of authority in the country that is the envy of his peers, but he has proved increasingly reluctant to use it in the service of anything that does not have an immediate electoral payoff. Air pollution evidently does not meet that standard.

Perhaps that is a rare misjudgement. By the standard of demonstrations in India, the occasional rallies in the center of town to protest the unbreathable air are small. However, they should still worry politicians, because they are relatively spontaneous and untainted by party politics.

Issues such as air pollution do not fall neatly along partisan lines, and cannot be blamed on the opposition or history. It affects all sections of society. Even those rich enough to buy air purifiers cannot cower inside all day. It is not a divisive issue; nobody is making pro-pollution arguments.

It is precisely the sort of problem that can make the most apolitical of citizens lose faith in the system. China’s leaders saw that; why can’t India’s? Aspirational urban Indians are the most loyal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) voters, and they see Modi in particular as the manifestation of competence; how long before their red eyes and dry throats cause them to start questioning that assumption?

Beijing cleaned up its skies, because the alternative would threaten the regime’s legitimacy. Delhi now, even if for naked political self-interest, should have a similar response. This is not an authoritarian country, but one where authority and legitimacy are increasingly concentrated, while accountability is fractured and fragmented. Modi’s ruling BJP has the power to act. Until it does, its voters’ discontent would only grow.

Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, he is author of Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy. 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.


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When Swiss tycoons handed US President Donald Trump a gold bar and a Rolex watch — gifts that were followed by a cut in US tariffs — it was no diplomatic nicety. It was a reminder of how concentrated wealth seems to buy access and bend policy. It might, alarmingly, become the norm if the global “inequality emergency” continues. That is the message of the most recent work by the Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz. The economist sees the yawning gap between rich and poor as a human-made crisis which is destroying politics, society and the planet. He is not wrong.

The problem is no longer confined to a few fragile states. It is a global harm, with 90 percent of the world’s population living under the World Bank’s definition of “high income inequality.” The US sits just below that threshold and is the most unequal country in the G7, followed by the UK. Stiglitz’s insight is that the current system’s defenders can no longer explain its mounting anomalies. Hence, he wants a new framework to replace it. His blueprint for change is contained within the G20’s first-ever inequality report, endorsed by key European, African and middle-income nations.

It warns that the richest 1 percent captured 41 percent of all new wealth since 2000, while the bottom half gained just 1 percent. On average, someone in the global top 1 percent became US$1.3 million richer; a person in the poorest half gained US$585. Meanwhile, 2.3 billion people are moderately or severely food insecure — 335 million more than in 2019. Wealth concentration far outstrips income concentration, with billionaires’ assets worth one-sixth of global GDP. Shockingly, billionaire wealth is rising almost in lockstep with global food insecurity.

The report argues that extreme inequality is a policy choice — produced by specific economic, political and legal decisions rather than by “globalization” or technology. Financial deregulation, weakening labor protections and privatization all aid rising inequality, as does cutting corporate and top income tax rates.

The report says that the most dangerous consequences are political, with highly unequal countries being seven times more likely to experience democratic backsliding or authoritarian drift.

The Nobel laureate points out that the super-rich account for a disproportionate share of carbon emissions, worsening climate risks borne by the poor.

Crucially, Stiglitz rejects the pro-market argument that inequality is good for growth.

The G20 inequality report lays out a comprehensive redesign of global economic governance reminiscent of 1944’s Bretton Woods settlement. What led to that overhaul is being identified again today: global rules and institutions that are generating crises, instability and inequality.

Stiglitz wants structural change — suggesting a rewrite of intellectual property rules as well as trade and investment treaties, a reform of global lenders, and an update on tax systems as well as sovereign debt arrangements.

A fairer global order must start where every paradigm shift begins: with knowledge, scrutiny and shared facts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — the UN-backed body assessing scientific opinion — was created in 1988 to give global authority to that knowledge. It reshaped climate politics. Stiglitz says that the time has come for an International Panel on Inequality. Hundreds of experts agree. Endorsing it is not radical, it is simply the first step toward a saner world. Without it, the gold-bar diplomacy circling Trump would spread.

title: Why a Nobel laureate’s warning must be heeded


title: Spain retain Nations League trophy

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PINA BRACE:  Claudia Pina scored in the 61st and 74th minutes, while Vicky Lopez added one as Spain notched their third victory in a final in the past four tournaments

Claudia Pina scored twice and Germany crumbled on Tuesday as Spain retained the UEFA Women’s Nations League title with a 3-0 victory in the final’s second leg.

Vicky Lopez also scored after Pina finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with Germany stubbornly hanging on as Spain had done in the first leg, a 0-0 draw in Kaiserslautern on Friday.

Spain were without three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, who broke her leg in training on Sunday.

Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso, center, lifts the trophy after they claimed the UEFA Women’s Nations League title with a win in the second leg of the final against Germany at the Metropolitano in Madrid on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Lopez took Bonmati’s place and Spain dominated from the start. Esther Gonzalez swept the ball just past the post and Mariona Caldentey forced a save from Ann-Katrin Berger early on as the flag-waving fans roared encouragement.

Nearly 56,000 supporters attended the match at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano, easily a record for the Spain team at home. Many children were also present on a cold night in the Spanish capital. None of the supporters seemed to mind the cold with most staying in their seats long after the final whistle.

“One of the most magical nights we have ever experienced, one of the best in my career,” two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas said.

Spain’s Alexia Putellas, left, and Vicky Lopez celebrate a goal during the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final against Germany at the Metropolitano in Madrid on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

“Some of us have been playing for the national team for 13 years and never imagined this,” Putellas said of the attendance. “It says a lot about what we have achieved with women’s soccer in Spain. We will continue to inspire girls and boys to fight for their dreams, which sometimes come true.”

Gonzalez tried her luck with an acrobatic scissors-kick, and Mariona, Lopez and Mariona again all had good chances before the break, with Berger doing well to deny the latter.

Nicole Anyomi had a rare opportunity for Germany in a one-on-one with Cata Coll before the halftime whistle, only to drag her shot wide of the right post.

“That has to go in and she had another one in the box in the second half,” Germany coach Christian Wuck said. “That’s the difference between us and the technically gifted Spanish players.”

Pina got the party under way in the 61st minute when she breezed past a Germany defender and played a one-two with Mariona before beating Berger with a low shot. Berger got her hand to the ball, but could not stop its progress inside the right post.

The 19-year-old Lopez scored seven minutes later when she cut in from the right and unleashed a curling shot inside the far post.

Pina sealed the win in the 74th minute after getting a gift of the ball from Germany’s Janina Minge. The Barcelona forward set off for goal and let fly from about 20m past the despairing Berger.

“The goal was to win again and retain the Nations League title. It was all worth it,” Sonia Bermudez said after winning her first title as Spain coach.

The former team captain took over from Montse Tome in August.

It was only Spain’s second win over old foe Germany. The previous came at the UEFA European Women’s Championship last summer when Bonmati scored in extra-time for a 1-0 win in the semi-finals. Spain lost to England on penalties in the final.

That was the only disappointment after reaching the finals of the past four tournaments. Spain beat England in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and bettered France in last year’s Women’s Nations League. Tuesday’s win over Germany made it three wins from four finals.


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Erling Haaland on Tuesday scored his 100th Premier League goal as Manchester City moved to within two points of the top of the standings after surviving a stunning fightback from Fulham.

Haaland became the fastest player to reach a century of goals in the league with his 17th-minute opener in City’s 5-4 win at Craven Cottage.

However, a night of personal glory was nearly wrecked as Fulham came back from 5-1 down and came agonizingly close to an equalizer in added-time when Josh King’s effort was cleared off the line.

Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, top, fouls Erling Haaland of Manchester City during their Premier League match at Craven Cottage in London on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

“It’s not good enough, and we all know this and we need to improve as a team,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

Haaland’s goal — lashed in from close range — was his 100th in 111 games. It saw him break the record of England icon Alan Shearer, who reached that benchmark in 124 games.

City’s victory saw them close the gap on first-placed Arsenal, who were to play Brentford after press time last night, but it was another game when the defensive frailties of Pep Guardiola’s team were laid bare.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero, fourth right, scores against Newcastle United during their Premier League game at St James’ Park in Newcastle, England, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Manchester City blew a two-goal halftime lead against Leeds United on Saturday — needing a stoppage-time winner from Phil Foden to avoid dropping points.

It was a similar story against Fulham as City led 3-1 at halftime, with Tijani Reijnders and Foden adding to Haaland’s goal, while Emile Smith-Rowe pulled one back before the break.

Foden got his second early in the second half and a Sander Berge own-goal seemingly put City in total control with less than an hour gone.

That was until Fulham mounted a fightback.

Alex Iwobi got Fulham’s second with a low, curling effort from outside of the box. Samuel Chukwueze scored two in the space of six minutes to set up tense finale.

Josko Gvardiol produced the crucial clearance to seal City’s win.

“I know you’re going to ask what happened — I don’t have an answer. It’s the Premier League, right?” Guardiola said.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United twice blew the lead against Tottenham Hotspur to draw 2-2 after Cristian Romero scored the second of his goals in the fifth minute of added-time.

With an overhead-kick deep into added-time, Romero came to Tottenham’s rescue at St James’ Park.

Newcastle took a 1-0 lead through Bruno Guimaraes in the 71st minute after the home team had dominated the first half.

Romero leveled with a near-post header seven minute later.

Newcastle led again in the 86th minute when Anthony Gordon converted from the penalty-spot, but the drama was not over.

Romero’s acrobatic effort stunned the home crowd and salvaged a point for Spurs to prevent its losing run being extended to four games.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe described the late equalizer as “heartbreaking.”

“We’ve had similar experiences this season in terms of not defending leads at the end of games and that’s something we have to reflect on,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish scored the only goal of the game as Everton beat AFC Bournemouth 1-0, bouncing back from defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

Grealish — on loan from Manchester City — scored his second of the season in the 78th minute.

The loss ended Bournemouth’s unbeaten run at home in the Premier League this season.

Additional reporting by Reuters

title: Haaland scores 100th Premier League goal


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Robin Smith, the batter who shone for England in a period when it was beaten regularly in Test cricket, has died.

He was 62.

Smith’s family said in a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that he died unexpectedly at his home in Perth, Australia, on Monday.

Former England cricketer Robin Smith poses for a photograph for his Hampshire side on April 14, 1997. Photo: Reuters

No cause was given.

He played 62 Tests for England from 1988 to 1996, scoring 4,236 runs at an average of 43.67 with nine centuries. His signature shot was the square cut.

Smith also played in 71 one-day internationals and was part of England’s squad who reached the 1992 ICC World Cup final. His unbeaten 167 against Australia at Edgbaston in 1993 remained the England ODI record until 2016.

The family said Smith’s alcohol and mental health issues since retiring in 2004 “should not form the basis of speculation about the cause of death.”

Smith, known as “The Judge,” was born in Durban, South Africa, to British parents.

He followed his older brother, Chris, who also became an England Test and ODI player, to England as a teen and made his Test debut in 1988 against the West Indies at Headingley, scoring 38 in a century stand against the pace attack of Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Winston Benjamin and Courtney Walsh.

His Test centuries featured two in the Ashes and three against the West Indies, including his highest score, 175, which he made at St John’s in Antigua in 1994.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan, in Australia as a commentator for the ongoing Ashes series, posted: “RIP Judge ... My hero” on X.

ECB chairman Richard Thompson said that Robin Smith “was a player who stood toe to toe with some of the quickest bowlers in the world, meeting spells of hostile fast bowling with a defiant smile and an incredible resilience.”

“He did so in a way that gave England fans enormous pride and no shortage of entertainment,” Thompson said.

Former England captain and teammate Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports: “He had no fear in him at all when facing the quicks. He didn’t wear a grille or a visor — he just wore that helmet, diving and ducking out of the way, cutting. I’ve never seen many batters cut the ball better than Robin Smith. He took them [fast bowlers] on. England fans loved him.”

Michael Atherton, another England captain and teammate of Robin Smith’s, told Sky Sports: “As a cricketer, he gave the impression of an extremely strong and tough batter, which he was. But off the field he was quite shy, actually. But the life and soul of the party, a very, very popular teammate, someone who would do anything for you. Exceptional popular guy.”

Robin Smith played more than 300 first-class matches for Hampshire, who described the captain as a “true titan of Hampshire Cricket.”

“Robin Smith is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of all time Hampshire cricket heroes,” Hampshire group chairman Rod Bransgrove said. “He was one of the most popular players ever to play the game we all love, and he will be hugely missed.”

title: England cricketer Robin Smith dies


title: Five-wicket Duffy puts NZ on top against Windies

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A five-wicket haul by Jacob Duffy yesterday gave New Zealand a 64-run first-innings lead over the West Indies after the tourists all out for 167 in the first Test.

At stumps on day 2 in Christchurch, New Zealand were 32-0 in their second innings to be 96 ahead. Devon Conway was 15 not out with Tom Latham on 14.

Once the forgotten man of New Zealand domestic cricket, Duffy found himself the enforcer in only his second Test.

New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy holds up the ball to mark taking five wickets against the West Indies on day 2 of the second Test in Christchurch, New Zealand, yesterday. Photo: AP

“There was a point in time I didn’t think I would be playing any Test cricket,” said the 31-year-old, who made his debut in the five-day game against Zimbabwe four months ago.

“It’s my second Test, the first at home, and it feels really cool to get a five-for,” he said. “And to put our team in a good position is pretty huge.”

In 16 deliveries following a rain break in the final session, Duffy removed the last four West Indies batsmen while conceding only two runs.

The fast bowler had earlier dismissed the Windies top scorer, Shai Hope, for 56 to finish with career-best figures of 5-34 off 17.4 overs.

Half-centuries from Hope and Tagenarine Chanderpaul provided the backbone of the West Indies innings in a 90-run stand for the third wicket.


title: SOCCER SHORTS

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COPPA ITALIA

Juventus reach quarters

Juventus on Tuesday advanced to the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Udinese after teenage defender Matteo Palma scored an own-goal and conceded a penalty. Juventus, who hold the record for the most Cup trophies with 15, next face either Atalanta BC or Genoa, who were to play after press time last night. The Bianconeri took the lead midway through the first half when US international Weston McKennie did well down the right flank before putting in a low cross that Palma turned into his own net as he tried to anticipate Jonathan David. A video review in the second half spotted that the 17-year-old Palma had fouled Juan Cabal in the penalty area. Substitute Manuel Locatelli struck the resulting spot-kick straight down the middle.

LA LIGA

Barcelona boost lead

Barcelona on Tuesday increased their lead in the league by coming from behind to beat Atletico Madrid 3-1, with Dani Olmo scoring the go-ahead goal, but hurting his shoulder in the process. Olmo injured his left shoulder in a fall after sending a left-footed strike into the net in the 65th minute for Barcelona’s second goal at the Camp Nou. Atletico had opened the scoring with Alex Baena. Raphinha equalized for the hosts in the first half. Olmo was in visible pain after going down and could not celebrate the goal that left Barcelona four points ahead of Real Madrid. The Barcelona playmaker was immediately substituted and had to be assisted off the field by the club’s medical staff. Tempers flared late in the first half, with Barcelona’s Gerard Martin booked for a rash sliding tackle on Giuliano Simeone during an Atletico counterattack. The visitors called for a red card, but referee Ricardo de Burgos deemed the challenge deserving of only a yellow. Ferran Torres, who replaced Olmo, sealed the victory for Barcelona deep into stoppage-time. “It was a key match and these three points were important,” Raphinha said after Barcelona’s fifth straight league win. “They could help decide the league in the end.”

DFB-POKAL

Leverkusen advance

Ibrahim Maza’s first-half strike on Tuesday was enough for Bayer 04 Leverkusen to knock Borussia Dortmund out of the Cup with a 1-0 win in their third-round encounter. Maza scored in the 34th minute after a team move from the back. Alex Grimaldo played the 20-year-old Algeria forward through, and though Waldemar Anton blocked Maza’s first effort, he curled the ball in with his second after beating Anton and another Dortmund defender to the ball. Elsewhere, Hertha BSC enjoyed a 6-1 rout of second-division rivals Kaiserslautern, Louis Oppie scored the winner for St Pauli, who beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1, and Christoph Baumgartner scored twice as RB Leipzig won 3-1 against second-division side Magdeburg. Fans across all of the games stayed quiet for the first 12 minutes to protest a German government proposal to increase security measures around games. The mooted changes include personalized tickets, increased surveillance — including facial-recognition software — and centralized stadium bans for alleged troublesome fans. The proposals were to be discussed at a three-day conference from yesterday.


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‘HEART IS ACHING’: Lee appeared to baffle many when he said he had never heard of six South Koreans being held in North Korea, drawing criticism from the families

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung yesterday said he was weighing a possible apology to North Korea over suspicions that his ousted conservative predecessor intentionally sought to raise military tensions between the war-divided rivals in the buildup to his brief martial law declaration in December last year.

Speaking to reporters on the first anniversary of imprisoned former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol’s ill-fated power grab, Lee — a liberal who won a snap presidential election following Yoon’s removal from office in April — stressed his desire to repair ties with Pyongyang.

A special prosecutor last month indicted Yoon and two of his top defense officials over allegations that he ordered drone flights over North Korea to stoke tensions. South Korean media also reported on Monday that South Korea’s military under Yoon’s presidency flew balloons carrying propaganda leaflets across the border.

Protesters sit near an axe sculpture bearing the date Dec. 3 in front of the National Assembly in Seoul yesterday, during a rally to mark the first anniversary of former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol’s martial law declaration on Dec. 3 last year. Photo: Reuters

While the drone and leafleting allegations have yet to be proven in court, Lee still said he personally wished to apologize to North Korea.

“I do think we need to apologize, but I haven’t been able to say so because I worry it could be used to smear [me] as pro-North Korean or spark political ideological battles” in South Korea, Lee said. “That’s all I will say for the time being.”

When asked about how his government would bring back six South Korean nationals detained in North Korea in the past decade or so, Lee baffled many when he said had never heard of the cases and asked his national security director: “Is it correct that [South] Korean nationals are being held?”

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung speaks to reporters during a news conference at the Blue House in Seoul yesterday, on the first anniversary of the declaration of martial law by ousted president Yoon Suk-yeol. Photo: AFP

He later said he lacked “specific information since this happened a long time ago” and would need more details before commenting.

Three of the six detainees are Christian missionaries who were involved in covert efforts to spread Christianity in the North. They were arrested in 2013 or 2014 before being convicted of plotting to overthrow North Korea’s government and spying for Seoul and sentenced to hard labor for life. The other three are North Korean-born defectors who had resettled in the South, and little is known about their arrests.

“My heart is aching. I think President Lee has little interest” in the detainees, said Kim Jeong-sam, brother of one of the jailed missionaries, Kim Jung-wook. “I still pray for my brother’s safe return at least three times a day.”

Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at the Seoul-based Transitional Justice Working Group, said it was “unbelievable” for Lee to say he did not know the issue.

“As president of our country, he should have known this and agonized how to resolve it, though it would be difficult to resolve it anytime soon,” he said.

During the news conference, Lee credited South Koreans for “suppressing a self-coup,” pointing to how thousands gathered around the South Korean National Assembly to protest Yoon’s power grab and help lawmakers get inside.

He said South Korea’s experience offers hope to people worldwide fighting for democracy.

Also at the news conference, Lee said South Korea would not take sides in an escalating war of words between Japan and China, calling for the two sides to “coexist.”

Tokyo and Beijing have been locked in a dispute after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Tokyo could intervene militarily should China invade Taiwan, as such an attack would threaten Japan’s existence.

The comments triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash from Beijing, which has urged its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan.

“The ideal approach is to coexist, respect one another, and cooperate as much as possible,” he said, describing northeast Asia as a “highly dangerous region in terms of military security.”

Lee has sought to improve ties with China after years of deep freeze under his predecessor Yoon, who cleaved close to Seoul’s longtime security partner the US.

Lee and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) last month met on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, in what Seoul framed as an opportunity to reset ties.

Lee yesterday told journalists his talks with Xi had been “interesting” and said he hoped to visit China soon.

“He was, unexpectedly, quite good at making jokes,” Lee said.

Additional reporting by AFP

title: SK President Lee weighs apology to North


title: Search for flight MH370 to resume, Malaysia says

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The search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is to resume on Dec. 30, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport said yesterday, more than a decade after the Beijing-bound flight disappeared in one of the world’s greatest aviation mysteries.

Flight MH370, a Boeing 777, was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members when it vanished en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014. Multiple search operations for the plane have been conducted since then, but all proved fruitless.

The most recent search in the southern Indian Ocean was suspended in April after just a few weeks due to poor weather conditions.

Flight officer Rayan Gharazeddine scans the water in the southern Indian Ocean off Australia from a Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion during a search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 on March 22, 2014. Photo: AP

Exploration firm Ocean Infinity has confirmed it would recommence seabed operations for 55 days, conducted intermittently, the transportation ministry said.

“The search will be carried out in targeted area assessed to have the highest probability of locating the aircraft,” it said in a statement.

No precise location of the search area has been given.

The ministry said the latest development underscores its commitment in “providing closure to the families affected by the tragedy.”

Relatives of the victims had voiced hope in February that a new search could finally bring some answers.

Malaysian investigators initially did not rule out the possibility that the aircraft had been deliberately taken off course. Debris, some confirmed and some believed to be from the aircraft, has washed up along the coast of Africa and on islands in the Indian Ocean.

The resumed search would be in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed upon between the government and Ocean Infinity for restarting the MH370 wreckage search, the ministry said.

Malaysia is to pay the firm US$70 million if substantive wreckage is found during the search on the seabed of an area in the southern Indian Ocean covering 15,000km2.

Ocean Infinity had conducted prior searches for the plane up until 2018, but failed to find substantive wreckage.

A 495-page report into the disappearance in 2018 said the Boeing 777’s controls were likely deliberately manipulated to go off course, but investigators could not determine who was responsible and stopped short of offering a conclusion on what happened, saying that depended on finding the wreckage.

Investigators have said there was nothing suspicious in the background, financial affairs, training and mental health of both the captain and copilot.

More than 150 Chinese passengers were on the flight. Others included 50 Malaysians, as well as citizens of Australia, Canada, France, India, Indonesia, Ukraine and the US.

Relatives have demanded compensation from Malaysia Airlines, Boeing, aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce and the Allianz insurance group, among others.

Additional reporting by AFP


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A masked burglar early on Saturday broke into a closed Virginia liquor store and hit the bottom shelf, where the scotch and whisky were stored.

The bandit was something of a nocturnal menace: Bottles were smashed, a ceiling tile collapsed and alcohol pooled on the floor.

The suspect acted like an animal because he is a raccoon.

A drunk raccoon lies passed out in a liquor store bathroom in Ashland, Virginia, on Saturday. Photo: Samantha Martin,Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter via AP

On Saturday morning, an employee at the Ashland, Virginia-area liquor store found the trash panda passed out on the bathroom floor at the end of his drunken escapade.

“I personally like raccoons,” said Samantha Martin, an officer who works at the local animal control. “They are funny little critters. He fell through one of the ceiling tiles and went on a full-blown rampage, drinking everything.”

Martin said she took the raccoon back to the animal shelter, although she had her fair share of giggles along the way.

Broken bottles litter the floor of a liquor store in Ashland, Virginia, on Saturday, in the aftermath of a drunken raccoon rampage. Photo: Samantha Martin, Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter via AP

“Another day in the life of an animal control officer, I guess,” she said.

Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter commended Martin for handling the break-in, and confirmed the raccoon had sobered up.

“After a few hours of sleep and zero signs of injury (other than maybe a hangover and poor life choices), he was safely released back to the wild, hopefully having learned that breaking and entering is not the answer,” the agency said in a statement.

title: Raccoon goes on drunken rampage in US liquor store


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NOT HELPING:  The Minneapolis mayor said the city’s police officers, many of whom are Somalian, would not work with federal agents in immigration enforcement

US authorities are preparing a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that would primarily focus on Somalian immigrants living unlawfully in the US, a person familiar with the planning said.

The move comes as US President Donald Trump on Tuesday escalated rhetoric about Minnesota’s sizeable Somalian community, saying he did not want immigrants from the east African country in the US because “they contribute nothing.”

His administration on Tuesday also announced that it was pausing all immigration applications, such as requests for green cards or naturalization, for people from 19 countries, including Somalia, that were banned from travel earlier this year, as part of sweeping immigration changes in the wake of a shooting of two US National Guard members.

St Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, center, speaks to reporters, as Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, left, and Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman look on during a news conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

The Minnesota enforcement operation could begin in the coming days and is expected to focus on the Minneapolis–St Paul area and people with final orders of deportation, the person said.

Teams of immigration agents would spread across the Twin Cities in what the person described as a directed, high-priority sweep, although the plans remain subject to change.

The prospect of a crackdown is likely to deepen tensions in Minnesota — home to the nation’s largest Somalian community. They have been coming since the 1990s, fleeing their country’s long civil war and drawn by Minnesota’s generous social programs.

An estimated 260,000 people of Somalian descent were living in the US last year, according to the US Census Bureau’s annual American Community Survey.

The largest population is in the Minneapolis area, home to about 84,000 residents, most of whom are US citizens. Ohio, Washington and California also have significant populations.

Trump has become increasingly focused on Somalians living in the US, saying they “have caused a lot of trouble.”

Community leaders said Trump has inflamed tensions and revived fears of profiling.

The president said during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that Somalian immigrants are too reliant on the US social safety net and add little.

“I don’t want them in our country,” he said. “Their country is no good for a reason.”

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed back against Trump’s depiction of Somalians, saying it “violates the moral fabric of what we stand by in this country as Americans.”

“They have started businesses and created jobs. They have added to the cultural fabric of what Minneapolis is,” Frey said.

The mayor vowed that the city’s police officers, many of whom are Somalian, would not work with any federal agents doing immigration enforcement, saying “it’s not their job.”

Trump also renewed his criticism of US Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat who emigrated from Somalia in 1995 as a child.

“We can go one way or the other, and we’re going to go the wrong way, if we keep taking in garbage into our country,” Trump said. “Ilhan Omar is garbage. She’s garbage. Her friends are garbage.”

On Tuesday, Omar punched back at Trump on social media, saying: “His obsession with me is creepy. I hope he gets the help he desperately needs.”

Meanwhile, the Trump administration said it would be up to US Citizenship and Immigration Services to determine when to lift its pause on immigration applications.

The administration in June banned travel to the US by citizens of 12 countries and restricted access for those from seven others, citing national security concerns.

The ban applied to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, while the restricted access applied to people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.

title: US to target Somalians in Minnesota, source says


title: Peru presidential hopeful safe after gun attack

content_text:
Peruvian presidential hopeful Rafael Belaunde on Tuesday escaped bloodied, but not seriously hurt from an attack by shooters on his car south of the capital, Lima, police said.

Two gunmen on a motorbike fired “eight or nine” shots at the sport utility vehicle the 50-year-old politician was driving and the candidate returned fire, Peruvian National Police Chief General Oscar Arriola said.

Three bullets shattered the front window, leaving Belaunde with blood stains on his face and shirt from cuts caused by broken glass, widely seen in images on TV and social media, police said.

Peruvian presidential candidate Rafael Belaunde of the Libertad Popular party, center, looks ahead as members of the Peruvian National Police inspect the site where gunmen fired at Belaunde in Lima on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

The injuries were “scratches sustained after the incident,” in the town of Cerro Azul, about 130km south of Lima, Belaunde said.

Using his own weapon, Belaunde fired “at least 12 shots” at his attackers, Arriola told news outlet Peru 21. No gunshot injuries were reported.

Belaunde, a former energy minister and grandson of two-term ex-president Fernando Belaunde, told police he had not received any threats.

Pedro Cateriano, a member of Belaunde’s Libertad Popular party told RPP radio that the attack is “a bad start to the campaign,” as Peru is gripped by a surge in graft and organized crime, giving rise to protests led by Gen Z demonstrators that have left dozens injured and at least one dead.

Belaunde faces a group of at least 12 candidates ahead of the general elections on April 12 next year. He ranks near the bottom in opinion polls, which favor former Lima mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga and Keiko Fujimori, daughter of late former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori.

Both right-wing politicians say they will be tough on organized crime.

“I strongly condemn this criminal act, a reflection of the violence that affects thousands of Peruvians every day. We cannot normalize these criminal acts, which must be combated with the full force of the law,” Keiko Fujimori wrote on X.


content_text: People watch and celebrate a mass wedding ceremony of 54 couples in Hamad City in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Tuesday, a rare moment of hope after two years of devastation, death and conflict. Weddings are a key part of Palestinian culture that have become rare in Gaza during the war, the Associated Press reported. The tradition has begun to resume in the wake of a fragile ceasefire, even if the weddings are different from the elaborate ceremonies once held in the territory.

title: Joy amid destruction


content_text:
Special budgets, universal cash handouts and increased defense spending have sparked renewed fiscal debate among the ruling and opposition parties

Article 5 of the Public Debt Act (公共債務法) limits government debt with a maturity of one year or later to 50 percent of the average of the nominal GDP for the previous three fiscal years, as determined by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). The central government limit is 40.6 percent; the remaining 10 percent is divided up among special municipalities (7.65 percent), counties and county-level cities (1.63 percent) and townships and township-level cities (0.12 percent).

Given the strictures of this law — and the systematic destruction of budgets and governance by the pro-China parties in the legislature — one recent trend has been to reach for special budgets. The law allows for them in cases of genuine national emergency. For example, the Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) administration, which had a friendly legislature, pushed through a special budget for the pandemic.

Similarly, in response to the crisis engendered by US tariffs, the administration of President William Lai (賴清德) proposed a special resilience budget, which was passed by the legislature in October. That budget included the NT$10,000 universal handouts, originally proposed by the pro-China parties in the legislature, which has no constitutional authority to propose budgets or spending (the legislature can only cut or freeze budgets). Their 2023 proposal for similar handouts was shot down.

DEFENSE DEBATES

The special budgets made international headlines last month when President Lai proposed a special budget for military spending, revealing it in an op-ed in the Washington Post. The budget of NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.8 billion), spread over eight years, was blocked in committee by legislators of the two pro-China parties, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) this week. The KMT also blocked a number of other proposed laws in committee, including legal amendments proposed by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers to oversee lawmakers heading to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Lai’s choice of venue was clever. It demonstrated the DPP’s commitment to defending Taiwan to the US, and implicitly requested that the US pressure the KMT to get the budget passed.

The pro-China parties responded with fierce criticism. KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅?萁), who meets periodically with officials of the PRC, complained of Lai’s special budget that the Ministry of National Defense (MND) had not explicitly stated that the PRC would have the capability to take Taiwan by force by 2027 in any of its defense budgets across the past three fiscal years. This logic-impaired claim is an entirely new complaint, as the government has been authorizing defense budgets since 1949 without meeting that requirement. Weirdly, it means that Taiwan could never spend money on defense, since that would set back all PRC deadlines for an invasion. It also implies a world where Taiwan does not seriously move on defense unless invasion is imminent.

TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) similarly complained that with budgets exceeding NT$1 trillion, Lai should provide guarantees that the special budget would truly increase Taiwan’s combat readiness. If Lai should attempt to do that, of course, the goalposts would simply shift again.

Recall that these are the leaders of the same two parties that have attempted to transfer central government spending to local governments, increasing the share of the government budget for local governments from 30 percent to 40 percent. In part, this is an indirect attempt to reduce defense budgets by reducing the funds available to the central government, one reason Lai is proposing a special budget. KMT Caucus whip Fu has proposed massive infrastructure spending in his home district, another proposal that would crowd out defense spending. Fortunately that appears to be DOA in the legislature.

HANDOUT HYPOCRISY

The opposition’s concerns about debt are touching. After assuming office in December of 2022, the KMT Mayor of Taipei, Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), announced the resumption of NT$1,500 cash gifts to elderly residents on the Double Ninth Festival. The last time such handouts had been made was 2015. Similarly, the KMT Mayor of Taoyuan, Simon Chang (張善政), promised to increase bonuses for elderly people on the three major holidays, in addition to a Double Ninth Festival payment of NT$2,500. Evidently, KMT politicians aren’t shy about using public money to buy private votes. It is only defending the nation that bothers them.

Fortunately, the DGBAS maintains a tight hold on local government budgets. Several deeply indebted local governments are currently on tight repayment plans after debt disasters unfolded in the middle 2010s.

While passing the special budget for the NT$10,000 handout, the pro-China parties removed the subsidy for Taiwan Power Co’s (Taipower) massive debts (that was partly restored in the special tariff resilience budget passed in October). They slashed the Taipower subsidies to force the DPP government to raise electricity rates and take the blame from the public for rising electricity rates.

The net result of the NT$10,000 payout, DPP officials pointed out, was to raise central government debt. Again, one effect of that is to place additional constraints on future defense spending.

SLASH AND SUPPRESS

In blocking Lai’s proposed special budget, the KMT also demanded that Lai appear before the legislature to answer questions about it. There is no constitutional requirement that Lai do so. That demand signals the KMT-controlled legislature’s goal to render the executive branch a mere appendage of the legislature, just as the shenanigans with the budgets — also used against DPP President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) — appears to signal the KMT’s determination to stealthily bypass the Constitution and gradually establish a de facto legislative ability to create and set budgets.

Legislator Fan Yun (范雲) of the ruling DPP said that the demand for a presidential report to the legislature was an excuse and the real aim of the KMT was to help China suppress Taiwan’s defense budget. That is also the goal of increasing the central government debt and of actions such as slashing Taipower subsidies, which will force the government to cut other spending to pay off Taipower’s debts. The pro-China parties are using the central government’s public debt as a tool, both in rhetoric and reality, to restrict defense spending.

Lai’s use of an op-ed in a Washington DC newspaper was a cry for help. The US needs to step up. It already makes criticism of weapons purchases too easy with its enormous backlog of weapons deliveries, something KMT officials invariably point to. Deliveries must be accelerated. US lawmakers, already becoming more vocal in their criticisms of the pro-China parties, need to dial that up more. Visits by US government officials should be implemented, to read the riot act to the pro-China parties. The US might also consider closing KMT offices in the US, and restricting visas for KMT officials.

Finally, it must be said that neither party ever discusses raising taxes, especially on the wealthy. New taxes would alleviate the need for special budgets and reduce the leverage debt provides for the KMT. Special budgets are thus embraced by both sides in part because they circumvent discussion of new taxes.

If only the second word in the DPP’s name actually meant something.

Notes from Central Taiwan is a column written by long-term resident Michael Turton, who provides incisive commentary informed by three decades of living in and writing about his adoptive country. The views expressed here are his own.

people: 賴清德 蔡英文 陳水扁 蔣萬安 范雲 黃國昌

title: Notes from Central Taiwan: Defense budgets and debts


content_text:
There are broadly speaking five key players that will determine the outcome, each with their own interests and calculations. This column will examine the interests and agenda of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

THE CCP DON’T LIKE IT

Of all the players, the CCP’s agenda is the clearest. They hate it.

Lai’s description of the T-Dome’s capabilities bringing “us closer to the vision of an unassailable Taiwan, safeguarded by innovation and technology,” must not have been well received in Zhongnanhai (中南海).

The CCP mouthpiece Global Times ran this headline, which neatly sums up their attitude and strategy: “Mainland spokesperson slams Lai’s $40B extra ‘defense budget’ to push Taiwan toward disaster; island voices accuse him of ‘selling out’ Taiwan.”

Expect their “island voices” to do whatever they can to undermine support for Lai’s plans.

The big question is whether they will do anything dramatic towards Taiwan to try and influence the debate. More big military exercises, perhaps?

In the short term, it is unlikely.

There is no clear domestic imperative to do so, and they have their hands full with drumming up ethnationalistic fury at a bigger fish: the Japanese.

New Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s military expansion plans are bigger and already in motion, and could complicate the CCP’s strategic calculations across the region.

Lai’s plans are still ill-defined and face a hard political battle ahead to get passed in the legislature. In the short term, the CCP will lean heavily on local assets and allies inside Taiwan to stymie Lai’s agenda to kill it off in the legislature.

Better for the CCP to concentrate their firepower on the immediate military buildup in Japan than a theoretical, long-term one in Taiwan. If they can get Japan to back down on their military buildup, it would also weaken the ability of the United States to intervene militarily.

Takaichi’s comments on Japanese military support during a “Taiwan contingency” — despite her merely openly stating what everyone already knew — is the excuse the CCP is using to fan the flames of nationalistic fury.

Children in China are taught to hate Japan from a young age, and nationalistic outrage is an easy card to play, and serves the CCP domestically by distracting from dissatisfaction with local economic pressures.

Targeting Taiwan would distract from those goals and confuse the messaging domestically.

TARGETING JAPAN TO STYMIE LAI

Targeting Japan also serves a purpose in their agenda in Taiwan by framing the conflict as Chinese versus Japanese.

This framing appeals to Chinese nationalist elements within the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), whose sympathies lie with their “Chinese compatriots.” The combination of flexing Chinese muscle against Japan scares those afraid of war in Taiwan, and appeals to ethnic unity may help provide backbone to some KMT lawmakers opposed to Lai’s defense priorities.

The KMT is split internally between those who support a robust military defensive posture, those who vehemently oppose it as “provocative” to China and those who want to win elections and care about public opinion.

A dramatic flexing of military muscle towards Taiwan to try and influence the outcome of a legislative vote on the special military budget would backfire and help ensure it passes by swinging public opinion against the CCP, severely weakening the hand of those in the KMT hoping to kill Lai’s plans.

Rather than do something dramatic against Taiwan, it would be more strategically sound for the CCP to target Japan.

The default, easy assumption would to significantly increase military activities around the Diaoyutai Islands (釣魚台), also known as the Senkaku Islands, ruled by Japan but claimed by both China and Taiwan. It would put pressure on Japan and the US, while simultaneously appealing to hardline KMT nationalists who also resent Japan’s “occupation” of the islands that they claim are part of Taiwan’s Yilan County (a position also held by China).

There is a problem with that plan, however. They have already increased their military activities around the Diaoyutai Islands about as much as they can without risking an all-out war. The US has reaffirmed that the Diaoyutai Islands are included in its mutual defense treaty with Japan.

There is not much new they can add to their pressure campaign there.

RYUKYU KINGDOM

Another possibility would be to increase pressure around the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, especially Yonaguni Island, which is only 107.4km from Taiwan. Japan is dramatically boosting its military presence there, alongside US Marines.

The CCP may already be preparing the Chinese public for this, and for the entire Okinawa Prefecture that encompasses those islands. Though not new, they have recently been significantly ramping up their propaganda over Japan’s sovereignty over the islands.

Okinawa was occupied by the Japanese in the nineteenth century, but prior to that it was the Ryukyu Kingdom. That kingdom was for a time a Chinese tributary state.

After World War II, Okinawa was under American occupation until 1972, when it reverted to Japan. The CCP has been questioning the legal status of Okinawa, and in a dig at the official US and Japanese position on Taiwan, refers to Okinawa’s status as “undermined.”

They have also been playing up both their independent past, local opposition to US bases and former ties to China to stoke up domestic resentment against Japan, both inside Okinawa and in China itself.

Significant military activities in that region, likely short of causing a war but coming close to the line, would have a four birds with one stone effect from the CCP’s perspective. It would bolster domestic resentment against Japan, rattle the new Japanese government, and put pressure on the Americans.

If it is dramatic enough, it would also embolden those in Taiwan who argue that resisting China is hopeless and futile. That could help swing the KMT and potentially the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucuses in their direction to defeat Lai’s proposals in the legislature.

It is still possible that Beijing will instead directly ramp up military pressure around Taiwan to make their opposition to the special military budget felt, but strategically it makes little sense.

Another possibility would be to rapidly increase pressure to the south of Taiwan around the Philippines, possibly in concert with actions around Okinawa. This would make more strategic sense than targeting Taiwan directly, but they would risk biting off more than they can chew, it would confuse their domestic messaging, and would risk alarming the Chinese nationalist lawmakers in Taiwan, whose support they need.

Donovan’s Deep Dives is a regular column by Courtney Donovan Smith (石東文) who writes in-depth analysis on everything about Taiwan’s political scene and geopolitics. Donovan is also the central Taiwan correspondent at ICRT FM100 Radio News, co-publisher of Compass Magazine, co-founder Taiwan Report (report.tw) and former chair of the Taichung American Chamber of Commerce. Follow him on X: @donovan_smith.

title: Donovan’s Deep Dives: Beijing’s strategic options to block Lai’s big ‘T-Dome’ defense bill


content_text:
Weekly tea dance meetups help British seniors to waltz their way to better mental health and a new social scene

All gloom was left outside as pensioners bustled into a room in Liverpool’s centuries-old town hall for a tea dance, a lively antidote to getting older in Britain.

“Come to tea dances and avoid the NHS!” joked Davina Woods, 71, referring to the country’s creaking health system and the awareness the retirees have that as they age, they will likely come into increasing contact with the service.

Woods, a former headteacher, said she loves the sessions for the chance to get dressed up and don high heels.

Ballroom dancers on Nov. 17 take part in a Tea Dance, in the Main Ballroom of Liverpool Town Hall, in Liverpool, UK. Photo: AFP

It really “lifts your spirits,” she said. For some, the dancing provides a welcome chance to put aside the political tensions facing the country as it grapples with a host of issues, including weak economic growth and discontent over immigration.

“We leave politics outside,” said engineer David Easton, 65.

“It brings people together. It brings us joy.”

Tea dance, which evolved from the tradition of afternoon tea in the late 19th century, is enjoying a revival, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

This mirrors a trend seen with other traditional dances such as ballroom, with the BBC’s hugely popular hit TV show, “Strictly Come Dancing” often cited as a key factor.

One recent chilly Monday afternoon in the northwest city of Liverpool, 115 dancers paid the equivalent of US$16 to waltz, tango and cha-cha-cha under the chandeliers of the stunning 18th century town hall. Refreshments included tea and cakes.

“It is very vibrant. It’s growing,” said organiser Jackie Williams, 53, who also started the company Ballroom Blitz in 2017. “More and more people join. Since Covid, people have realised how dancing can help, how much they need physical contact.”

GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH

New tea dance formats, which are more an occasion for people to gather for various types of dance, rather than a dance type itself, have emerged in recent years.

They include tea dances for same-sex couples and sessions tailored for people living with dementia.

For many, the social aspect is as important as the exercise.

“It’s a highlight of my life,” said Mo Massie, 75, a retired psychotherapist. “I love the social side of it. Otherwise people would be sitting at home alone watching TV.”

Retired nurse Greta Jones, 65, agreed. She started dancing 15 years ago when living alone. “I made a fabulous group of friends over the years. Tea dances are definitely a good way to fight loneliness.”

After three hours of twirling and tapping, the dancers melt away until the next time.

Mike Robinson, a 57-year-old former lecturer who lives in Manchester, said: “Dancing put a smile on my face.”

“It’s good for mental health.”

title: UK seniors fight loneliness with tea and a tango


content_text:
A nation under siege, cash and credit cards have been swapped for cash apps and bags of sorghum in the markets of war-torn Sudan

Surviving in Sudan these days means going back to basics: with the banking system in ruins after more than two years of war, barter and IOUs have become the only way for many people to secure the essentials.

“I haven’t held a banknote in more than nine months,” said civil servant Ali in Dilling, South Kordofan state.

The town has been besieged by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been battling the army since April 2023.

In Dilling, as elsewhere, clothing and household appliances are sometimes used as currency to exchange for a couple kilograms of flour or rice, or a few liters of fuel for vehicles or generators.

“I once exchanged a hoe and a chair for three bags of sorghum,” a staple cereal in many parts of Africa, said Ali, 33.

With no cash and much of Sudan under a total communications blackout, many people like Ali are resorting to the barter system.

“Motorcycle and tuk-tuk (motorized tricycle) drivers are given oil and soap as payment for fares,” local volunteer Al-Sadiq Issa said.

“Some families offer corn, flour or sugar in exchange for things like vehicle maintenance,” he added.

When fighting between the army and the RSF engulfed Khartoum at the start of the war, the Central Bank, connected to the secure SWIFT interbank network, was set ablaze and then occupied by paramilitary fighters for nearly two years.

With banks closed or looted and safes emptied, the economy has collapsed. One euro, which used to be worth 450 Sudanese pounds, now goes for 3,500 on the black market.

DIGITAL TRANSACTIONS

Before the war erupted, Sudan seemed on the verge of a breakthrough.

The gradual lifting of economic sanctions, imposed on Khartoum since 1997 over its alleged support for Islamist groups, offered the prospect of reintegration into global financial systems.

Only 15 percent of the Sudanese people had bank accounts at the time, according to the World Bank. But digital transactions, particularly via the Bankak app owned by the Bank of Khartoum, were becoming widespread in urban areas.

“Before the conflict began in 2023, Sudan’s financial sector was on the cusp of major transformation towards a more open market approach, similar to models in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana,” said William Cook, an expert at the Washington-based Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP).

“Unfortunately, the conflict has halted much of this progress.”

The war between the army and the RSF has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced 12 million and plunged Sudan into what the UN says are the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.

In much of the country, particularly areas under RSF control, law and order have completely broken down, and reports of looting and extortion have been rampant.

“Having cash puts you in danger,” said grocer Dafallah Ibrahim in Omdurman, the capital’s twin city, which the army retook in the spring.

For people in army-held cities or who can get a secure connection, the Bankak app is often a lifeline, allowing people to receive salaries, aid from relatives abroad or funds distributed by humanitarian programs.

But those trapped under blackouts and paramilitary sieges, like in South Kordofan capital Kadugli, have to find workarounds.

FRAUD RISKS

Merchant Abdelrahman said he had an honor system of extending credit to his customers: “I tell them ‘You can pay when Bankak works again’, and I put down their debts in a notebook.”

Wherever the local telecoms infrastructure broke down, antennas for billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system — smuggled across borders — proliferated, with owners renting out access by the hour.

Many were owned and operated by RSF fighters, and the military banned their use and sale in December 2024.

When the RSF controlled Khartoum, it “took up to 25 percent commission” to provide cash in exchange for a bank transfer via Bankak, civil servant Youssef Ahmed said.

Digital transactions also require a bank account, a passport and a phone, which many people do not have, especially in rural areas. With no other option, many are forced to trust neighbors or acquaintances to receive their transfers, relying on robust community networks, but with no recourse if their money goes missing.

To try to prevent this, the Bank of Khartoum in December last year allowed the opening of accounts remotely and the use of expired identity documents.

But at the same time, the introduction by the pro-army authorities of new banknotes in areas they controlled has fragmented the monetary system.

Sudan is effectively divided between army-controlled areas in the north, east and center, and those controlled by the paramilitaries in the west and south.

title: With no cash, Sudanese turn to barter and credit


content_text:
SPEAK UP: Year-end movies & AAA TV awards to open (1/2) 年底強片、「AAA」亞洲盛典 將發威（上 ）

A: I went to see Wicked: For Good on Thanksgiving Day last Thursday. It was so interesting.

B: I went to see Zootopia 2. It was also pretty good. My friends say I look like one of the movie’s characters: Officer Benjamin Clawhauser.

A: Now that you mention it, you do look like the cheetah. What other blockbusters are coming out soon?

B: Avatar: Fire and Ash, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, and Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere are the most anticipated movies.

A: Plus, Hero! Hito! — a documentary film about Taiwan winning the 2024 “WBSC Premier 12” championship — will open on New Year’s Day. Don’t miss it.

A: 上週四感恩節，我去看了《魔法壞女巫：第2部》，真有趣。

B: 我去看了《動物方城市2》，也很有趣，朋友還說我長得好像主角獵豹「豹警官」。

A: 你這麼一說是有點像，年底還有哪些壓軸強片啊？

B: 《阿凡達：火與燼》、《海綿寶寶電影版：尋寶大冒險》、《史普林斯汀：走出虛無》……都很令人期待。

A: 世界棒球12強賽的紀錄片《冠軍之路》，也預計在元旦上映唷，千萬別錯過了！

（By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張迪）

For your information Language Tip 語文小提示 avatar n. 【印神】下凡化作人形、降凡、化身；體現、具體化這avatar personality ph. 頭像性格（指個人在網路上使用的頭像所反映出的個性、喜好等）1: the incarnation of a Hindu deity 2A: an incarnation in human form 2B: an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person 3: an electronic image (as in a video game) that represents and may be manipulated by a computer user


title: 快訊／23:40台南楠西規模3.6「極淺層地震」　最大震度2級

content_text:
▲中央氣象署發布最新地震報告。（圖／氣象署提供）

記者董美琪／台北報導

地牛翻身！根據中央氣象署地震測報中心資料，今天深夜11時40分台南市楠西區發生芮氏規模3.6的小區域地震，震央在台南市政府東北東方41.5公里處，深度11.6公里，屬於極淺層地震。

氣象署指出，這起地震觀測到最大震度為2級，出現在台南市楠西、嘉義縣大埔。

taiwan-subdivisions: 楠西 大埔 嘉義縣 楠西區


content_text:
▲基因醫師張家銘分享最新研究，雖然走路是最普及的運動，但走路方式不同，健康效益最終會相差5倍。（示意圖／免費圖庫Pixabay）

記者柯振中／綜合報導

基因醫師張家銘分享最新刊登於《內科年鑑》的大型研究指出，走路雖是最普及的日常運動，但真正決定健康效果的不是步數，而是「走法」。研究追蹤3萬多人近8年，發現步數相近者若走路方式不同，死亡率與心血管疾病風險竟可能相差5倍。張家銘提醒，許多人雖每天累積6、7000步，看似達標，實際卻多為零碎步行，無法帶來真正的身體刺激。

張家銘在貼文中指出，他在診間常聽到民眾自認「每天都有走路」，從買早餐、通勤到晚間散步，累積起來步數不少。然而最新證據顯示，走路對身體固然有益，但有效的關鍵在於連續性，而不是把步數湊滿。他強調，身體需要「聽得懂的訊號」，也就是一段足夠時間的連續步行，才能真正啟動保護機制。

研究將受試者依主要步行模式分成四類，包括每次少於5分鐘、5到10分鐘、10到15分鐘及15分鐘以上。分析顯示，連續步行時間越長，健康效益越顯著，死亡率從最短步行組的4.36％大幅下降至連續步行15分鐘以上的0.80％。心血管疾病發生率也從13.03％降至4.39％，呈現清楚的遞減趨勢。

研究團隊解釋，零碎步行容易被身體視為休息狀態，難以提升心跳或改善血流；反之若持續步行10分鐘以上，血流速度提高，血管內皮細胞會釋放一氧化氮，啟動代謝及保護反應。張家銘表示，身體並非計步器，而是感應器，只對有節奏的連續步行作出反應，因此想提升心血管與免疫功能，走法比走多少更重要。

張家銘建議，民眾可從日常做起，例如將買早餐的3分鐘步行延長成10分鐘，或把飯後短暫散步拉到15分鐘。此外，一天安排一次「15分鐘專心走」的效果，往往勝過整天20次的零碎活動。依現有研究顯示，每日累積約7000步並加入至少15分鐘的連續步行，是最接近黃金組合的健康方式，能更有效改善代謝並降低發炎。

title: 走路運動方式不同「效益差5倍」！醫師揭黃金時長：關鍵在連續性


title: 高鐵桃園站傳愛　助身障者秋遊故宮南院

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▲高鐵桃園站傳愛，助身障者秋遊故宮南院。（圖／高鐵桃園站提供）

記者楊淑媛／桃園報導

高鐵桃園站深耕在地、關懷弱勢，3日幫助桃園市楊梅區「聖愛教養院」50位院生、家人與志工，搭乘高鐵前往嘉義故宮南院。出發前，桃園站劉和鎮站長特別為院生送上祝福並開心合影，期待透過這趟高鐵旅程，為他們帶來豐富的文化體驗，留下美好回憶。

高鐵桃園站劉和鎮站長表示，台灣高鐵善盡企業社會責任，為需要幫助的人們帶來正向力量與鼓勵，讓在社會中相對弱勢的族群或家庭，感受外界的關心。未來，高鐵公司將持續實踐「引領進步、創造美好生活平台」的企業願景，一起成就更美好、溫暖的台灣。

▲聖愛教養院致贈感謝狀給高鐵桃園站。（圖／高鐵桃園站提供）

「聖愛教養院」主要提供中度以上智能障礙、多重障礙及失智症者生活照顧、簡易復健等服務，進而學習生活自理。董事長陳昀琪表示，感謝高鐵桃園站愛心，希望藉由此次旅行，鼓勵院生及其照顧者走向戶外，放鬆心情，增進親子間互動與情感。

院方進一步指出，對多數人而言，搭乘高鐵可能只是再平凡不過的日常，但對院生來說，卻是非常難得才能實現的夢想。由於身體障礙導致的行動不便，院生們難以獨自出門，更無法輕易搭乘大眾運輸工具，家人平日忙於工作，能陪伴外出的時間也相當有限。因此當院生得知即將搭乘高鐵時，不僅臉上綻放笑容，眼神更透露著興奮與期待，對他們而言，搭高鐵不僅是一段旅程的開始，更象徵著來自社會的溫暖與接納。

taiwan-subdivisions: 桃園 嘉義 楊梅


title: 2027年起永久禁用廚餘　桃園豬農守護黑毛豬產業盼政策鬆綁

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▲2027年起永久禁用廚餘，桃園市政府農業局召開會議研商。（圖／農業局提供）

記者楊淑媛／桃園報導

中央2027年起永久禁用廚餘養豬政策，桃園黑豬產業受到衝擊！市府農業局3日邀集桃園市養豬協會、桃園市飼料公會等相關單位，召開會議研商，由市府秘書長溫代欣主持，綜合各方所提放寬可溯源且成分單純的動植物性蛋白下腳料餵養、轉型設備全額補貼等意見，由市府極力向中央爭取，確保農民最大權益。

桃園市養豬協會總幹事彭金松反映豬農心聲，希望為桃園黑豬產業留一條路。他表示桃園目前共有94戶黑豬飼養場，總計8萬8900頭，黑豬主要以廚餘飼養，禁餵廚餘不僅影響豬農，產業鏈也會受影響；目前桃園一天約使用400噸豆渣、植物性蛋白餵養，希望爭取續用可行性，倘若轉用飼料餵養，成本增加沒利潤，將會影響豬農飼養意願，希望中央辦理離牧政策。

▲黑毛豬主要以廚餘飼養。（圖／農業局提供）

桃園市養豬協會理事長林承德透過視訊會議表示，禁用廚餘養豬一年緩衝期過短，許多飼養黑豬豬場本月起已不敢再進小豬飼養，希望爭取開放可溯源廚餘、家禽下腳料提供黑豬使用，以確保黑豬維持Q彈品質及換肉率等。

秘書長溫代欣表示，市府已向中央提出啟動離牧補貼、提供飼料轉型補貼，以及針對桃園黑毛豬產業特性，投入研發適合桃園黑毛豬的飼料配方等3項建議配套措施。針對會議中養豬戶意見，市府也將極力爭取放寬豆渣餵養，由工廠統一處理變飼料，以降低疑慮。另也將收集彙整並提出具體想法，積極向中央反映與爭取，與豬農站在同一陣線，守護桃園養豬產業。

農業局長陳冠義表示，針對禁用廚餘養豬政策，的確對以飼養黑豬為大宗的桃園衝擊很大，近日農業局也接獲許多豬農反映，中央制定養豬戶須裝設GPS、AIOT蒸煮設備監控，裝設費用約需13至20萬不等，但中央補助最高6.5萬元，且配合緩衝期僅有一年使用，希望爭取全額補助。環保局長顏己喨表示，桃園境內94戶黑豬飼養場已有83戶投資建置，豬農反映若僅實行一年，成本大不划算，豬農恐卻步不再投入廚餘養豬轉型，市府將極力向中央爭取全額補助或租賃方式等替代方式。

陳冠義指出，轉換飼料餵養換肉率及品質下降，影響市場競爭力，也是豬農十分擔憂之處，希望中央能放寬下腳料、植物性蛋白餵養；若轉型養白豬，針對餵食器、轉型設備、飼料補貼、研發高蛋白飼料等等，也能有具體補貼措施。


title: 喜劇天王化身噩夢鬼王？《半夜鬼上床》導演推薦金凱瑞演重啟版佛萊迪

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文／妞新聞

經典恐怖電影《半夜鬼上床》系列即將迎來另一次的重啟，而當年把無數青少年嚇到不敢入睡的夢魔「佛萊迪」也將再次登場，並預計將由另一位新演員演出。然而，根據系列編劇的推薦，一位出乎意料的人選可能將會搖身一變，化身為這位令人聞風喪膽的經典角色。

首部《半夜鬼上床》最初於 1984 年上映，而在本片與後續的多部續集中，「佛萊迪」都是由演員羅伯特英格蘭飾演，而最後一次演出則是2003年的《佛萊迪大戰傑森》。就在2023年，羅伯特英格蘭就坦言自己「年紀太大」而無法再演佛萊迪，表示自己的脖子和背都有舊傷，右手腕還有關節炎，因此很難繼續拍攝一些動作場面。因此，他決定正式放下這位極具代表性的經典角色，然而，他仍然有意在未來的重啟版中客串。至於心目中的接班人，這位演員則認為凱文貝肯會是「很有意思」選擇。

而現在，《半夜鬼上床3：猛鬼逛街》的導演查克羅素再次表達對於系列重啟的期望，同時也提出了另一位接替演出佛萊迪的演員人選，也就是喜劇天王金凱瑞。

在最近的一場訪談中，查克羅素表達了他對於回歸《半夜鬼上床》系列的意願，儘管羅伯特英格蘭在他心中「永遠是唯一的佛萊迪」，但如果真的要找人接替，他認為金凱瑞能夠勝任這個角色，而他也曾在1994年執導的《摩登大聖》中與這位喜劇天王有過合作經歷。

「在我看來，只要金凱瑞願意全心投入，他幾乎可以演出任何一位角色。如果要讓他來演佛萊迪，那我們必須讓這部電影在系列中實現新的突破，就像衛斯克雷文當年在《猛鬼跳牆續集》中所做的那樣。只有當故事方向足夠大膽，我才會考慮邀請金凱瑞參與，也相信他才會願意考慮。」查克羅素表示

《半夜鬼上床》在1984年上映後迅速成為經典，佛萊迪也成為流行文化中的恐怖象徵之一。原作由衛斯克雷文編劇與執導，主演包括希瑟蘭金坎普、約翰薩克森、羅尼布雷克利以及初登銀幕的強尼戴普。克雷文在1987年的第三部《猛鬼逛街》中回歸參與編劇，該作至今仍被視為系列中最出色的作品之一。

值得注意的是，金凱瑞曾在2013年表示自己對於參與演出《特攻聯盟2》感到十分懊悔，因為他無法認同那部電影中包含的大量暴力行為，因此，他本人是否願意在《半夜鬼上床》重啟版中飾演那位殺人不眨眼的殘暴殺人狂，目前還有待確認。

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title: 威剛老董也有看！台銀故宮百年金銀條塊賣不到2個月　搶購逾8成

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▲故宮百年紀念金銀條熱銷。（圖／記者鄭毓齡攝）

記者陳瑩欣／台北報導

黃金等貴金屬價格回升，百年老店台銀與國立故宮博物院、中央造幣廠聯手打造的「故宮百年紀念金銀條塊」系列商品全套雖高達20.47萬元，但開賣時還吸引威剛董事長陳立白等人到場，不到2個月已銷逾8成，故宮網購平台已無貨可賣，台銀貴金屬部通路也證實「剩不多」。

▲故宮百年紀念金銀條販售。（圖／記者鄭毓齡攝）

「這麼貴的商品還可以賣這麼快，除了長期看漲以外，也跟台灣有錢人喜歡保值與附庸風雅的習慣有關。」金融同業指出，台銀這3款商品中，福祿百財1盎司紀念金條售價15.2萬元最高、連年有餘2台錢紀念金條3.98萬元居次、龍傳萬代3盎司紀念銀條則為1.29萬元，合計全系列售價高達20.47萬元，都採限量發行，其中1盎司紀念金條供貨達1000條，想不到10月中開賣，12月上旬已快斷貨。

黃金交易員觀察，美國聯準會（Fed）降息機率升高，美元走貶、國際金價回升至每盎司4000美元以上，助長買氣。《彭博社》則認為，白銀供應緊張，截至12月初，其價格已上漲了100%，而黃金僅上漲60%，當全球經濟加速成長時，工業需求往往會推高白銀價格。而當經濟衰退來臨時，投資人可以作為替代買家入場。白銀市場的交易量比黃金市場小，日成交量較低，庫存更為緊張，流動性也可能迅速耗盡。

台銀董事長凌忠嫄也指出，這一系列故宮百年紀念金銀條塊去年7月就已完成定價，當時國際金價落在每盎司3000美元左右，10月中推出時幾乎是「打8折」也讓定價策略立於不敗之地。

業界觀察，故宮百年金銀條塊有台銀、故宮與中央造幣廠3大重量級政府單位聯手協銷，也是成功熱賣的關鍵，威剛董事長陳立白10月中就分享，自己與台灣銀行合作多年，不僅做為台銀客戶，並長期投資實體黃金，雖然不能透露收藏購買數量，但他也有買給公司。

除了陳立白以外，有中南部大戶北上欣賞這些高價寶物後一口氣打包5套帶走，讓人見識大老闆們的購買力。

countries: 美國 台灣


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記者楊智仁／綜合報導

日本鳥取縣境港市舉辦 20 年的「妖怪川柳大賽」宣布停辦，主因生成式 AI 迅速普及，讓主辦方難以辨別投稿作品到底出自人類還是 AI。根據日媒報導指出，ChatGPT 等工具深入一般民眾生活，AI 所生成句子與插畫品質已與人類作品難以區分，對評審造成極大負擔，甚至遊戲業者透露公司面試已經改成「現場作畫」，以防 AI 冒充作品的情況發生。

▼AI履歷橫行、遊戲公司面試改「現場畫」。（圖／翻攝自推特）

生成式 AI 影響從地方活動一路擴散至出版、設計、遊戲等內容產業，各界對於「AI 作品是否應視為創作」仍爭執不休，但更多人擔憂的是，公募比賽與新人選拔制度恐將因此走向崩潰。社群平台每天都有 AI 文本與圖像大量湧出，甚至連過去較複雜的「漫畫風」圖像如今也能輕易透過 AI 完成，由於無法分辨真偽，地方與民間比賽取消 AI 作品得獎案例頻繁出現。

小說與漫畫投稿網站 AlphaPolis 在 11 月 18 日宣布，旗下全數比賽禁止投稿 AI 生成內容，一名大型出版社漫畫編輯坦言，現在的第一關不是審查內容品質，而是「判斷是否 AI 生成」，形容這是日本內容產業的重大危機，「如果公募制度崩壞，我們將失去發掘年輕創作者的最重要管道。」

AI 不僅影響投稿比賽也衝擊企業招募，過去就有求職者以網路圖片冒充作品，如今則新增 AI 圖像詐欺案例，某中型遊戲公司的美術主管透露，曾錄用自稱能原創繪畫的人才，入職後才發現作品皆為 AI 生成完全無法勝任工作，「因此我們改成面試當場作畫，麻煩歸麻煩，但不這麼做已經不行。」該主管也表示，公司內部甚至開始出現「用 AI 就好」、「只要會用 AI 的員工即可」的聲音，使得真正的創作者地位受到威脅。

title: 求職者AI冒充作品　遊戲公司面試改「現場畫」　嘆：只能這樣做


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▲PHL-03長程火箭砲。（圖／翻攝自央視）

軍武中心／綜合報導

《央視》近日公開PHL-03長程火箭砲在沿海地區，成功命中150公里外的海上漂浮目標影片，顯示這款過去被視為只對陸上目標攻擊的武器，已被納入反艦作戰的體系中。值得注意的是，為防範共軍犯台，我國國軍近年提倡濱海作戰以飛彈快艇為主要船艦編制，此時大陸透過官媒釋出PHL-03打擊海上移動目標演練畫面，明顯針對性濃厚。

據影片畫面顯示，卡車搭載的PHL-03火箭砲在沿海地區發射300公釐火箭彈，成功命中海上漂浮目標，而這些目標直徑約10公尺，並被放置於150公里的外海，用來模擬移動中的敵方運輸艦和無人船隻。《央視》進一步指出，為了定位及追蹤海上目標，解放軍透過無人機、衛星等偵察平台改善即時情報和資料鏈系統，可讓PHL-03火箭砲的打擊精度達幾公尺之內。

大陸軍事自媒體「邊解感」直言，此舉並非常規演訓的延續，而是一次明確的戰術宣示，表明解放軍正通過實際打擊驗證，對台「濱海防禦」部署施加新一輪的精準威懾。文章進一步表示，PHL-03的遠火覆蓋約150公里海域、打擊精度提升，意味著台軍在台西沿海部署的快艇、布雷艇、雷達點位，以及指揮鏈節點，都在第一輪火力打擊的有效威脅範圍內。

▲我國海軍光華六號飛彈快艇。（圖／記者李毓康攝）

事實上面對日益升高的海上威脅，近年我國國軍提出的濱海防禦戰略，以多層阻絕與快速反制為核心，確保敵軍無法接近本島。在此戰略中，光華六號飛彈快艇與沱江級巡邏艦成為重要機動力量，利用小型快艇具備靈活、難以被鎖定等優勢，搭配岸置飛彈、無人機偵監與空軍掩護，形成立體式濱海阻絕網，提升國軍整體作戰韌性。

該分析指出，面對台灣海上移動平台逐步走向輕型化、快速化，解放軍以「砲打機動」的思維應對，既不把希望寄托在單發導彈的極致命中率上，也不和敵艦玩傳統海戰，而是用陸基遠火在戰場前沿預置火力威脅。戰時在平潭、泉州等沿海要地布設遠火後，台灣西岸重要港口和前沿指揮節點的活動空間，將被持續壓縮在解放軍火力威懾之下。

此外，較PHL-03更新型號的PHL-191箱式遠火系統也已公開露面，甚至在部分評估中，其對應戰術導彈的最大射程可達500公里，將為縱深打擊、戰略壓制提供更進一步的手段。整體來說，未來在台海方向，PHL系列很可能成為直接影響台灣前沿戰力的關鍵。

countries: 台灣 海地

title: 攻破台灣濱海防禦？　陸火箭砲命中150公里外海漂浮目標


people: 蘇巧慧 黃國昌 李勝

taiwan-subdivisions: 新北市 板橋

events: 選舉 參選

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▲台北市副市長李四川。（圖／記者李毓康攝）

記者陳家祥／台北報導

2026年九合一選舉腳步接近，在新北市長一局，國民黨呼聲最高的台北市副市長李四川今（3日）表態，如果說國民黨要有初選，他會去登記、絕對不排斥；他強調，沒有什麼他出來誰就要讓誰，原則上就是用民調處理，「新北市民表達意願是我要承擔，我就會承擔」。

李四川表示，議會多次有議員問到參選新北市長，他都說現在沒有人叫他承擔，「我所謂沒有人，並不是黨要我承擔的狀況」，自己當過黨的秘書長，知道這個制度，因為劉和然也一直在跑，一定會要按照一個機制。

李四川說，如果說國民黨要有初選，那他當然要去跟人家參加初選；初選完了以後，如果說要藍白合，也許出來的人還要跟民眾黨再辦初選。他強調，如果假設這所有初選，新北市民認為他該要去承擔，「我絕對不排斥，我也會去參與如果要初選、要我去登記，我也會去登記」。

李四川強調，他不會現在一直喊、一直去跑或要去幹嘛，說實在，從2007年到台北縣、後來到新北市，現在在板橋也住了十幾年，大概對新北原則上，不管地、人，所有好朋友的婚喪喜慶，這幾年都沒斷過，只要有空都會去打招呼，或至少打個電話。

根據最新民調，李四川與黃國昌互比狀況下，李四川以62%大贏黃國昌的21.4%；劉和然互比黃國昌則是劉和然48.8%贏黃國昌29.8%。若李四川一對一面對民進黨的蘇巧慧，李四川以47.1%贏過蘇巧慧的37.1%；若2026新北市長選戰呈現李四川、蘇巧慧、黃國昌三腳督，仍是李勝出，以39.1%勝過蘇的35.7%、黃的16.1%。但若李四川不選，蘇巧慧以47.3%支持到勝過黃國昌的33.4%。

主持人黃暐瀚問到，「若以民調來看，你會提名誰？」李四川說，如過沒有去當過黨的秘書長，他現在會很大聲說不再選舉，過去都是勸人選舉，現在有民調要你選，怎麼可以跑掉？

黃暐瀚追問，明年如果黨內辦初選，不用等別人拱，自己會去登記參選？李四川說，「沒有錯，如果國民黨按照制度走的話，這也沒有什麼我出來誰就要讓誰，原則上就在那個機制裡做處理」，現在原則上一定是用民調處理，新北市民表達意願是他要承擔，他就會承擔。

title: 2026新北市長選戰　李四川表態「參加初選」：市民要我承擔我就承擔


taiwan-subdivisions: 楠西 大埔 嘉義縣 楠西區

title: 快訊／23:40台南楠西規模3.6「極淺層地震」　最大震度2級


title: 十軍團指揮官任職布達　參謀總長梅家樹勉落實防衛作戰計畫

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軍聞社／記者卓以立臺中3日電

參謀總長梅家樹上將今日主持陸軍第十軍團暨第五作戰區指揮官任職布達典禮，期勉官兵在新任指揮官邵中將領導下，落實防衛作戰計畫，整合三軍兵力，發揮聯合作戰機制，以高戰備的堅實戰力，守護國家安全。

典禮由梅總長宣讀布達命令後，新任指揮官邵中將宣誓正式就職。

梅總長表示，第五作戰區負責中部要域，在國土防衛作戰中，肩負重大防務，面對敵情威脅，應持續強化戰備整備及聯合作戰訓練，所屬三軍部隊貫徹協同作戰，眾志一心全力以赴，建構堅實戰力，確保家園安全。

梅總長肯定十軍團與機步234旅日前在「陸勝1號」操演所付出的努力，操演中驗證部隊靈活指揮，以及旅級部隊聯合作戰與指揮管制的效能。梅總長強調，部隊應持續勤訓精練，並強化與友軍間的聯繫，朝向「培養基礎戰力、精進三軍戰力、提升聯合戰力」目標大步邁進。

最後，梅總長期許在邵指揮官的統合下，第五作戰區全體同仁都能同心協力，互相協調，秉持存誠務實、依法行政的精神，戮力達成各項戰備整備及防災制變任務。


title: 高鐵桃園站傳愛　助身障者秋遊故宮南院

taiwan-subdivisions: 桃園 楊梅 嘉義


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▲萬美玲出任國民黨副秘書長兼婦女部主任。（圖／萬美玲服務處提供）

記者楊淑媛／桃園報導

國民黨3日宣布，由立法委員萬美玲出任黨副秘書長兼婦女部主任。萬美玲感謝鄭麗文主席的邀請與信任，將這重任交給她，未來，將繼續推動女性權益保障工作，並將婦女部打造為社會最溫暖的女力平台。

萬美玲指出，國民黨內有許多女性縣市首長，施政的口碑與滿意度都是名列前茅，立法院內優秀的女力委員更是女權推動的好戰友，全國還有許多的女性議員、里長、社團姐妹，都是服務社會共同打拼最好的夥伴。

針對未來規劃，萬美玲說，她將結合中央、地方「女力」民意代表，共同推動女性權益政策及修法，也會攜手全國各婦女團體，透過多元活動推廣女性權益，並廣納各年齡層女性參與，打造更具凝聚力與溫暖的交流平台。

people: 萬美玲 鄭麗文

title: 萬美玲出任國民黨副秘書長兼婦女部主任　承諾打造最溫暖女力平台


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有日本網友自製「國旅排行榜」，第一名竟然是台灣，被轉發到台網後笑翻大批鄉民。（圖翻攝自小原惠文臉書粉專）

中國最近放話不認《舊金山和約》（形同馬關條約強制續約，台灣還是日本領土），引發國際熱議；台灣、日本網路掀起惡搞風潮，大酸中方邏輯錯亂。有日本網友還弄了「國旅排行榜」，第一名竟然就是台灣，被轉發到台網後笑翻大批鄉民。

日本首相高市早苗「台灣有事」言論惹怒中國，後續又說日方無權認定台灣地位，附和美方「台灣地位未定論」，北京竟脫口說從未接受過《舊金山和約》，荒謬說詞引發各界吐槽，因為這種說法形同《馬關條約》被「強制續約」，台灣其實還是日本領土。

數位創作者小原惠文週三（3日）分享日本網友製作的圖文，上頭寫著「大喜利旅行團株式會社」發布一份「舊金山和平條約無效紀念」，日本國內旅行排行榜前5名，依序為台灣、奈良、京都、大阪和東京。

事實上並沒有大喜利旅行團株式會社這家公司，「大喜利」一詞源自日本的即興搞笑問答遊戲，在網路上，常以「配上搞笑台詞的圖片」的形式出現，成為流行迷因，最近也常被日本網友拿來「對付」中國外交部發表的言論。

圖文在台網曝光後，馬上掀起熱烈討論，「真好！台灣是日本的一部分！又可以當皇民了！」、「喜歡亂洗歷史，洗到反被重新認知真正的歷史」、「笑死，大家好鬧，阿共繼續亂講話，台灣直接變國旅」、「欸不是，這樣我們以後怎麼靠北國旅好貴啦！」、「日本人都說，台積電加上三菱重工，可以生產鋼彈」、「瘋得我好喜歡」、「台灣國旅在回歸日本後得救了」。

countries: 台灣 日本 中國

references: 網友 臉書

taiwan-subdivisions: 金山 和平 和美

title: 笑瘋！中共不認舊金山和約 日「旅行社」揭國旅排行：台灣第1名


title: 烏樹林廢棄物暫置場火勢完全撲滅 市府今將召開說明會

taiwan-subdivisions: 樹林 後壁

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燃燒多日的烏樹林廢棄物暫置場，火勢昨晚已完全撲滅，市府今日將召開說明會，說明復原及清運規劃等進度。（市府提供）

燃燒多日的烏樹林廢棄物暫置場，火勢昨晚已完全撲滅，市府今日將召開說明會，說明復原及清運規劃等進度。

環保局表示，後壁烏樹林暫置場風災廢棄物火勢在消防局與環保局連日全力處理下，已於昨日晚間11時30分時完全撲滅。

南市消防局表示，因火場量體龐大、內部蓄熱深層，需要透過分層剝除、翻動並同步灌救降溫等方式逐步處理，歷經多日作業後，火勢已完全撲滅，並持續以熱點監測及巡查方式控管，確保不再復燃。

環保局表示，後續將以公開透明方式持續公布暫置場復原與清運進度，確保烏樹林暫置場後續管理更加完善。


title: 否認已籌組競選團隊  李四川：團隊就是400萬市民

events: 參選 選舉

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台北市副市長李四川表態會參加國民黨內新北市長提名初選，但他否認已經在籌組競選團隊。（資料照，記者甘孟霖攝）

台北市副市長李四川表態會參加國民黨內新北市長提名初選，屆時就會辭掉副市長職務；對於台北市長蔣萬安是否了解他的規劃，李四川表示，他跟蔣萬安3年來的相處，應該不必要去談這狀況，「我們兩個都有共識」，還說有沒有選舉，他們倆個默契都很好。對外傳他已經在籌組競選團隊，李四川否認「現在哪有什麼團隊」，他的團隊就是新北市400萬市民。

李四川3日晚間接受媒體人黃暐瀚「下班瀚你聊」網路節目專訪，談及新北市長選舉，被問到蔣萬安是否知道他打算參加初選時，就辭掉副市長的規劃？李四川表示，他跟蔣萬安3年來的相處，應該不必要去談這狀況。提到他們兩個每週都會聊1個小時，談市政、談選舉，最早的時候，蔣萬安是不喜歡他說他哪個時候要走。

李四川笑稱，當時回台北市，答應最多做一年半，現在已經2倍了快3年，「我們兩個大概都有共識」，黃暐瀚笑稱蔣萬安前兩年都唱「把你攬牢牢」，今年已經不唱了。至於李四川若參選新北市長、蔣萬安競選連任，會不會有相乘的效果？李四川說，對台灣、尤其是地方的選舉，他不敢預估，到後面的共同拉抬會有效果，但是候選人還是要提出願景、政績要讓市民肯定，「若能力根本不行，後面的靠山多大，現在的選民不一定會投你。」

李四川提到，看這麼多年的選舉，現在沒有「黃袍加身」的事，若有這種觀念，代表選市長是要去當官，但從候選人的觀念，他是要去做事，不是要他去做事，他樂得輕鬆，「出去的薪水比現在高，睡得比現在甜。」他提到前一陣子防颱，他穿著防颱整備的背心回家，社區的一位阿嬤跟他說，「副市長，你辛苦了，你愈辛苦，我們就安全」，讓他很感動，市民要的只是「平安」。首長不是只跑婚喪喜慶，而是要帶一份責任感，讓所有市民能安居樂業。


countries: 伊朗 中國 約旦 烏克蘭 俄羅斯 美國 英國

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烏克蘭駐倫敦大使館10月在英國國會的記者會上，展示烏方取得的伊朗見證者-136型無人機。（美聯社）

〔國際新聞中心／綜合報導〕美國《華爾街日報》3日報導，美國五角大廈部正將一款新型自殺式無人機部署到中東，此機仿照伊朗「見證者-136」（Shahed-136）設計，顯示美方已改採用低成本卻具實戰效益的武器系統。這一重大戰略轉變呼應伊朗過去回收美軍無人機並逆向工程仿製的戰術，也是戰爭部長赫格塞斯推動「無人機優勢」倡議的早期成果，旨在簡化軍購、扶持本土產業，加速低價無人機投入前線。

美國戰爭部（國防部）3日宣布成立「天蠍打擊特遣隊」（Task Force Scorpion Strike），是美軍首支在中東部署的單程攻擊無人機部隊。這支新無人機中隊的成立，目標是加速新科技從研發到部署，2026年底前達成「每60天部署一項新能力」。裝備由亞利桑那州「光譜工坊」（SpektreWorks）公司研發，透過逆向工程複製「見證者-136」。「見證者」無人機長期被德黑蘭及盟友用於襲擊美軍與商船，俄羅斯大量投入烏克蘭戰場，造成嚴重威脅。

這次部署距離2024年初伊朗無人機襲擊約旦美軍前哨、造成3名美軍喪生事件尚不足兩年。這也顯示五角大廈逐步捨棄昂貴且研發冗長的高階平台，以應對敵方廉價武器的持續威脅。值得注意的是，攔截這類無人機的成本往往高於其造價。

FLM-136無人機外觀與伊朗「見證者-136」相似，三角翼展約2.4公尺，可由彈射器、火箭助推或車載系統發射。（擷取自SpektreWorks公司官網）

中央司令部發言人霍金斯上尉說，SpektreWorks開發的FLM-136（又稱「盧卡斯」Lucas）外觀與「見證者-136」相似，三角翼展約2.4公尺，可由彈射器、火箭助推或車載系統發射，部署彈性高。無人機全自主運作，依靠感測器與人工智慧導航，續航約6小時。單價僅3萬5千美元，遠低於通用原子能公司 MQ-9「死神」的1600萬美元。

智庫「蘭德」公司專家凱特琳．李指出，雖然中國等對手難以複製美製戰機的複雜技術，但隨商用電子普及，小型無人機結構簡單，逆向工程更容易。在烏克蘭戰爭中，雙方已互相仿製無人機並大量使用市售零件，未來此類案例將更普遍。她補充，美軍過去逆向工程多用於訓練靶標，這次直接投入實戰，堪稱重大轉變。

免費訂閱《自由體育》電子報熱門賽事、球星動態不漏接

title: 美新型自殺無人機部署中東 仿伊朗「見證者-136」反殺


title: 節氣「大雪」遇海王星順行！ 12星座定錨2026搏好運

content_text:
節氣大雪，遇上海王星順行雙魚座，是擬定2026旺運大計的最好時機。（塔妮婭老師提供）

〔娛樂頻道／綜合報導〕本週日（12/7）將迎來24節氣中的「大雪」，隨著天氣愈來愈冷，跨年的氛圍也愈來愈濃，對於想到開創2026新局、搶先搏得「好彩頭」的星友們來說，星座專家塔妮婭老師提醒，本月適逢象徵想、直覺與靈感的海王星即將12/11恢復順行，若能提早知道自己適合在哪些領域上岸，將催旺2026年一整年！

塔妮婭老師進一步分析，從今年的7/5開始逆行在牡羊座的海王星，在經過4個多月後終於回到雙魚座，緩慢的逆行帶來深刻的靈魂校準，這段逆行時期，提醒12星座的朋友們要懂得更認識自己，不要再用社會期待與標籤來定義自己。

塔妮婭老師強調，這波「海王星順行雙魚座」將一直持續到明年1月27日，進入牡羊座為止，結束長達14年的雙魚時期，這喻意著「一個行動的開端、新時代的崛起」，12星座的朋友們千萬要把良機，瞄準對的方向和領域，天時加上地利，更能充分發揮內在無窮潛力！

♈牡羊座→可接觸身心靈領域

．星象影響：確立夢想並願意親手實現它。

．有利能量：接觸身心靈得到領悟與力量。

♉金牛座→充盈社交圈人脈

．星象影響：確認自己的初心找到志同道合的朋友。

．有利能量：加入團體或開發不同以往的生活圈。

♊雙子座→勇敢跳脫舒適圈

．星象影響：在事業上做真正的自己，而不是別人期望的你。

．有利能量：舊有跑道的更新，或開啟新的賽道。

♋巨蟹座→尋找屬於你的大師

．星象影響：內在價值觀與信念的落地定錨。

．有利能量：進修學習，與得到大師或智者的指引。

♌獅子座→釐清錢財與友情份際

．星象影響：全面重生，進入不一樣的人生階段。

．有利能量：重建和他人的邊界感，與啟動財務能量。

♍處女座→聚焦一對一的關係

．星象影響：明白「一對一」關係的意義與責任。

．有利能量：關係的釐清與回歸現實面。

♎天秤座→養生行善助人助運

．星象影響：工作和生活與自身健康的醒悟。

．有利能量：接觸慈善公益與服務志工得到啟發和好運。

♏天蠍座→從愛情和親情得力

．星象影響：擁有無限創意與創作靈感。

．有利能量：小孩或戀愛對象帶給來快樂的正能量。

♐射手座→為家庭付出帶來回饋

．星象影響：滿足自身情緒價值與尊重內在需求。

．有利能量：為家庭和家人付出而得到意想不到的回饋。

♑摩羯座→宜聚焦文教文化領域

．星象影響：善用直覺力與想像力表達自己。

．有利能量：溝通、寫作或教導與學習上思緒清晰。

♒水瓶座→藉天賦修正理財思維

．星象影響：自我價值與看待物質世界的昇華。

．有利能量：善用天賦或改變賺錢花錢方式。

♓雙魚座→認同自我並訂定圓夢計劃

．星象影響：自我認同的覺醒與靈魂展開行動。

．有利能量：開創夢想與實踐的機會出現。


content_text:
文化部長李遠致詞。（文化部提供）

〔記者董柏廷／台北報導〕由國立台灣美術館與藝術家出版社、後視野傳播事業有限公司合作推出的2025年「家庭美術館—美術家傳記叢書」及「台灣傑出藝術家紀錄片」新書與影音聯合發表記者會，今（3）日在張榮發基金會舉行。文化部長李遠親臨會場，除了感謝藝術家前輩們為台灣藝術史留下的完整紀錄外，更在會中分享了文化部正在推動的「公共出借權」。

李遠指出，此次同步發表「家庭美術館─美術家傳記叢書」及「台灣傑出藝術家紀錄片」，讓藝術史資料進入公共閱讀體系後，也能與公共出借權產生連動，使文化內容在社會中形成正向循環。他提到，未來將會把這些出版品全面推送到各地圖書館，並思考更多的跨媒體運用，讓藝術家的生命與故事以不同形式被看見。

李遠分享今年甫啟動的「公共出借權」制度，此制度核心以借閱次數計算回饋，鼓勵民眾多借書，也讓創作者與出版業者直接受益。李遠笑著說：「我很想鼓勵所有的人走進圖書館來借書來看。」並強調透過閱讀，能讓更多人理解台灣文化與藝術發展的脈絡。

「家庭美術館—美術家傳記叢書」今年度共發表10本藝術家傳記，描繪藝術家生命歷程與創作心靈的軌跡。（文化部提供）

李遠具體說明補償制度：「每借1本書，作家可以收到2.1元，出版社可以收到0.9元」。他提到，這項制度的意義不在於金額多寡，而在於建立讀者、作者與出版者之間更具體的支持鏈結，目前已有超過300家圖書館加入，反應良好。文化部也將持續與圖書館合作，推動閱讀文化與出版環境的長期穩定。

此外，李遠更提到藝術家傳記和紀錄片資料，不應該只停留在原地。他觀察到，近期的漫畫、繪本、影視作品都很喜歡從人物故事切入，因此文化部會協助推動資料再轉譯，「看能不能改編漫畫、繪本或者影像等等。」讓藝術家的生命故事以不同形式被看見。他認為，藝術家的故事本身就非常戲劇性、很精彩，是很好的創作素材。

今年出版的10本藝術家傳記包括《淑世‧才女‧張李德和》、《堅定‧深刻‧黃清埕》、《跨界‧蠟染‧黃歌川》、《遺世‧永恆‧葉世強》、《逐光‧淨美‧江賢二》、《造境‧殺墨‧洪根深》、《悲心‧反骨‧陳來興》、《光影‧心跡‧卓有瑞》、《仙才‧卓絕‧于彭》與《游牧‧諧擬‧蘇旺伸》，並推出5部紀錄片《幻色之境—陳德旺》、《空相行者—李德》、《生命之歌—曾培堯》、《燦耀與幽微—劉耿一》、《走馬看花—黃志超》，不僅完整了台灣藝術史的脈絡，也將與公共出借權制度產生連結，為台灣的文化出版業注入新動能。

☆藝文新聞不漏接，按讚追蹤粉絲頁。

☆更多重要藝文新聞訊息，請上自由藝文網。

免費訂閱《自由體育》電子報熱門賽事、球星動態不漏接

title: 借1本作家進帳2.1元！「家庭美術館」叢書上架 公共出借權帶動閱讀循環


people: 朱立倫 侯友宜 蘇巧慧

content_text:
2026新北市長選戰，國民黨呼聲最高的台北市副市長李四川，不管國民黨與民眾黨合不合作，民調仍保持領先。而民進黨已經確定提名立委蘇巧慧，李四川與蘇巧慧的民調差距不多，外界關心李四川何時宣布參選？他今（3）天說，他會照黨內機制參加初選，參加初選的時候就會辭去副市長，不排除就在明年4月台北市議會開議前。

李四川今天接受媒體人黃暐瀚「下班瀚你聊」網路節目專訪。黃暐瀚說，目前李四川的民調最高，就算藍白不合，三腳督也是贏；但李四川如果不參選，蘇巧慧會贏。他問李四川，是否明年國民黨辦新北市長初選，「不用等人家拱，你就會去登記，比民調看自己是不是最強？」

李四川說，「沒有錯」，如果國民黨按照制度走，沒有說誰一定是他要出來，誰就要讓誰，就在機制內處理；現在都是用民調處理，新北市民表達的意願，若認為他應該承擔，「我就承擔」。

黃暐瀚說，蘇巧慧的民調只輸李四川10％，蘇巧慧已經起跑，兩人的民調會不會越拉越近？李四川以身為當過秘書長的角度，什麼時候參選勝算會比較高？

李四川提到，過去新北市長的選舉，侯友宜是到3月才參選；朱立倫是5月9日才參選；沒有必要那麼早去處理。不過，黃暐瀚提到，台北市議會一般在4月開議，應該不會在議會開議之後才參選。李四川聞言點頭認可，他說，黨要他承擔的時候，他一定辭掉副市長，「照道理是開始初選我就會辭掉副市長」，至於黨何時要初選，時間由黨中央決定，「我不知道黨部現在的規劃。」

相關新聞：李四川表態了：若黨內、藍白初選勝出 「我不會跑」

title: 表態參加新北市長初選 李四川：初選就辭副市長


title: 中國稱無人演場會假的！濱崎步御用美容師發文反擊 親曝鼻酸一幕

countries: 中國 日本

content_text:
中日關係急遽惡化，被譽為「平成三大歌姬」的日本天后濱崎步，原定上月29日在上海開唱，卻在前一天遭中國粗暴取消，但她仍堅持站上舞台，完成足以載入歷史的「空席演唱會」，給中共一個大難堪。隨著國際輿論延燒，中國竟急著要將這場無人演唱會打成「假消息」，宣稱其實是「彩排畫面」，還找來一個自稱工作人員寫一封道歉信，「承認」網傳無人演唱會是不實資訊，結果讓輿論進一步炸鍋。而今濱崎步的御用美容師也在社群發文，強調他們釋出的畫面並非彩排！

即便觀眾席上空無一人，濱崎步仍堅持站上舞台完成演唱會，並全程錄影，日後將放送回饋粉絲。網上釋出的畫面隨即引發各界熱議，此舉被視為向中國隔空反擊，讓濱崎步圈粉無數。而濱崎步此一舉動讓中方亂了手腳，趕忙將無人演唱會打成假消息，還找來一名自稱是演唱會工作人員的賴姓男子發表道歉信，宣稱是他偷拍濱崎步彩排的畫面分享到網上，有關「濱崎步在現場錄製一個人的演唱會」純屬不實信息。

但中方這一操作根本沒人要信，大多數中國網友也一面倒撻伐。而今濱崎步的專屬隨行美容師高橋美香也發文駁斥所謂「假消息」，強調確有無人演唱會這件事，「即使沒有觀眾，ayu也在所有成員面前低頭請求『請讓我們演出』，然後站上舞台。最不服氣的應該是她本人。開場升降機升起時，她默默流下眼淚，這一幕讓所有工作人員都想著『我們不能在這裡哭』，大家都忍著淚水將她送上台，團結一致完成了為這一天準備的所有內容，直到最後的安可曲為止，都是最棒的現場表演！真的……真的很想讓所有粉絲們都能看到這場Live！這場充滿ayu對歌迷的愛的Live，真的很想讓大家看到……」

數位創作者小原惠文3日將高橋美香的發文翻成中文分享出來，引發熱烈討論。反紫光奇遊團成員許美華也跟著轉發，「中國亂扯濱崎步團隊說謊這件事，最好笑的點是，不只會立刻被打臉，而且之後很快就會被揭穿。其實，那個全程錄影畫面，濱崎步面對全場空無一人的激動情緒，就是中國編造謊言的最好證據。這場無觀眾演唱會的全程錄影愈來愈讓人期待了，到時候，中國又要被笑很久，我很想看中國到時候會怎麼回應。我要看到血流成河！」


content_text:
台南市楠西區今晚11點40分發生芮氏規模3.6小區域有感地震，最大震度2級。

根據中央氣象署資料顯示，今晚11點40分台南市楠西區發生芮氏規模3.6地震，震央在台南市政府東北東方41.5公里，地震深度11.6公里。最大震度台南市楠西、嘉義縣大埔2級；高雄市、嘉義市、雲林縣及彰化縣1級。

taiwan-subdivisions: 楠西 高雄市 楠西區 彰化縣 嘉義市 嘉義縣 雲林縣 大埔

title: 台南楠西23:40規模3.6地震 最大震度2級


taiwan-subdivisions: 楠西 高雄市 楠西區 彰化縣 嘉義市 雲林縣 嘉義縣 大埔

title: 台南楠西23:40規模3.6地震 最大震度2級


title: 否認已籌組競選團隊  李四川：團隊就是400萬市民


content_text:
高雄隊在今年全國運動會勇奪35面金牌，但金牌數卻已是連5屆銳減!議員憂教練不足、選手留不住，市府表示近期將召開跨局處會議，全面檢視教練聘僱。

今年全運會、高雄奪35金45銀49銅，總獎牌數129面較上屆119面多，但金牌從41面掉至35面，六都僅贏台南。

市議員簡煥宗、何權峰近兩天質詢，都提到高雄體育教練、選手問題，直指整體機制欠妥，導致教練、選手流失出走，衝擊體育成績。

何權峰舉金牌數為例，今年拿35金，卻是從2017開始連5屆金牌銳減，凸顯高雄體育發展出問題，研判與近幾年少子化、高雄體育獎勵機制都有關連。

他建議市府面對少子化的大環境衝擊，應採菁英體育化、全民體育社區化發展，設法增加聘僱教練但不要只放體育班，而是搭配學校社團巡迴訓練，讓教練有空間發揮、也讓更多選手有機會獲得合理訓練。

教育局長吳立森說明，高雄教練包括專任95位、聘任12位在內共155人，針對各方建議，12月5日將開跨局處會議，全面檢視教練聘僱機制、人數等情況。

何權峰進一步對競賽獎金提看法，表示目前獎金大致分為前三名、得獎後的訓練補貼，他認為部分選手雖只拿到第四或第五，但離前三名不遠，只要加把勁、也許下回就能奪牌，這就是高雄需要的機會，建議訓練補貼機制放寬條件。

運發局長侯尊堯答詢，目前高市金牌獎金跟台北一樣都是30萬元，針對議員建議第四名也補助，會後可盤點整體財務與計算可能需要額度，才能評估能否調整這措施。

title: 高雄隊全運會金牌數連五屆下滑 教育局：將檢視教練聘任


title: 表態參加新北市長初選 李四川：初選就辭副市長


title: 台南楠西23:40規模3.6地震 最大震度2級

taiwan-subdivisions: 楠西 大埔 嘉義縣 雲林縣 彰化縣 嘉義市 楠西區 高雄市


title: 否認已籌組競選團隊  李四川：團隊就是400萬市民


title: 笑瘋！中共不認舊金山和約 日「旅行社」揭國旅排行：台灣第1名

taiwan-subdivisions: 金山 和美 和平

countries: 台灣 中國 日本

references: 臉書 網友


title: 中國稱無人演場會假的！濱崎步御用美容師發文反擊 親曝鼻酸一幕


title: 中共對日軍演？陳永康：秀肌肉施壓、不會軍事衝突

content_text:
日中關係緊張，媒體引述國安人士說法表示，若中國未來一週仍找不到台階下，不排除發動「聯合利劍-C」軍演。曾任國防部副部長的立委陳永康表示，即使中共發動軍演，他的感覺只是秀肌肉施壓，不會產生軍事衝突。

國立政治大學國際關係研究中心兵棋推演學院下午舉行揭牌儀式，並邀請陳永康發表專題演講。國關中心主任王信賢表示，兵推學院做的是政軍兵推，包括政治、經濟、外交等因素加入，因此兵推是進行和平研究，不一定是要戰爭兵推，而是兵推如何確保和平，培養更多危機管理與團隊合作的人才。

政大校長李蔡彥致詞表示，學校的發展應該要與社會脈動契合，社會需要什麼樣的人才，學校就會想辦法培養，近年社會關注國家安全的重要性，政大成立國安專班，國關中心成立兵推學院，透過兵推訓練學生在團隊合作、系統分析與領導統御等方面的能力，也能結合社會所關注的議題結合，特別是在國際關係、地緣政治等面向，將所學運用在實務上。

媒體於演講後提問，中共於 13 日發動「聯合利劍-C」軍演的可能性。

陳永康表示，無論中國大陸是否會在 13 日發動「聯合利劍-C」軍演，其實聯合利劍A或B軍演，對台灣來說，只是中共在秀它的肌肉，因為對台灣的航運、航空與海上交通線並沒有任何衝擊，中共是展現能力，但規模並不代表達到犯台階段。

至於聯合利劍-C，陳永康表示，中共若對日本進行聯合利劍-C軍演，至於是圍在釣魚台或是在東海某處，現在不敢判斷，「我的感覺只是秀肌肉、施壓，但是不會產生任何的軍事衝突」。

（新聞資料來源 : 中央社）

taiwan-subdivisions: 永康 和平

things: 經濟 釣魚台


title: 政院擬修法防止非必要藥品斷鏈　放寬可專案進口

content_text:
台灣去年曾出現生理食鹽水缺貨問題，為防止斷鏈事件再度發生，行政院會明天擬通過藥事法部分條文修正草案等，放寬「非必要藥品」也可專案進口，當有許可證的藥品若有供應不足之虞時也可申請專案進口，但仍要經過審查流程。

經行政院政務委員陳時中審查，行政院會明天擬討論、通過修正「藥事法」部分條文修正草案及「藥害救濟法」第3條、第 28 條修正草案。陳時中今天對媒體表示，過往台灣「必要藥品」缺乏時，可以專案核准進口，但在去年出現生理食鹽水供應不足情況後，發現只要藥品供應不足就會變成必要的缺乏，因此決定修法調整，同時要加強掌握必要藥品供應。

根據現行藥事法第 27 條之2，中央衛生主管機關於接獲通報或得知必要藥品有不足供應之虞時，得登錄於公開網站，並得專案核准該藥品或其替代藥品之製造或輸入，不受第 39 條的限制。

陳時中說，修法重點一，過往必要藥品是缺藥或停止製造6個月以前要向食藥署報告，以及若有天然災害等不可抗力時，要在事實發生 30 天內報告，未來為更清楚掌握必要藥品供應，因此藥事法部分條文修正草案要求業者「定期」向食藥署報告許可證藥品的製造、輸入及供應情形，至於「定期」的頻率會再與業者討論。

修法重點二，陳時中說，從生理食鹽水斷鏈事件可以知道，只要是缺乏，那就會變成必要的缺乏，因此草案也新增，當有許可證的藥品若有供應不足之虞時，也可以進行專案進口，但仍要經過審查程序。

陳時中表示，因為專案進口為臨時性，都是一些短期契約，所以相關成本都會增高，輸入後價格沒有辦法跟原來有許可證的相比，因此草案也將做適當分配，保證專案輸入的藥品能夠使用完畢，同時限制原來應銷售的許可證藥品時間與供應範圍，希望兩者不要有衝突，業者才會願意在緊急情況下，透過專案進口協助讓藥品供應不缺。

配合上述修正，陳時中說，考量專案核准製造或輸入亦為因應普遍性醫療需求事件，因此藥害救濟法第3條第2款也修正合法藥物的定義，增訂因應具有藥品許可證藥品有供應不足之虞、因應緊急或重大影響公共衛生情事得專案核准製造或輸入藥品，納入藥害救濟制度。

（新聞資料來源 : 中央社）


title: 台南推下水污泥再利用　廢棄物變營建材料資源

content_text:
台南市政府與中央合作設立「仁德下水污泥再利用廠」示範驗證廠，推動將污泥轉化為營建材料摻配料及景觀粒料技術，提供解決污泥去化方式，並有助提升公共工程品質。

台南市政府水利局今天發布新聞稿指出，傳統上被視為棘手廢棄物的下水污泥，處理與清運成本高昂，且佔用大量掩埋空間，市府響應國土管理署「燃料化、材料化、肥料化」政策方向，於仁德水資源回收中心設置全台首座「下水污泥再利用示範驗證廠」，目前已成功燒製「景觀粒料」再利用產品。

水利局說明，為了更進步驗證多元化再利用技術，市府團隊正積極進行各項試驗，目標將處理後的污泥穩定轉化為控制性低強度回填材料（ CLSM ）的摻配料， CLSM 具有高流動性與自充填特性，是管線開挖回填最佳材料，能有效避免傳統夯實不足造成的道路凹陷問題。

水利局指出，這項技術的突破，不僅解決污泥去化環境難題，更可將廢棄物轉化為有價值營建資源，預估能大幅降低廢棄物清運預算，同時提升公共工程品質，減少後續維護成本。

（新聞資料來源 : 中央社）

taiwan-subdivisions: 成功 仁德


title: 彰化流浪狗中途之家改建收容所　收容量可達500隻

content_text:
彰化縣政府農業處長郭至善今天指出，位在員林垃圾掩埋場旁的流浪狗中途之家，將原地改建為動物收容所，從1樓擴建到4層樓高的建物，收容動物數量也從 250 隻增加到最多 500 隻。

彰化縣議會第 20 屆第6次定期會今天進行三讀議程，台灣民眾黨籍彰化縣議員吳韋達詢問縣府農業處，有關彰化流浪狗中途之家改建為彰化動物收容所進度。

吳韋達指出，很多議員都關心彰化流浪狗中途之家空間不足問題，縣府規劃將中途之家原地改建成為動物收容所，農業處要怎麼增加動物收容量？且改建工程需時3年，這段期間如何安置收容的動物。

郭至善回應說，因中途之家旁邊是垃圾掩埋場，也沒有擴建的空間，因此改建工程規劃向上發展，將原本是1層樓高有屋頂的建築物，改成4層樓高建物。

郭至善指出，目前以鐵皮搭蓋成的中途之家，改建時會拆除重建，將園區整合成1棟完整的建物，且依規定，每一隻收容犬空間應有5平方公尺，收容的動物數量也可以從原先的 250 隻，增加到 450 隻至 500 隻左右，動工後，預計在2年內可完工。

郭至善說，動物收容所興建期間，他們會尋找縣內合法收容單位、業者洽談，協助安置收容的流浪狗貓，也會派員先訪視環境是否適合收容動物。

（新聞資料來源 : 中央社）

taiwan-subdivisions: 彰化 員林 彰化縣


title: 說唱藝術保存者陳寶貴辭世　文化部頒贈旌揚狀

content_text:
新北市傳統表演藝術「說唱」保存者陳寶貴於 11 月 24 日辭世，享壽 86 歲。文化部文化資產局局長陳濟民今天至靈前上香弔唁，並頒贈文化部旌揚狀，由陳寶貴女兒賴晴樺代表受贈。

根據文化資產局發布的新聞稿，陳寶貴生於 1939 年，自幼隨戲班學藝，具南管、歌仔戲底蘊，與搭檔陳美珠自少年時相識學藝，兩人皆不識字卻勤學苦練，能以驚人的記憶力及即興能力演出上百齣戲碼，被譽為台語傳統唸歌的「寶庫」。

1989 年，陳寶貴與陳美珠兩人以「錦裙玉玲瓏」，首度將台語唸歌帶上有線電視，唱作俱佳、分飾多角的特點深受觀眾喜愛，對台灣說唱藝術發展深具貢獻； 2016 年，新北市政府登錄認定為傳統表演藝術「說唱」保存者。

陳濟民表示，陳寶貴晚年仍活躍於舞台，身兼「台灣唸歌團」顧問，長期奔走各地指導月琴彈唱班學員，致力傳承台灣傳統表演藝術，為瀕臨失傳的台灣說唱文化投注心力，精神令人敬佩。

（新聞資料來源 : 中央社）


title: 朝野2026布局 戰火從北燒到南

people: 劉建國 陳素月 吳宗憲 郭信良 謝衣鳯 陳亭妃 賴清德 陳琬惠 張嘉郡 陳水扁 邱建富 黃國昌 黃秀芳 林俊憲

taiwan-subdivisions: 彰化縣 宜蘭縣 嘉義縣 宜蘭 新北市 雲林縣

content_text:
朝野啟動二○二六布局，從北到南傳戰火。民進黨立委林俊憲昨天提出對手陳亭妃「黑歷史」，質疑她曾二度在台南議長選舉時跑票「叛黨」，賴清德總統怎麼放心把台南交給陳亭妃？陳亭妃則回嗆，林一直搬石頭讓總統擔，賴總統是希望有最強候選人，而非搞錯方向的候選人。

宜蘭「藍白合」則出現挑戰，民眾黨昨通過徵召前立委陳琬惠參選宜蘭縣長。民眾黨秘書長周榆修在提名前先致電國民黨副秘書長李哲華，民眾黨主席黃國昌表示，藍白都有善意與誠意，還不用預設最後期限。

有意參選宜蘭縣長的國民黨立委吳宗憲說，藍白各自獨立，「誰也不是誰的小弟」，意見不同的部分祝福就好。

北市副市長李四川昨首度鬆口，如果新北市長要黨內初選，他當然要參加初選；若藍白合還要與民眾黨辦初選，他也會參加，「假設所有初選，新北市民認為需要我承擔，我不會排斥」。

民進黨台南初選火藥味頻傳，雖然前總統陳水扁大讚陳亭妃是「台南第一女市長」，但林俊憲說，賴總統希望提名人有操守、對黨忠誠，而非像陳亭妃、台南市前議長郭信良，兩次議長選舉跑票叛黨傷害地方，只有他代表民進黨參選，才能團結贏得大選。

陳亭妃則回嗆，議會的事跟立法院沒有關係，對手不要一直搬石頭讓總統擔。

外傳陳亭妃拒絕黨內初選電視政見會納入提問，林俊憲說，政策發表當然要有提問，候選人是真材實料，還是空心草包，試一下就知道。陳亭妃則說，她並不是怕提問，而是認為申論、結論只能講十分鐘，時間太少。

雲嘉布局也有進度，民進黨選對會昨建議徵召立委劉建國參選雲林縣長，國民黨立委張嘉郡回應，盼進行君子之爭。

嘉義縣長方面，藍營昨傳出高層口袋「黑馬」名單為無黨籍的中選會代理主委吳容輝，國民黨表示，目前僅止於互相接觸；吳容輝說，他現在職務不便談選舉，感謝大家抬愛。

此外，民進黨彰化縣長類初選將採對比式民調，以國民黨立委謝衣鳯為對象。

目前有意角逐彰化縣長者，包括正國會立委黃秀芳、新潮流立委陳素月、彰化市長林世賢及前市長邱建富。選對會近日電話民調，預計月底確認人選。


people: 潘孟安 賴清德

events: 公投 選舉

content_text:
立法院會日前三讀通過修正公民投票法，恢復「公投綁大選」。總統府發言人郭雅慧表示，立法院十一月廿六日咨請總統公布「公民投票法」第廿三條修正條文，賴清德總統已在昨天公布。

郭雅慧指出，賴總統核批該公布案時還批示，「鑒於公民投票與全國性選舉一併舉行時，曾造成選務單位沉重負擔及投開票流程失序，請中選會及地方選務機關審慎因應，務求選務運作安定順利，確保選舉公正進行」。

總統府秘書長潘孟安已將總統批示內容函致行政院，請相關單位妥為應處。

公投法於二○一九年修正，原將公民投票日明定於八月第四個周六，立法院日前三讀修正通過公投法第廿三條，明定主管機關應於公投案公告成立後，三個月起至六個月內舉行投票，該期間內有全國性選舉時，應與該選舉同日舉行，等同於恢復公投綁大選。

title: 總統府公告公投綁大選 賴總統批示：選務機關審慎因應


title: 訪荷遭跟監？軍情局：中共僑社假消息

content_text:
網路媒體流傳，我軍情局官員今年五月與荷蘭官員情報交流，但班機、會議資料、參訪行程、聚餐相片等「全都露」。一位前情治官員說，我方行程顯然一開始就被對方掌握，才會連照片都被拍下，必然影響荷方未來與我方進一步合作的意願，可謂嚴重挫敗。不過，軍情局澄清，由中共匈牙利僑社主導的「歐洲萬事達網」傳散訊息，內容失真且與事實不符。

爆料貼文宣稱，軍情局今年五月以代號「相遠方案」派遣六名官員赴荷蘭情報交流。一行人於五月四日深夜出發，但抵達當地後連續三天都是旅遊、購物行程，直到五月八日才與荷蘭軍情局進行半天會議交流，雙方中午在餐廳聚餐時，還被拍下照片並標註成員的名字。隔日返台時，其中一名官員還因行李超重被罰款。爆料內容鉅細靡遺，與國安局前局長陳明通、政戰局前局長簡士偉出訪泰國及夏威夷被曝光的手法一致。

國安局長蔡明彥昨在立法院備詢時表示，最早散播相關訊息的是個一次性帳號，正在比對網路傳散的手法和背後目的，了解是否有刻意操作。他已提醒軍情局徹查到底是人員安全問題或資訊安全問題？軍情局表示，當前中共謀我日亟、敵情威脅陡升，軍情局將更縝密 推展情報工作與任務，以維護國家安全。

前情治官員說，近年情報體系士氣低落，原因包括國防部不尊重體制，現任軍情局長陳明華去年以少將副局長屆退前夕被升為國防部中將參事，仍在軍情局內上班，導致時任局長楊靜瑟中將退休前半年就被架空；同時，蔡明彥領導下的國安局，明顯表現對軍情局乃至軍方情報體系的信任不足，都是此次情報戰大挫敗的遠因。

中華戰略學會資深研究員張競指出，從被曝光的行程安排與活動狀況來看，顯然已違反「化整為零、分別運動及境外會合」等基本情治要求，真正關鍵因素是整體情報專業水準嚴重下降，工作紀律明顯違規，才導致如此難堪失風事件。

countries: 泰國 荷蘭 匈牙利


title: 盧秀燕喊：第四次政黨輪替

content_text:
台中市長盧秀燕接受聯合報專訪首度談到二○二八大選，她說，台灣已歷經三次的政黨輪替，民進黨二次執政十年以來弊案連連，一個政黨執政太久，不僅防腐機制會變差，也離民意愈來愈遠，「如果有第四次政黨輪替，對民進黨也不是壞事，對中華民國、人民應該是好事」。

過去被視為藍營挑戰二○二八的盧秀燕，總以專心市政為由避談，但在歷經大罷免與眼見兩岸關係日趨緊張之際，盧秀燕接受本報專訪時，首度暢談國家大政，不僅直言執政黨如今在國安、兩岸上的諸多問題，更重話批民進黨政府背離民意，喊話第四次政黨輪替。

談國家大政 綠執政「我覺得夠了」

盧秀燕說，台灣已歷經過三次政黨輪替，顯示民主制度穩定、健全，她對國家的民主化有信心；她也非常相信民主制度的競爭，有競爭國家才會進步，有競爭才會防腐。

從前總統蔡英文到現任賴清德總統，民進黨再次政黨輪替後已執政十年，盧秀燕直言，「我覺得夠了」，因為一個政黨太過長久執政，本身進步性小、防腐性差，可以看出，民進黨各種問題跑出來，離民意遠了。

盧秀燕以大罷免為例指出，眾人皆說不可，包括民進黨內、基層都說不可為，更不要說其他政黨和外界輿論，都認為剛選舉完讓大家好好做事，「執政黨距離民意很遠，才會在政治上重大判斷失誤」，甚至連民進黨內的民調都失誤，導致罷免全部失敗，完全不在民調或預估內。

「因為長久執政，不僅離民意愈來愈遠，各種弊案會跑出來。」盧秀燕說，包括光電弊案，治安問題，南部有城市被開了十多槍，到現在還只是「可能會逮到歹徒」。很多公職人員鬧緋聞交女朋友，影響國安，甚至總統府、外交部內有匪諜，而且還不是少數，這是非常嚴重的事。

此外，盧秀燕說，民進黨這幾年大量酬庸人事，包括先前曾傳出的台肥董事長人選等；綠營覺得穩穩掌握政權與司法，因此防腐機制變差了，弊案跑出來了。

談政黨輪替 對藍綠都「不是壞事」

盧秀燕直言，過去大家給民進黨機會，希望透過民進黨執政，建立政黨輪替，現在政黨已輪替三次，中華民國的制度相當穩定；到二○二六年，民進黨連續執政十年了，民眾應該重新思考。她認為，如果二○二八年政黨再次輪替，對民進黨也不是壞事。

盧秀燕說，國民黨經歷二次政黨輪替，檢討做不好的地方，擺脫陋習，更加勇敢謙卑，在沒有任何資源甚至被打壓下，從民主制度中學習、成長、精進；二次政黨輪替對國民黨不是壞事，同樣，如果有第四次政黨輪替，對民進黨也不是壞事，對中華民國、對人民應該是好事。

people: 盧秀燕 蔡英文 賴清德

countries: 中華民國 台灣


title: 盧秀燕挺國防預算增加 「但不能窮國窮民」

countries: 烏克蘭 台灣

people: 盧秀燕 賴清德

content_text:
賴清德總統以守護民主台灣為名，宣布未來八年要投入一點二五兆國防特別預算引發熱議，台中市長盧秀燕接受本報專訪時表示，贊成適度提高國防預算，但同時要量力而為、有效建置，更要防貪腐弊端，她支持立法委員嚴格把關，政府若企圖逃避國會監督，才啟人疑竇。

盧秀燕說，她贊成適度提高國防預算，目前全球局勢緊張，增加自我防禦能力很重要，但同時存在幾個課題，第一是如何量力而為？政府預算不能無限增加，有財務現實，若一味追求國防預算成長，變成窮國窮民，搞到國家破產，甚至可能演變成窮兵黷武的集權國家。

盧秀燕說，第二個課題是建置的有效性，有些國防預算根本是無效建置，大幅編列國防預算、花費國家重大支出，卻沒辦法保證安全，對國家防衛沒有幫助。

此外，更慎防有人乘機上下其手。盧秀燕指出，最近烏克蘭總統親信趁俄烏戰爭上下其手，不少人捲入貪瀆弊案被起訴、調查，就是明顯的例子。

盧秀燕也大力支持立法院嚴格審查，她認為，立院具相關專業領域的立委非常的多，過去立委對國造潛艦的諸多質疑，如今證實確有問題。她相信立委們有能力為國防預算把關，只要預算編列合理，立委會以國家安全為重；若政府不想要國會監督，才啟人疑竇。


title: 盧秀燕批賴2027武統說 「這個錯不可思議」

content_text:
賴清德總統日前稱「北京當局以二○二七年完成武統為目標」，引發軒然大波，台中市長盧秀燕接受本報專訪直言，「這是非常非常重大的失誤」，這錯誤不可思議，讓人對總統在國安上能力有所質疑。

賴清德總統十一月廿六日發表「守護民主台灣國安行動方案」，提及「北京當局以二○二七年完成武力統一台灣為目標」，引爆爭議，總統府後來更正為「以二○二七年完成武統台灣的準備為目標」。

對於總統府事後修正文字，盧秀燕說，顯見賴總統也知道「二○二七武統台灣」是嚴重失言，世界各國都不希望台海發生戰事、台灣成為戰爭導火線；她也強調，「若僅修正言詞，卻不修正行為」，實際上還是置國家於危險之中，這是她最擔心的。

盧秀燕受訪時談到這段「二○二七武統台灣」風波，直言「我覺得是重大失誤」。她表示，總統掌握國家最高的國安狀況，在公開正式的談話，每個字都要非常非常精準；若不夠精準，不僅自己人誤判，也會讓國際誤判，造成國內外動盪、國內人心惶恐。

盧秀燕指出，國防、外交、國安是總統職權，總統掌握所有相關資源，賴總統公開發表時說的話，不能以「一時口誤」帶過，「這個錯誤不可思議」。

「我們有點擔心，有些政黨把破壞和平、製造衝突及挑釁，當成選舉的利器。」盧秀燕批評，這是非常惡劣的行為，為了政治與選舉上的利益，製造恐慌、設法挑釁，甚至可能擦槍走火，破壞和平，讓人民惶惶不安，這是不對的，她非常反對。


content_text:
在我國憲法架構下，國防、外交與兩岸關係屬於總統職權，而向來對政治議題謹慎發言的台中市長盧秀燕，在本報專訪中左批評賴清德總的二○二七武統台灣說，右指民進黨長年執政貪腐弊案叢生，疾呼第四次政黨輪替不是壞事。盧秀燕雖未宣布參選二○二八，但已經跨步踏進「總統級」政治戰場。

盧秀燕從政多年，歷任多屆民代，不僅是我國第一位直轄市女市長，更是號稱「搖擺州」的台中縣市合併後首位連任的市長。執政七年，透過市政成績、跨縣市結盟與全台輔選，「媽媽市長」的影響力早已超越台中市，更被視為藍軍挑戰二○二八總統大位的人選之一。

盧秀燕平時對政治話題保持距離，營造專注市政形象，一旦進入選舉模式，又能精準以庶民語言打擊對手，政治語言相當精準。盧秀燕二日接受本報專訪，語氣尖銳直指賴總統的「武統台灣」發言是重大失誤，直言「芒果乾一賣再賣變本加厲」；表態支持國防預算，但也強調要嚴審防弊。

訪問過程中，她不諱言過去在國安、外交事務上的研究與熟悉，更論及兩岸、國防、外交是總統憲法上的職權，如今公開對兩岸、國安議題的評論，勢必掀起政壇效應。

不僅如此，盧更直言「民進黨二次執政十年來離民意愈來愈遠」、「長久執政弊案叢生」、「第四次政黨輪替不是壞事」，把矛頭對準執政黨；專訪現場一度以為她就要宣布參選了。不過，當被問及考慮投入二○二八大選？盧謹慎踩下煞車「我很珍惜市民給我的機會，現在我心無旁騖」。

盧秀燕向來謹慎，不打沒把握的仗，更不願提前把自己送上戰場。不過，即使盧謹守市長職位，這番談話內容已跨出市政領域，涉及總統層級的戰略議題，除表達對國家大政的擔憂，也展現她站在國家治理尺度的思維，政壇勢必用「總統視角」來解讀每句談話。

盧秀燕閉口不談二○二八，也未提及卸任後的規畫，高分貝抨擊執政黨與賴總統，光是一句「再次政黨輪替不是壞事」，就足被視為對執政黨的討伐戰帖；在市長任期最後一年，不論盧秀燕想不想，她已把自己推入總統選戰的戰場。

title: 針砭國政 盧秀燕進總統級戰場


title: 人物側寫／連串風暴爭議 不敗女王盧秀燕 篤定迎向考驗

taiwan-subdivisions: 成功 水上

events: 疫情 選舉 豬瘟

content_text:
多年來，「媽媽市長」盧秀燕以穩健、柔中帶剛的政治風格，在台中政壇樹立高度滿意度。然而，二○二五年對她而言並不平靜，從拒絕角逐國民黨主席引發支持者失落，到十月非洲豬瘟疫情的爭議，盧秀燕這一年從優勢者的位置走入重重考驗。

盧秀燕的作風始終謹慎，她習慣在上班時間避談政治，總以帶著微笑的婉拒作為防火牆。這次接受本報專訪，時間就約在二日下午五時卅分，「我上班時間不談政治，所以約在公務員下班後」。語氣依舊沉穩，只是難掩今年風暴頻仍的痕跡。

執政七年，盧秀燕長期在施政調查名列前茅，卻在今年接連遭遇衝擊。二月新光三越氣爆案發生於台中最精華七期地帶，震撼全國。十月非洲豬瘟事件更讓外界懷疑市府反應遲緩，與她過去建立的「抗疫應變力」形成對照。

風暴之中，整個市府「動輒得咎」，但盧秀燕的節奏並未凌亂，她照常召集應變會議、與中央協作阻截疫情，最後成功把病毒圈控於案場範圍內，「從結果論來看，符合市民期待」她說。

外界的批評從未停過，盧談起「有人說要用這事件『打死盧秀燕』」，她語氣淡然，「我不太花腦筋在政治口水上，不然會影響做事的步伐」。

她有卅年從政經驗，盧說，選舉場上早就習慣對手想「一口氣打死你」，阻斷翻身機會；政治事件中也常有人企圖以輿論牽動她的方向，「我告訴自己，走對的路、做正確的事。被那些干擾，決策會偏，施政會亂」。

她輕描淡寫，「我心理素質比較好。」盧秀燕說，年輕世代的政治人物容易被風吹草動牽引；而她從政三十年，早已在雜音與壓力中練出一套自己的防禦系統。

從未在選舉中落敗，「不敗女王」的稱號伴隨她多年。明年她即將卸下市長職務，站在新的岔路口，有人冷眼觀察她是否「已經冷了」；綠營更視她為假想敵，密切盯著她的每一個動作。

但觀察盧秀燕的特質，不難預見她不會輕易退出舞台。無論是二○二六的地方選戰，還是二○二八的中央大局，她大概都會以某種方式參與其中。只是她的步伐向來不躁進、不搶鋒頭，也不輕易攤牌。

她的下一步，如她自己所說，「不會吃碗內看碗外的」，至於會走向哪個位置？答案隱約成形，已在盧秀燕心中，只差時機揭曉。


people: 鄭麗文 盧秀燕

events: 豬瘟 參選 選舉

content_text:
國民黨新主席鄭麗文與盧秀燕間的關係成各方關注議題，盧秀燕接受本報專訪時指出，黨主席很重要的工作是擬定輔選策略，帶領黨打贏選戰。她說，鄭麗文能在這次「非常激烈」的黨主席選舉中脫穎而出，「不要低估她」。

盧秀燕在黨主席選舉過程與選舉結果，讓外界關注她與鄭麗文間的關係，加上鄭接任黨主席後說，「二○二八國民黨人選不只一個」，外界解讀原本被視為藍營下任唯一總統候選人的盧秀燕可能有變化。

盧秀燕說，在國民黨長期發展的過程中，參選者或輔選者都很重要，黨主席很重要的工作是擬定策略輔選，她自己不是候選人。她也稱讚，鄭麗文在很短的時間內讓人事就定位，甚至已準備啟動明年的提名工作；在不到一個月的時間讓各主要事務都就定位，相當不容易。

盧秀燕透露，鄭麗文當選黨主席當晚就致電要拜訪，但當時她忙著處理豬瘟，期間鄭麗文幾度致電要約時間，她就請鄭先去拜訪別人。

鄭麗文上任首要任務是守住二○二六縣市首長席次，並帶領國民黨重返執政。是否期待鄭麗文做好造王者，盧秀燕說，黨主席很重要的工作就是要帶領黨打贏選戰，然後做好輔選的工作。

title: 黨主席重要的是輔選 盧秀燕：不要低估鄭麗文


title: 在野團結才能對抗選舉機器 盧秀燕：藍白非合作不可

people: 盧秀燕 楊瓊瓔 黃國昌 何欣純 江啟臣 鄭麗文

content_text:
針對明年選戰藍白合，台中市長盧秀燕說，「非合作不可」，不只藍白合，能結合的在野的力量都要結合。她直言民進黨很會選舉，且長期掌控國家資源，在野黨若不團結，很難對抗強大的選舉機器。

盧秀燕說，台中市是藍白合作示範區，也是最早提出合作概念的城市，她很擔心大家被分化、挑撥。看到鄭麗文上任後面對黨內跟黨外的挑撥，民眾黨主席黃國昌也面對同樣問題；她認為，政黨夠民主的話，一定有不同意見與聲音，這才是正常民主政黨。

盧秀燕說，黨主席當然可能面臨黨內挑戰，但藍白要信任兩黨的主席，不要被黨外聲音挑撥分化。如果黨內都沒有辦法信任黨主席，奢談團結乃至政黨合作，「信任」是政治很重要的一個因素。

二○二六縣市長選舉在即，台中市作為指標性戰區，民進黨已經確定由立委何欣純出戰，國民黨尚未確定人選，立法院副院長江啟臣與立委楊瓊瓔都是口袋名單，部分支持者擔心上演黨內茶壺風暴。

盧秀燕認為，黨內人才濟濟，都是強棒，不用擔心候選人如何產生，她自己就是在國民黨穩定的機制下出線競選台中市長，不管是協調還是初選，總會選出最強的戰將。


title: 朝野2026布局 戰火從北燒到南

taiwan-subdivisions: 新北市 雲林縣 彰化縣 宜蘭縣 嘉義縣 宜蘭

people: 賴清德 陳琬惠 張嘉郡 陳水扁 黃秀芳 黃國昌 邱建富 林俊憲 劉建國 吳宗憲 陳素月 郭信良 謝衣鳯 陳亭妃


title: 總統府公告公投綁大選 賴總統批示：選務機關審慎因應

people: 賴清德 潘孟安


countries: 匈牙利 泰國 荷蘭

title: 訪荷遭跟監？軍情局：中共僑社假消息


countries: 台灣 中華民國

people: 盧秀燕 賴清德 蔡英文

title: 盧秀燕喊：第四次政黨輪替


taiwan-subdivisions: 深坑區 員林 中和 新北市 板橋區 林口 新莊區 淡水區 新店 蘆洲 板橋

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每次走在施工中的通學巷或剛完工的人行空間時，新北市交通局專門委員林昭賢總會停下腳步，再確認動線、視線與轉角；「工程就是實實在在的細節累積。」他說，新北市的交通安全改善，不是靠口號推動，而是靠一次次的現場檢視、一次次的調整，把市民每天會經過的路，確實做得更好。

從孩子的腳步開始：通學巷 2.0 擴大三階段改善

新北市自108年起啟動「通學巷弄改善計畫」，在110年完成全市211所國小改善後，112年起擴大到國、高中與大專院校，截至目前已完成119所國高中通學環境建置。

通學巷管制(中平國中)。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

新北市道安會報工程小組依據各學校的通勤模式，因地制宜進行調整，例如在新莊區中平國中周邊導入通學巷車輛管制，減少上、下學時段車流干擾；淡水區淡江高中周邊設置綠底行穿線，提升行人能見度、提醒駕駛減速禮讓，讓行人穿越更安全。而在深坑區東南科技大學周邊則以標線型人行道串聯行人動線，用標線明確劃出行人專屬空間，讓行走動線更連續、不中斷，提升行人安全與可預測性。

林昭賢說，這些改善，不只是做一條路，而是希望孩子們每天上下學的這段路，能更安心、更踏實，也讓家長放心——因為每一步的安全，都值得被守護。

捷運生活圈友善步行：從站體延伸到生活圈的最後一哩路

林昭賢說：「從捷運站出口走到目的地的每一步，都應該是安全且可預期的。」112年起，交通局以捷運站為起點，進行「捷運生活圈友善步行計畫」，逐步串連從捷運站出口到周邊道路的整體通行環境改善，目前已完成71處捷運站100公尺範圍通行環境改善，以及檢討35處200公尺範圍通行環境，建置超過454項標誌、標線、號誌改善工程。

視障導引標線。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

工程小組也同步導入智慧有聲號誌、視障導引標線、放大型行人燈，照顧視障者、高齡者與孩童等不同族群的需求。

樂齡友善示範區：讓長輩能放心出門

在中和四號公園周邊，新北市打造了全市第一個「行人及高齡者友善示範區」。工程小組在這裡進行超過40項改善措施，包含降速、增設行人早開或專用時相、加寬行穿線等。成效相當明顯，改善後短短三個月，事故數減少26%，死傷人數更下降31%，讓周邊的行走環境真正變得更安全、更放心。

交通部次長陳彥伯視察中和四號公園示範區。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

林昭賢說：「長輩的速度比較慢，環境做好，他們走起來才安心。」因此除了四號公園外，市府也陸續檢討中和佳和公園、新店綠湖公園、板橋四維公園、五權公園、林口吉祥公園、新莊體育園區周邊環境，持續調整人行動線與路口配置，讓不論老幼，都能在城市裡安心踏出每一步。

新北首座「行人友善區」：車輛更懂得退一步

依據《行人交通安全設施條例》，新北市在今（114）年9月公告全台第一個「行人友善區」，就在板橋忠孝國中與後埔國小街廓。區內導入逾50項改善，包括路口彩鋪意象、綠底行穿線、行人專用時相與機車退出騎樓等措施。目的就是讓車輛在行人面前「確實停下來、禮讓通行」。

行人優先區標誌。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

在板橋區光明街的「行人優先區」，也透過警示標誌、減速丘與降速措施，經實測車速平均下降約17%，讓過街更安全。年底還會在蘆洲空中大學、蘆洲國小周邊完成第二處友善區，並在115年累計完成6處示範區。

實體減速設施。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

林昭賢表示，這些區域最大的用意，就是讓行人不再需要搶快，也不必心驚膽跳，只要走在斑馬線上，就能理直氣壯、安心前進。車輛看見行人，就應該停下來——這是城市最基本的尊重。

人本城市，從新北出發

展望未來，新北市交通局將持續以「人本交通」為核心，深化行人友善環境建設，讓步行成為城市的日常風景。透過行人友善區、行人優先區的擴點推動，以及各局處的協力合作，逐步形塑安全、舒適、永續的都市步行網絡。

另結合中央政策與地方特色，導入更多智慧科技與永續設施，實現「智慧、安全、永續」三位一體的人本交通模式。

同時，交通局也將強化與教育、社福及社區單位的合作，推動高齡者與學童通行安全教育，讓「禮讓行人」成為全民共識與生活文化。藉由滾動式檢討與持續改善，整合都市規劃、公共運輸與綠色街廓設計，讓行人、騎士與駕駛都能共享安全空間。

新北市正用實際行動定義一座新型態的城市，讓每一雙腳步，都被城市溫柔接住。

(新北市政府交通局廣告)

title: 打造「行人優先」城市 讓步行成為城市的日常風景


taiwan-subdivisions: 新北 新北市 北區 板橋區 臺北 三重區

companies: Google LINE

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新北市交通安全月「停讓文化2.0展覽活動」以「道路地貼」讓親子體驗道路駕車情境。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

每到尖峰時刻，搭捷運、等公車、在超商短暫停留的市民，時常會看到一則熟悉的訊息──「慢、看、停」。

為了讓市民真正理解停讓的重要性，新北市不再僅靠單一局處推動，而是由新聞局、交通局、社會局、教育局、警察局、衛生局、農業局、民政局、市場處及臺北區監理所共同組成「道安宣導小組」，整合各族群需求，建立跨局處的宣導模式，讓交通安全成為一種城市語言。

新北市新聞局長李利貞說，要讓交通安全提醒，從口號落實到日常生活，需要時間累積；民眾都認同「停讓文化」的重要性，但要從認同化為每天的實際行動，仍有一段路要走，所以「我們要以更生活化、貼近民眾的方式，讓大家聽進去，願意開始改變。」

把「停讓文化」做到看得到、聽得進、記得住

李利貞說，宣導必須「貼近城市的節奏」，與不同年齡層溝通，用他們熟悉的語言、出現在他們實際生活的場景中。為了每日穿梭於城市的通勤族，新北市把訊息帶進捷運燈箱、公車候車亭、車體廣告、戶外看板、社區或辦公大樓電梯電視與電影院；手機與社群世代則透過 YouTube、FB、IG、Podcast、Google 關鍵字廣告與 LINE 滲透，把宣導帶進他們的滑動習慣與社群生活；平面媒體、廣播與有線電視則補上不同時段、不同年齡層的接觸點。

新北與網路知名意見領袖合作拍攝道安宣導影片深入日常生活場域。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

更重要的是打破「政府宣導」的單向口吻。新聞局邀請黑嘉嘉、紅豆妹、秀秀子等網路意見領袖(KOL)合作拍攝短片，用生活化情境重新談停讓；並在交通安全月推出「停讓文化2.0」記者會與展覽，以道路地貼、情境體驗讓親子能真正「看見」危險，也設計「交通平安小神衣」結合在地宮廟發放，讓民眾願意帶著走、願意分享，讓訊息的生命更長。

從高齡者到青少年都「看得懂」交通安全

除了通勤族，新北市也把心力放在更需要被照顧的族群──高齡者與青少年。

高齡者的交通行為常受習慣與身體機能影響，新北市透過「行動銀髮車」、松年大學、農漁會、社區照顧據點及銀髮俱樂部，每年舉辦超過400場宣導，觸及上萬名長輩。而新聞局與社政單位也讓講座不再只是「說教」，加入了機車安全模擬、跨齡共融輔具、交通桌遊《銀髮好行遊新北》以及長輩專屬LINE貼圖，讓交通安全觀念真正融入長輩的日常生活中。

新北跨單位合作研發「高齡者機車安全駕駛模擬系統」，協助長者建立正確騎機車習慣。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

首創交安本土劇 區長、里長都入鏡

「阿伯，這樣過馬路很危險！」而為加強交通安全宣導，交通局更早在110年即針對全巿29個行政區進行交通事故類型態樣分析，做為各區的交通安全宣導主題重點，深入里鄰找來在地的區長、里長等地方人士客串演出，在居民熟悉的街道路口拍攝交安宣導影片，讓民眾更能感同身受，有效預防交通事故發生。

首支「在地化」交通安全宣導影片是由當時的三重區長、現任板橋區長陳奇正客串演出，拍攝場景在正義公園旁路口，以行人路口穿越須知及車輛轉彎做為宣導主題。

陳奇正說，影片希望提醒銀髮長輩過路口時，應走斑馬線並遵守行人號誌，並宣導駕駛人在轉彎時要提高警覺、注意行車視線死角，並禮讓行人優先通行，為交通安全盡一分心力。

當時三重區長、現任板橋區長陳奇正（右三）和三重區里長聯誼會會長、維德里里長姚振芳（左三）客串演出交通安全宣導影片。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

針對青少年，新北市透過「校園行動宣導團」深入各級學校，將「大型車內輪差體驗」與「我OK你先行」等情境教學帶進校園；同時，也在新北歡樂耶誕城、河海音樂季等大型活動設攤，讓年輕族群以更輕鬆的方式接觸交通安全。李利貞表示：「年輕人接收資訊有自己的一套方式，我們希望能用更貼近他們的語言來溝通。」

學生拍創意短片 倡人本交通

教育局今年亦推動人本交通及校園交通安全教育宣導，串聯學校、社群與媒體力量，鼓勵學生用創意關心交通，透過「人本交通創意短片徵選」，吸引國高中生熱情參與，共徵集19件學生作品，透過鏡頭道出學生對道路安全的創新詮釋與溫度關懷。

教育局也製作「校園人本交通安全宣導影片」，直接走進新北市真實通學場景，透過專家、教師與學生共同設計，呈現通學巷、寧靜區及重要路口的安全要點，包括標線、警示、減速設施等，提醒禮讓行人、減速慢行、避免低頭分心等行為，希望透過影片讓安全觀念變成學生每天的日常習慣。

侯市長前進校園參與「大型車內輪差體驗」與學生談交通安全。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

讓每個生活角落都看得到安全的影子

新北市將秉持「以人為本」理念，持續以創新、多元管道深入市民生活，把交通安全宣導推進到更細緻的分齡、分眾與場景化。未來，新北也會在更多生活情境中布建交通安全視覺，透過持續而穩定的宣導方式，讓市民無論在通勤、休閒或日常活動中，都能不知不覺接收到安全提醒，「交通安全不是標語，而是市民每天的動作。」只要每個人多注意一秒、願意多退一步，就能讓新北的每段旅程更安全、每一座社區更友善。

(新北市政府交通局廣告)

title: 讓交通安全成為城市語言 新北跨局處打造「生活化宣導」


content_text:
新北市政府教育局張明文局長(右)在交通安全示例公開課中與學生熱烈討論。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

上午的校園裡，一堂交通安全課程正進行著。老師帶著學生討論「大型車內輪差」，並親身體驗交通安全的重要性。這樣的畫面，在新北市的334所學校中，已經成為常態。新北市政府教育局長張明文肯定表示，希望孩子長大後，不是被動接受規則，而是能理解為什麼要守規則。八年來，新北市將交通安全教育從「活動」深化為「課程」，讓它成為學生每天會接觸的生活日常，也讓新北成為全國交通安全教育的標竿城市。

大型車內輪差體驗課程。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

課程化、制度化：從四小時起步，建立完整學習歷程

自111學年度起，新北率全國之先，明訂每所學校每學年必須落實4小時交通安全教育課程─新北334校達成率100%。教育局長張明文表示，安全不能靠「提醒」，而是要靠「學習」，交通安全不該只是口號，而應該脈絡化的融入每校的課程。教育局團隊整合教材資源，首創「高國中小在地化教學示例彙編」，依五大學習階段編寫教材，讓老師可以直接用在課程設計中。這套教材也在113年獲得交通部「道安創新貢獻獎」，象徵新北已建立橫跨完整學習歷程的交通安全教育系統。

六年六座獎：建立「交通安全教育輔導團」的全國典範

從108年起，新北市已連續6年獲交通部年終視導交安教育績優縣市，這背後是一套扎實的訪視制度—教育局成立全國首創的「交通安全教育輔導團」，依督導區域劃分9大分區，每五年完成全市一次全面訪視。八年來，團隊已到訪334校次，協助學校評估環境、檢視教材與整體教學落實情況。也因為這樣的制度化推動，新北已有17所學校獲交通部金安獎。教育局長張明文表示，訪視的目的不是評比，而是協助學校把安全文化真正落實。

金安獎學校土城國中-學生擔任交通安全大使。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

金安獎學校南勢國小-交通安全起步走。 圖／新北市政府交通局 提供

跨縣市合作：從無照駕駛下手，補起青少年風險破口

青少年無照駕駛曾是新北的一大隱憂，教育局與警察局、監理單位合作，首創 「宜基北北桃無照駕駛防治平台」，建立跨縣市通報與追蹤制度，創新作為獲得交通部111年「道安創新貢獻獎」。同時與靖娟基金會合作，針對未成年無照駕駛學生進行團體輔導，透過正向心理支持降低再犯率。教育局長張明文表示，青少年無照駕駛不能只是禁止與告誡，更要深入了解學生背後的行為動機。

體驗式安全教育：從課桌走向真實場域

為了讓學生真正理解道路上的風險，新北市這幾年大力推動體驗式教學。教育局與監理所合作，將大型車內輪差示範課程帶進校園，累計已有超過140所學校、4,200名學生參與；孩子透過實際站位體驗，看見視線死角如何造成危險，學習到課本上看不到的避險觀念。

同時，透過研發「兒童交通公園戶外教學示例」，教育局也在新店交通公園推動體驗式交通安全學習。此外，與信望愛基金會共同開發的交通安全線上試題，也已上架至LearnMode平台，讓老師能更容易將交通安全融入日常教學。

這些做法讓學生從「知道」到「看見」，再從「看見」走向「會避險」，讓交通安全成為他們能親身操作、理解與記得的能力。

教師是最重要的守護者：從研習到教學示例

教育局長張明文表示，有教材不夠，還要有會教的老師。新北市每年辦理師資研習，如學生上下學安全維護研習以及五學習階段教材種子教師研習，八年來累計50場次，共4,950人次教師受訓。此外補助學校辦理基礎研習，每年約40校參與，累計280校次。透過教材研發與教師培訓，教育局建構起持續性的師資能量，深耕校園安全文化，讓每位教師都是孩子的「安全守護者」。

讓交通安全成為孩子的日常風景

回顧八年的推動，新北市把交通安全教育從一次次宣導，深化為完整而有系統的學習歷程。這套制度從教材、師資到訪視與跨局處合作，每一個環節都在降低孩子面對風險的機率，也讓「安全」逐漸成為學校文化的一部分。

教育局長張明文表示，他最在意的不是活動辦了多少場，而是學生是否真的能「理解為什麼要守規則」。從四小時課程制度化、教材示例彙編，到輔導團逐校訪視、跨縣市無照駕駛防治平台，新北逐步建立完整的交通安全教育體系，也連續獲得交通部多項肯定。但在教育局長張明文眼中，這些成果只是起點，而不是終點。

面向未來，教育局將持續深化五學習階段內容，推動在地化與特色化校本課程，讓教室裡的知識能與通學路上的情境緊密連結；也會強化家長與社區的參與，使家庭、學校與政府形成更穩固的安全網。

教育局長張明文呼籲，安全不是靠一次計畫，而是靠持續不斷的堆疊，希望交通安全的素養，悄悄融入孩子的生活，成為習慣、成為常識，也成為他們每天都能平安上下學的基礎。

(新北市政府交通局廣告)

taiwan-subdivisions: 新北市 土城 新店

title: 讓交通安全成為常用知識 教進孩子的日常生活