countries: 澳門 日本 香港 台灣

taiwan-subdivisions: 宜蘭 寶山

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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

華語樂壇永恆巨星鄧麗君逝世滿31周年，今（8日）上午10點，鄧麗君文教基金會於金寶山筠園舉辦「鄧麗君31周年筠園音樂會」，現場氣氛溫馨，來自世界各地的歌迷齊聚現場，以音樂和鮮花，一同重溫心中從未遠離的美好回憶。

鄧麗君逝世滿31周年 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

來自台灣、香港、澳門及海外10地歌迷不遠千里而來，齊聚筠園，只為了陪伴心中永遠的天后。母親節前夕，基金會特別準備鄧麗君最喜愛的紅玫瑰，致贈給每一位前來相聚的歌迷。感謝大家遠道而來相聚筠園，像紅玫瑰的花語「真心真意」的感謝。

鄧麗君逝世滿31周年、世界各地的歌迷齊聚以音樂和鮮花追憶 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

鄧麗君文教基金會董事長、鄧麗君三哥鄧長富，協同鄧家人出席。鄧長富董事長表示：「我們延續妹妹生前的大愛精神，透過音樂投入公益慈善。謝謝歌迷們31年來從未忘記她，也謝謝每一位專程而來的朋友，讓這份思念持續著，也為這場周年活動增添更多感動。」現場還有鄧麗君當年在日本的經紀人、現高齡93歲的舟木稔先生和日本音樂產業的同仁一起前來致意。

(左三)鄧麗君三哥鄧長富,左四舟木稔,右二宜蘭青年管樂團團長林奕翔 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

音樂會現場由「宜蘭青年管樂團」帶來薩克斯風四重奏。值得一提的是，該團於去年曾自發前往筠園演出，以音樂向鄧小姐致意，今年由鄧麗君文教基金會正式邀請，再次登臺演出，延續這份因熱愛而起的演奏。

當經典旋律〈我只在乎你〉前奏響起，全場歌迷伴隨搖曳的紅玫瑰，一同齊聲大合唱「任時光匆匆流去，我只在乎你～」。歌聲迴盪筠園，化作對天后最深情的告白，許多人忍不住流下眼淚。這一刻，時間回到過去，仿佛鄧麗君從未離開過

舟木稔(左)鄧麗君三哥鄧長富(右) 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

今年適逢〈時の流れに身をまかせ〉（我只在乎你）發行40周年，「愛像一朵花」網路獻花活動以此為靈感，由文華花苑董事章譯中老師設計操刀，以鄧麗君生前最喜愛的紅玫瑰為主軸，搭配夜來香、香水百合、白桔梗、梔子花、茉莉花與滿天星，象徵思念、一生守候與永恆的愛，將世界各地歌迷的心意，化作一朵朵鮮花陪伴在鄧麗君身邊，每一朵花，都是一位歌迷跨越距離的思念。

舟木稔(中)來台悼唁鄧麗君 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

去年才來台參加鄧麗君逝世30週年紀念活動的經紀人舟木稔，今年又不遠千里來台悼念，已經高壽93歲的他，坦言「就是想再見鄧麗君一面」，每每聽到聽到〈時の流れに身をまかせ〉就會想起她的最後身影。被問及兩人初次見面的印象，舟木先生回憶起第一次在舞台上看到鄧麗君時，她大約才14、15歲，「雖然年紀很小，但展現出的歌聲非常清亮且優美，讓他印象極其深刻。」他也提及，當初為了力邀鄧麗君去日本發展，鍥而不捨地在香港等了1週~10天，才終於接到鄧媽媽的電話，當時並在酒店的餐廳會面。他當時對鄧麗君的印象，「是一位非常安靜的女性」。

鄧長富(右5)與鄧麗君海外粉絲合影 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

此外，宜蘭青年管樂團以別出心裁的薩克斯風四重奏，帶來「鄧麗君華語組曲」-〈你怎麼說〉、〈千言萬語〉、〈月亮代表我的心〉、〈何日君再來〉、〈甜蜜蜜〉；「鄧麗君東洋組曲」-〈別れの予感〉（別離的預感）、〈つぐない〉（償還）、〈愛人〉；以及生前最後一首單曲〈あなたと共に生きてゆく〉（與你共度一生）、〈再見我的愛人〉、〈時の流れに身をまかせ〉（我只在乎你）。

鄧麗君在日本家中 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

宜蘭青年管樂團團長林奕翔，受訪聊起與偶像鄧麗君的緣起，來自2007年他讀高中時，參與海外管樂節活動，當時曲目中有鄧麗君的經典作品，讓他深受感動與吸引，也因這段契機，他當時即嘗試將〈償還〉改編為管樂團版本演出，也表示鄧麗君深深影響他其後的演奏與編曲風格。今於筠園演出的「薩克斯風四重奏」歌曲樂譜，皆出自團長林奕翔之手，這也代表鄧麗君的音樂深深影響好幾代人，更往下紮根、潛移默化了新生代，更一直持續著！更值得一提地是，林奕翔還提到5歲時，就與家人初次來到筠園，他回憶當時還在園中的著名的地面鋼琴上跳躍，「原來當時就與鄧麗君結下不解之緣了。」

鄧麗君於日本住處客廳 照片提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

31年過去，鄧麗君早已不只是記憶中的名字，而是持續在時間中流動的旋律。每一次合唱、每一朵鮮花、每一場音樂會，都是這個世代對她最真摯的回應，儘管時光流轉，她的歌聲與溫暖依舊深植人心。31年過去了，她依然是華語樂壇永恆的光芒。

視覺提供：鄧麗君文教基金會

title: 鄧麗君逝世31週年 全球歌迷齊聚筠園 跨越10地歌迷飛奔朝聖


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【記者 周志杰/高雄報導】高雄市苓雅區四維三路與林森二路口8日晚間發生一起交通事故，一輛自小客車疑似違規左轉，與對向直行計程車發生碰撞，造成雙方駕駛輕微擦挫傷。苓雅警分局獲報後立即派員到場處理並疏導交通，初步研判事故原因，疑與駕駛未依規定行駛及未禮讓直行車有關。警方表示，雖本案未涉及酒駕，但錯誤駕駛行為仍可能在瞬間釀成事故，也再次凸顯市區路口交通安全與駕駛守法觀念的重要性。

路口左轉釀事故

苓雅分局指出，事故發生於5月8日晚間8時40分許，地點位於苓雅區四維三路與林森二路口。警方接獲報案後，轄區民權派出所立即派員趕赴現場處理，並同步通報交通分隊到場測繪蒐證。

經初步調查，19歲張姓女子駕駛白色自小客車，沿四維三路東向西方向行駛；62歲陳姓男子則駕駛計程車，沿四維三路西向東方向直行。當張女行經路口準備左轉南向時，雙方車輛於路口發生碰撞。

警方表示，事故造成雙方駕駛均有輕微擦挫傷，但意識清楚、無需送醫，現場酒測值均為零，排除酒後駕車情形。由於事故發生於市區重要幹道交會口，車流量大，警方到場後除協助事故排除，也同步進行交通疏導，避免後方車流回堵影響用路安全。

初判違規左轉肇禍

警方初步研判，張女疑似於劃分快慢車道處，由慢車道直接左轉，且未禮讓對向直行車，導致雙方發生碰撞。

依據《道路交通管理處罰條例》第48條第1項第5款及第6款規定，汽車駕駛人轉彎未依規定及未禮讓直行車，可處600元以上、1800元以下罰鍰。至於詳細肇事責任與肇因分析，仍有待交通警察大隊進一步鑑定釐清。

交通警界人士指出，市區路口事故中，「未依規定轉彎」與「未禮讓直行車」長期名列高風險肇事原因之一，尤其年輕駕駛因經驗不足，容易忽略車道配置與對向車流速度，若貿然左轉，極易在瞬間發生碰撞。

警方分析，部分駕駛人為求方便，常出現跨越車道、臨時切換方向或搶快左轉等違規行為，但市區幹道車流密集，一旦判斷失誤，不僅危及自身安全，也可能波及其他無辜用路人。

危險駕駛成執法重點

近年警方持續加強取締危險駕駛、拒檢逃逸與毒駕案件。尤其部分駕駛人在遭警方攔查時，為逃避查緝高速逃逸、闖紅燈，甚至涉及毒品犯罪，對公共安全造成極大威脅。警方表示，雖本案並非重大危險駕駛案件，但違規轉彎與交通規則輕忽，同樣可能導致事故發生。交通安全不能只依賴運氣，每一次違規行為，都可能成為事故導火線。

苓雅分局強調，目前已持續針對易肇事路口、違規左轉、闖紅燈、未依規定變換車道等違規行為加強取締，並透過科技執法、巡邏攔查與交通宣導同步進行，希望降低事故發生率。

警方也提醒，部分毒駕與危險駕駛案件，往往伴隨精神狀態不穩、反應能力下降與高速違規行為，危害程度甚至不亞於酒駕。近年警方持續與刑事單位聯合查緝毒品犯罪，避免毒駕問題危及社會安全。此外，警方也呼籲年輕駕駛，切勿因一時搶快、心存僥倖而忽略交通規則。尤其左轉時應提前切入正確車道，確認對向車流與號誌狀況，並確實禮讓直行車，才能有效避免事故發生。

守法觀念才是安全關鍵

從此次四維三路與林森二路口交通事故可見，即使沒有酒駕或高速衝撞，只要一個違規左轉、一個未禮讓動作，就可能造成交通事故與人員受傷。交通安全專家指出，市區道路環境複雜，駕駛人除了應遵守交通規則，更需建立「防禦駕駛」觀念，隨時預判周遭車流變化，避免因搶快或疏忽釀禍。

苓雅分局也再次呼籲，用路人無論駕駛汽車、機車或步行，都應遵守交通法規，保持安全距離與正確行車習慣。警方未來將持續透過執法與宣導並行方式，加強交通秩序維護，降低事故風險，共同打造更安全的用路環境。

taiwan-subdivisions: 苓雅 高雄 苓雅區 高雄市

title: 【違轉、搶切、釀禍】四維三路與林森二路口《左轉未禮讓》交通肇事案，苓雅局雄警裁罰及宣導


title: 宗教人文藝術電影《農曆三月二十三》首映 闡述媽祖精神

taiwan-subdivisions: 花蓮 基隆 北港 嘉義 岡山 高雄

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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

由王重正導演執導的全新力作《農曆三月二十三》，於昨7日傍晚在台北大巨蛋秀泰影城舉辦盛大的首映記者會。本片為「壹捌玖伍電影公司-52台灣人文電影系列」的第六部作品，於5月8日起全台戲院震撼上映。這是一部打破過去宗教題材多為紀錄片或鬼片框架的「宗教人文藝術電影」，深度探討台灣民間最重要信仰的媽祖文化與三世因果、解冤釋結的奇幻色彩，被譽為台灣近20年來難得一見的正能量大作。

首映會現場星光熠熠超強實力派卡司連袂出席，包含楊子儀、邱凱偉（Darren）、吳政勳、方琦、陳明真、何蓓蓓、蔡阿炮、顏邦智、劉丞、凱文，以及映後嘉賓梁佑南皆到場共襄盛舉。

台灣宗教人文藝術電影《農曆三月二十三》大巨蛋秀泰首映！（圖：壹捌玖伍電影有限公司）

《農曆三月二十三》劇情大膽融入前世今生，時空橫跨了1915年日治時代、1955年白色恐怖與2025年三個截然不同的時代，交織出跨越百年的三世因果故事。導演王重正表示，期盼透過這部電影展現媽祖精神，秉持著「越在地就越國際」的理念，將台灣宮廟文化與信仰精神傳遞出去。資深演員蔡阿炮也特別在台上肯定王重正導演作為獨立製片的辛勞與堅持。

方琦擔任《農曆三月二十三》女主角。（圖：壹捌玖伍電影有限公司）

在演員分享環節中，幾位代表「媽祖精神」的角色紛紛表達了深刻體悟。飾演「三媽」的陳明真表示，三媽執行力最強，她在劇中飾演一位專門收容眾生的劇團團長，透過提供良好的文化素養與戲劇來影響人心，正是媽祖慈愛精神在人間的體現。飾演「二媽」的何蓓蓓則詮釋一位中醫師，在幕後默默準備，守護並照顧眾生。

(左起)吳政勳、邱凱偉、楊子儀。（圖：壹捌玖伍電影有限公司）

男主角群的角色更直指人心的糾葛與救贖。飾演男主角「黑豬」的楊子儀詮釋一名黑道殺手，他感性分享，這個角色代表了人們心中的陰暗面與執著，當人願意去面對並承認自己錯誤的那一刻，才懂得如何放下執念。飾演刑警「符皓」的吳政勳分享，電影深刻描繪了人在慢慢相信信仰的過程中，學會放下自身的歷程。

(左起)陳明真、方琦、何蓓蓓。（圖：壹捌玖伍電影有限公司）

而邱凱偉（Darren）飾演來自宋朝的道士「莫月鼎」，他在首映會上幽默自嘲，在楊子儀與吳政勳兩位男主角跨越三生三世的糾葛中，自己感覺比較像是一顆「電燈泡」。但他強調，這個角色總是在關鍵時刻出現，就如同每個人身邊都會有的貴人與人生導師，適時給予建議與人生方向的提點。特別的是，首映會上演員們所穿的T恤，正是由邱凱偉親自設計，圖案為媽祖向四面八方為蒼生祈福的手印，象徵給予大眾滿滿的祝福。

(左起)吳政勳、楊子儀、邱凱偉、蔡阿炮。（圖：壹捌玖伍電影有限公司）

為回饋廣大影迷與信眾，首映會上也正式宣布與秀泰影城獨家合作的特典活動。自5月8日電影上映起，只要至全台指定秀泰影城（包含基隆、欣欣、大巨蛋、台中文心、北港、嘉義、岡山、高雄夢時代、花蓮、台東）現場櫃檯購買2張《農曆三月二十三》電影票，即可獲贈獨家限量的「北港朝天宮電影媽」A3特典海報一張。首映記者會最後在全體主創團隊與貴賓大合照，並由主持人與全場齊聲高喊「《農曆三月二十三》有看有保庇！電影大賣、票房長紅！」的熱烈氣氛中圓滿落幕。劇組誠摯邀請全台觀眾進戲院支持包票、包場，感受這場洗滌人心的視覺與心靈饗宴，因為「看一次電影就等於讀一次天上聖母經」。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 宗教人文藝術電影《農曆三月二十三》首映 闡述媽祖精神


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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

公視「紀錄觀點」獲頒2026年第十五屆TIDF傑出貢獻獎，特邀導演柯金源新片《水・不水之間》於影展期間進行首映。『水・不水之間』預告https://youtu.be/6gM-G9QEngc

國家文藝獎、TIDF傑出貢獻獎雙料得主–公視紀錄片導演柯金源新作《水・不水之間》，5月8日於台灣國際紀錄片影展(TIDF)舉行世界首映，透過影像、聲音與音樂三條軸線，引領觀眾「傾聽」生命之源，「凝視」這股既溫柔又狂暴的力量，反思人與水之間的關係。

(左起)公視董事長胡元輝《水‧不水之間》配樂許景淳、導演柯金源、公視總經理徐秋華《水‧不水之間》聲音設計周震《我們的島》製作人于立平《紀錄觀點》製作人蘇啟禎 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

柯金源是公視新聞部資深製作人兼導演，2000年至今已執導35部自製紀錄片，其中逾三十部在公視「紀錄觀點」首播。從早期的「烏坵.ROC」、「阿瑪斯」、「獼猴列傳」，中期的「福爾摩沙對福爾摩沙」到近年的「森之歌」、「神殿」等等，皆緊扣台灣環境與社會脈動，兼具批判力度、人文關懷和影像美學，曾獲台北電影節最佳紀錄片及三座金鐘非戲劇類導演獎，深受觀眾信賴。

《水‧不水之間》導演柯金源 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

柯金源導演在本片中，發揮他四十年環境紀錄功力，爬梳「水」給我們的各種啟示，進行「溯源巡水」的田野觀察，他從海岸出發，溯河逆流而上，探訪台灣三大河流源頭，以六個篇章呈現水的不同面向：水的大循環、生物相生、水文化與信仰、產業發展，水環境與災難、水的思考。

《水‧不水之間》聲音設計周震(左起)配樂許景淳 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

《水・不水之間》主創陣容，由曾獲總統文化獎的公視「我們的島」團隊資深攝影陳添寶、陳慶鍾等人共同拍攝、剪輯，後期製作更請來夢幻組合：許景淳配樂、周震聲音設計、張明珠調色。全片運用純粹的影像､聲音及音樂作為語言，沒有敘事性旁白，以「水」本身作為敘事核心，來詮釋水的情感，讓觀眾直視水的真實樣貌與性格，人與水之間的濃厚情感和無限依賴，另一方面又深深恐懼､粗暴的對待。

2022年乾淨水源被使用之後、成為污染的水體、再流入大海 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

本片製作人于立平表示，「我們的島」團隊在長期紀錄環境的過程，深刻感受到「水」如同人一樣有脾氣，會哭、會笑，會憤怒、會悲傷，而水也會受傷。從紀錄片中，可以真實地見到，水既溫柔療癒，也狂暴毀滅，水時而充沛飽滿，也會枯竭乾涸。她進一步指出，柯金源導演之前的三十多部紀錄片，也曾以森林、水源及水污染為主題，這次不同以往的創作風格，是一部高度開放、充滿感受性的影片。

2023.04.12久旱不雨、曾文水庫水位持續下降 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

本片由知名演唱家、作曲家許景淳配樂，共同為「水」注入深層詩意與哲思。配樂跨越管風琴、手風琴、鋼琴、月琴、打擊樂與各式笛聲，從柔和到怒吼、從破壞到再生，對應影像中，水的流動、衝擊與復甦，音樂呈現水的生命律動與情緒，引領觀眾進入水的靜與動、柔與剛之間。

2025.04.07水循環的起點與終點、在泥灘地上的逕流水痕猶如生命樹的地圖 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

金馬獎最佳音效得主周震，為本片從配樂錄音、音效設計、到後期混音技術，耗費很大的心力，還使用醫用聽診器，以大力膠貼在路邊的水管上，收錄管內水流聲的不同節奏，也為了表現水的細微聲音，嘗試不同器具來創造擬音效果，就連家門口的九重葛樹枝、孩子泡澡的水盆，都派上用場。周震認為除了寫實的環境聲音之外，透過擬人化的感受，聲音可以表達潛意識的情感。

台灣西部在冬季進入枯水期、加上東北季風的作用、揚塵危害日趨嚴重 照片提供：公視《水‧不水之間》

為《水・不水之間》擔任調色的資深調色師張明珠，也從自身對環境的體認，審視本片所呈現的不同意象，他認為，「水」在自然界中，會產生各種深具想像、情緒的色彩。他將中性的「水」，調校為更強烈的色階，透過冷暖系對比，營造魔幻氛圍。結尾灘地水痕的影像，宛如荒漠的預言，透過特調的色系隱喻人們的漠然，傳遞給世人的警示。

《水・不水之間》紀錄片，除了呈現台灣水環境的變遷，更盼引觀眾思考，如何重構人與水的關係？這不只是水的當代詩篇，更是水的「神諭」。柯金源說：「近30年來旱澇劇烈擺盪，我深刻感受到，水的難題是台灣必須面對的挑戰。這次我嘗試用另一種方式，重新讓人們感知水，讓水說出自己的故事！」《水・不水之間》紀錄片將於5月11日(一)22:00，公視頻道「我們的島」首播。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 《水・不水之間》透過影像 聲音與音樂三條軸線 引領觀眾「傾聽」生命之源

title: 《水・不水之間》透過影像 聲音與音樂三條軸線 引領觀眾「傾聽」生命之源


content_text:
WHAT WAS ALL THAT FOR? Jaw Shaw-kong said that Cheng Li-wen had pushed for more drastic cuts and attacked him, just for the outcome to be nearly identical to his bill

The legislature yesterday passed a supplementary budget bill to fund the purchase of separate packages of US military equipment, with the combined amount of spending capped at NT$780 billion (US$24.8 billion).

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) used their legislative majority to pass the bill, which runs until 2033 and has two main funding provisions.

One was for NT$300 billion of arms sales already approved by the US for Taiwan on Dec. 17 last year, the other was for NT$480 billion for another arms package expected to be announced by Washington.

Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers hold signs after lawmakers approved a special defence budget bill at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Ann Wang, Reuters

The bill, which fell short of the NT$1.25 trillion requested by the government, passed by a 59-0 margin with 48 abstentions in the 113-seat legislature.

Legislative approval for disbursing the funding for both provisions is contingent on a legislative review after Taiwan receives letters of offer and acceptance from the US for specific weapons systems.

Under the bill, the funding stipulated in both provisions would be allocated through annual drawdowns, with budgets and implementation schedules for each year being subject to the approval of the legislature.

The package of weapons already approved by the US includes High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, TOW 2B missiles, Altius-700M and 600 drones, and Javelin anti-armor missiles.

The bill did not specify the items that Taiwan further anticipates acquiring from Washington, but it did delineate broad categories into which the weapons should fall.

They include “soft and hard-kill integrated counterdrone systems,” medium and low-altitude air defense systems, anti-ballistic and air defense missiles, and a replenishment program for wartime stockpiles of anti-armor missiles.

The Executive Yuan is required to report to the Legislative Yuan within a month of the law's passage on military spending over the past five years, detailing costs, effectiveness, deliveries, and how the purchases boost joint operations. Only with the legislature's approval can the budget move forward, and the first batch of special budget proposals must be submitted for review within two months.

KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) told a post-vote news conference that the KMT-TPP alliance has protected the constitutional principles governing the legislature’s control over budgets.

She denied the characterization of the opposition’s act as capping arms procurement, saying that the provision “only preserved the legislature’s freedom of action to process US arms sales.”

TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) said that his party firmly supports Taiwan’s self-defense, but has been on guard against government waste and corruption since reading about the US arms sale in the Wall Street Journal in December last year.

Both parties believe in protecting taxpayer money, and have reached a consensus through dialogue and discussion, he said.

KMT member Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康), who was the party’s vice presidential nominee in 2024, on social media said that Cheng mobilized the party to push for more drastic cuts and repeatedly attacked Jaw by proxy, just for the outcome to be nearly identical to the NT$800 billion he proposed.

“If this is the outcome, what was all that for?” he asked.

The KMT’s strategy of reviewing each item of arms sales is almost calculated to fit the DPP narrative that the party and its allies are pro-China and anti-US, he said.

“How are you even going to compete in the county and city elections with this? Can you find a dumber political party than this in the world?” Jaw asked.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chen Kuan-ting (陳冠廷) accused KMT leaders of “trying to disarm Taiwan” by excluding domestic procurement from the budget.

“If we restrict ourselves only to US arms purchases, then if one day Taiwan is encircled, Taiwan is blockaded, how are we going to maintain our supply of ammunition and how are we going to sustain our combat capacity?” Chen said.

Additional reporting by Lo Kuo-chia and AFP

people: 黃國昌 鄭麗文

title: Legislature passes defense budget bill


title: Taiwan to open to Paraguayan poultry, Lai says

content_text:
By Su Yung-yao and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA

Taiwan is to open its market to Paraguayan poultry imports as the two nations continue to deepen bilateral economic ties, President William Lai (賴清德) announced yesterday following a ceremony in Taipei welcoming Paraguayan President Santiago Pena.

The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint investment in a sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) computing center in Paraguay, a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and an MOU on cybersecurity cooperation.

Pena arrived in Taiwan on Thursday morning for his second visit as president and his fourth trip to the nation overall.

President William Lai, front, left, and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, front, right, review an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Ritchie B. Tongo, EPA

Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s 12 diplomatic allies who are UN member nations and the only one in South America.

Lai yesterday morning welcomed Pena in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei with military honors, including cannon salutes and a red carpet, and both presidents delivered remarks.

Taiwan would officially open its market to Paraguayan poultry imports following negotiations between the two sides, Lai said, adding that bilateral trade ties had grown increasingly close over the past few years.

Taiwan is already a major market for Paraguayan beef and pork, Pena said, thanking Lai for opening Taiwan up to Paraguayan poultry.

Pena said he was looking forward to bilateral trade continuing to expand and diversify.

The sovereign AI computing center would aim to combine Taiwan’s AI capabilities and Paraguay’s abundant green energy resources, the Presidential Office said.

The project would “transform electricity into computing power critical for smart nations,” Lai said.

Taiwan and Paraguay have maintained diplomatic ties for nearly 70 years and are committed to democracy, freedom and human rights, Lai added.

He also thanked Pena and his government “for long speaking up for Taiwan on the international stage” and supporting Taiwan’s international participation.

“Paraguay deeply values this relationship and reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting Taiwan in a strategic alliance based on shared values,” Pena said.

The Paraguayan government has consistently supported Taiwan’s participation in the international multilateral system, he said, urging the international community to recognize the right of Taiwanese to self-determination.

Excluding Taiwan from important platforms such as the UN undermines the legitimacy of such organizations as multilateral bodies representing the world’s democracies, he said.

Pena condemned China’s “increasing military exercises” and growing economic pressure against Taiwan.

He also criticized what he called economic coercion by Beijing aimed at disrupting Lai’s planned overseas visits to diplomatic allies, referring to last month’s postponement of Lai’s trip to the Kingdom of Eswatini after several nations reportedly denied overflight permission at Beijing’s urging.

The Paraguayan leader, who is leading a delegation to Taiwan until tomorrow, said the AI computing center project and a planned Taiwan-Paraguay University of Technology reflected Paraguay’s ambition to become a regional technology hub.

Following the signing ceremony, Lai awarded Pena the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon, Taiwan’s highest honor conferred upon heads of state of allied nations.

Additional reporting by AFP


title: No Taiwanese were aboard hantavirus ship, CDC says

content_text:
By Lin Chih-yi, Hollie Younger and Sam Garcia / Staff reporter, with staff writers and CNA

There were no Taiwanese aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday, rejecting earlier reports that Taiwanese had been exposed to the deadly hantavirus outbreak on the ship.

The CDC said that on Thursday it verified with the WHO and its offices in the Netherlands and Argentina that no passengers or crew were Taiwanese.

A Spanish passenger told Spanish daily El Pais that 23 passengers of the Dutch luxury cruise ship disembarked at St Helena and returned to their home nations, one of whom was Taiwanese, although that has been found to be incorrect, the agency said.

Five confirmed and three suspected cases have so far been reported, including three deaths, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday.

More hantavirus cases could emerge, but the outbreak is expected to be limited if precautions are taken, the WHO said.

Meanwhile, CDC Director-General Philip Lo (羅一鈞) said that Taiwan’s two cases of hantavirus so far this year are on a par with previous case numbers, and the government is coordinating rat extermination work, so there should not be any outbreaks.

An increase in rat sightings in Taipei and New Taipei City has raised concerns about the spread of hantavirus, as rats can carry the disease.

In January, a man in his 70s who lived in Taipei’s Daan District (大安) tested positive posthumously for hantavirus, Taiwan’s first case this year.

In March, another man in his 70s with underlying health conditions in New Taipei City tested positive.

The number of cases is not an increase compared with the same period over the past four years, Lo said in an interview with the Chinese-language Liberty Times (the sister newspaper of the Taipei Times), adding that Taiwan is not prone to large-scale outbreaks of hantavirus.

However, there might be increases in cases from May to June and October to December, related to the rodents’ peak breeding season, he added.

Central and local governments are working together to control the rat infestation, with environmental agencies, Lo said.

Hantavirus is mainly transmitted through the inhalation of aerosolized particles from rodent secretions or excretions, the CDC said, adding that a person can be infected if they inhale or come into contact with dust, objects or airborne particles contaminated with the virus, or if they are bitten or scratched by a rodent carrying the virus.

Additional reporting by AFP


content_text:
North Korea to deploy new type of artillery along border with the South

SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a munitions factory to review production of a new ‘155-millimeter self-propelled gun-howitzer’

North Korea plans to deploy a new type of artillery along its southern border, state media reported yesterday, potentially putting Seoul within striking range as Pyongyang deepens its hostility toward South Korea.

Despite peace overtures from the South Korean government, North Korea has repeatedly cast Seoul as its main adversary and has removed longstanding references to Korean unification from its constitution.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a munitions factory this week to review production of a new “155-millimeter self-propelled gun-howitzer,” the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, left, visits a munitions factory to inspect the production of military hardware at an undisclosed location in North Korea on Wednesday. Photo AFP / KCNA VIA KNS

The weapon has a range exceeding 60km and is to be deployed this year to a long-range artillery unit along the border with South Korea, KCNA said.

Central Seoul lies about 50km to 60km from the frontier, and much of Gyeonggi Province — South Korea’s most populous, home to key industrial hubs — would also fall within range.

The howitzer would “provide significant changes and advantages to our military’s ground operations,” KCNA reported Kim as saying.

North and South Korea remain technically at war because their 1950 to 1953 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Pyongyang has blown up roads and railways linking it with South Korea, and purportedly built barriers near the border.

In another sign of its hardening stance, North Korea deleted all references to uniting the divided peninsula from its constitution, a review of the latest version this week showed.

The document no longer contains a clause saying Pyongyang seeks “the reunification of the homeland,” and includes a new one defining North Korea’s territory as extending northward to China and Russia, and southward to the “Republic of Korea,” South Korea’s official name.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Thursday said that it would continue to pursue peace efforts with North Korea.

In a separate report, KCNA said Kim also visited the 5,000-tonne destroyer Choe Hyon on Thursday to oversee handling tests ahead of its formal deployment.

North Korea has staged strategic cruise missile launches from the destroyer, which analysts believe could be equipped to carry nuclear warheads.

Kim voiced satisfaction with the vessel’s progress and instructed officials to hand it over to the navy by the middle of next month as planned, KCNA said.


content_text:
Indonesia volcanic eruption kills three hikers, officials say

Three hikers — two Singaporeans and an Indonesian — died yesterday in an eruption of Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcano where they found themselves in a no-go zone, officials said.

The eruption on Halmahera island sent an ash cloud about 10km into the air, with no towns or villages near enough to face any immediate threat.

Twenty hikers were on the slopes when disaster struck, North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu told reporters at a volcano monitoring station in Mamuya village.

He said nine were from Singapore and the rest Indonesian.

“To date, 15 climbers have safely descended,” Erlichson said several hours after the early-morning eruption.

He did not comment on the whereabouts of the last two.

Tour guide Alex Djangu, who was on the slopes when the eruption happened, said he arrived with a tour group on Thursday and found the volcano acting “a bit strange.”

“This was the first time I’d seen it so quiet. I told the guests that a major eruption is going to happen because the volcano is accumulating pressure at the bottom of the crater, and my prediction turned out to be correct,” he said by telephone from his hotel not far from the volcano.

When the eruption happened there were two groups of tourists, about 15 in total, at the crater rim, the 48-year-old said.

“I panicked, I thought they had all died, but it turned out that in the end only three died,” he said.

He himself was with two German hikers who “survived because we were in the safe radius,” said the guide, describing this as the biggest eruption of Mount Dukono he had ever witnessed.

“Previously, when there was an eruption, there would be a single blast and then it was over. This time, the eruption started at 7:42 and by the time we came down the intensity was still the same, rocks were still coming out of the crater,” he said.

By lunchtime yesterday, Erlichson said the bodies of the three deceased were still on the mountain.

“Due to ongoing eruptions, the situation is still considered unsafe for evacuation. So, the joint team is still waiting for the right time to begin the search,” he said.

Some of the hikers had suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

The group’s guide and a porter were taken to a police station and could face criminal charges for taking hikers into a prohibited area, Erlichson added.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has warned tourists and climbers not to go within 4km of the volcano’s Malupang Warirang Crater after an uptick in seismic activity.


people: 范雲 鄭麗文 習近平

content_text:
‘FEEBLE EXCUSES’: The opposition has been stalling the passage of the defense bill, blocking the nation from the opportunity to develop its self-defense, an official said   By Su Yung-yao, Chen Cheng-yu and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporters, with staff writer

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday accused the opposition parties of helping aggressors “demolish Taiwan’s defenses,” after the Legislative Yuan passed a special defense budget that was only two-thirds of the amount requested by the central government.

The NT$780 billion (US$24.82 billion) bill passed by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) did not include funding for Taiwan-US technical cooperation in defense technology, preventing the development of a client-vendor relationship with allies, DPP caucus secretary-general Fan Yun (范雲) said.

Excluding NT$64 billion dedicated to joint research and development signals to Taiwan’s allies that the nation is not interested in defending itself and is rejecting deeper technical exchanges with the US, she said.

Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang, center left, gestures alongside Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, center right, and other opposition lawmakers outside the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times

The opposition also cut Taiwan’s lauded uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) programs, including coastal surveillance drones, smart vertical take-off and landing drones, and counter-drone systems, she added.

At a time when international media are deeming Taiwan a rising star in global efforts to grow “non-red” supply chains, the slashes raise the question of whether the KMT and the TPP are deliberately disarming Taiwan, Fan said.

The opposition also defunded other systems essential in fighting a modern war, including artificial intelligence (AI)-boosted command and control, and the Taiwan Tactical Network team awareness kits, she said.

There would be no money for expanding assembly lines or building a self-sufficient defense industry, which the government has been working toward for the past two years, she said.

“Are protective masks, night vision devices, ammunition, propellants and primers not important to frontline troops? Why would anyone oppose Taiwan’s self-sufficiency [in military equipment]?” Fan asked.

A defense official speaking on condition of anonymity said the limited budget would cripple key capabilities in drones and air defense needed to counter Chinese aggression.

Since KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) met with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) last month, the opposition has fed the public “feeble excuses” for its reluctance to pass the military spending bill, the official said.

Those included a purported desire to summon President William Lai (賴情德) to answer questions about national defense at legislative hearings, examine US letters of offer for arms sales and approve procurement funding year-by-year, they said.

“The only thing that has not changed about these reasons is that the opposition is stalling and compressing Taiwan’s window of opportunity to develop self-defense capabilities when they are needed most,” the official said.

The Legislative Yuan removed 40 percent of the administration’s special budget earmarked for obtaining anti-ballistic missile interceptors and 210,000 UAVs, and supporting an indigenous defense industry, the official said.

Also gone are the military’s plans for AI-assisted command and control, growing the defense industrial base and ensuring Taiwanese forces have the capability to survive a first strike in case of a conflict with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, they said.

“These happened to be the most critical capabilities the nation needs most to protect Taiwanese lives,” the official said. “China is increasing its budget for weapons as our lawmakers slash ours.”

Washington had uncharacteristically allowed an extension on arms sales to Taiwan, but the opposition’s refusal to provide funding for the deal would cost the nation its credibility and priority spot in delivery schedules, they said.

“The loss of the international community’s confidence in Taiwan’s resolve to defend itself would significantly reduce our allies’ willingness to support the nation at its time of need,” the official added.

title: DPP says cuts to budget weakens Taiwan defense


title: Legislature ratifies nurse-to-patient ratios

content_text:
NONCOMPLIANCE PENALTY: The ratios vary depending on the shift and those that contravene the rules face fines from NT$50,000 to NT$2 million based on the hospital

The legislature yesterday mandated nurse-to-patient ratio targets in response to longstanding calls to ease nurses’ workloads, and stipulated that hospitals that contravene could be suspended for up to one year.

According to the amendment to the Medical Care Act (醫療法), nurse-to-patient ratios would be first set at the target levels introduced by a Ministry of Health and Welfare policy in March 2024.

The ratios must be reviewed by the ministry every three years, taking into account patients’ interests and nurses’ labor rights, and adjusted when necessary, amendments proposed by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and backed by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) stated.

Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers hold a banner supporting amendments to the Medical Care Act at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Fang Pin-chao, Taipei Times

All three major parties, including the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), supported making nurse-to-patient ratios a statutory requirement, but differed on the mechanism for determining the ratios.

The DPP proposed that the ministry consult an advisory committee, with one-third of its members representing nurses, when determining the ratios, while the TPP’s version stated that such representatives should make up no less than half of the total.

Outside the legislature, several groups organized a protest following reports that the proportion of nurses on the advisory committee could be lowered from one-half to one-third, as lawmakers held negotiations before the votes took place.

After negotiations broke down, lawmakers proceeded to vote on each version.

According to the ministry’s 2024 policy, the three-shift nurse-to-patient target ratios are 1:6 for day shifts, 1:9 for evening shifts and 1:11 for night shifts at medical centers.

For regional hospitals, the ratios are 1:7, 1:11 and 1:13 for day, evening and night shifts respectively, and 1:10, 1:13 and 1:15 for district hospitals.

Hospitals that met that standard were eligible for incentives, but the ministry had no legal basis to impose penalties for noncompliance.

Following the amendments, hospitals that contravene the regulation would face fines ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$250,000 (US$1,590.89 to US$7,954.44) for district hospitals, NT$200,000 to NT$1 million for regional hospitals and NT$1 million to NT$2 million for medical centers.

Hospitals also face suspension for up to one year if they are penalized three times without sufficient improvements.

The ministry had introduced the nurse-to-patient ratios following calls from nurses to address excessive workloads and staffing shortages, a situation that many believed to have pushed nurses to leave their jobs.

TPP Legislator Chiu Hui-ju (邱慧洳) said Taiwan has about 300,000 licensed nurses, but only about 190,000 are currently in practice.


title: Nantou official defends Xiamen expo invite rebuff

people: 鄭麗文 習近平 許淑華 林楚茵

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By Chang Hsieh-sheng, Cheng Cheng-yu and Jake Chung / Staff reporters, with staff writer

Nantou County Commissioner Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) yesterday defended the county government’s decision to decline an invitation to attend a food expo in Xiamen, China, saying the county is open to participating in international exhibitions that help promote local agricultural products, but the invitation came at short notice.

The event is to be held at the Xiamen International Expo Center from June 5 to 7, and would be attended by the China Food and Drug Corporation Quality and Safety Promotion Association, and other government-related organizations, according to the invitation.

The invitation mentioned the 10 “preferential policies” announced by the Chinese government following the April 7 meeting between Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平).

Nantou County Commissioner Hsu Shu-hua speaks in an undated photograph. Photo: Chang Hsieh-sheng, Taipei Times

Nantou County’s agricultural products are well-loved by Chinese, the invitation said, adding that the event hosts believed the expo would be the best place to showcase the county’s excellent produce.

Exhibit set-up costs would be waived, but participants would have to fund their travel to and from the expo, as well as room and board, it said.

A source said on condition of anonymity that the invitation was extended through Chiang Cheng-lung (蔣成龍) and Lo Yung-heng (羅永恒), who hold leadership roles with the Republic of China Military Academy Alumni Association.

Lo also serves as deputy chairman of the KMT’s military veterans’ wing.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Michelle Lin (林楚茵) said the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) often approaches retired military officials and attempts to blur the lines between the Republic of China Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

The CCP during alumni meetings, military history seminars or commemorative events slip in the narrative that the KMT and the CCP “share the same roots,” and that the two “are the same army,” she said.

The “Whampoa spirit” is geared toward the defense of Taiwan, Lin said, calling on the Ministry of National Defense and the Veterans Affairs Council to investigate whether the events, subsidies or use of government resources by the alumni association or other retired military veterans’ groups went toward furthering “united front” rhetoric.

If they were, it should be examined whether such subsidies could be recovered, as the government should not subsidize the promotion of such rhetoric, Lin added.

Any group that has a history of acting or speaking in line with CCP propaganda, or undermines the nation’s sovereignty should not be eligible for government subsidies, she said.


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The average monthly number of Chinese military aircraft sorties around Taiwan in the first quarter of this year fell by more than half compared with the early days of President William Lai’s (賴清德) administration, although Beijing continues its frontline military deployments, the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said yesterday.

China does not have a set timeline or plan to invade Taiwan by next year, but the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has made it clear that annexing the nation is crucial to achieving its goal of “national rejuvenation” by 2049, the MAC said in its quarterly report on China, citing US intelligence.

Despite the drop in the frequency of sorties from January to March, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army has maintained active mobile deployments along the Taiwan Strait, the report said, adding that Washington and Beijing spent the first quarter “accumulating bargaining chips” ahead of a meeting between their leaders.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s Bayi aerobatics team performs during a flying display at the Singapore Airshow on Feb. 3. Photo: Bloomberg

On foreign affairs, China has continued to focus on the situation in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the MAC said.

Regarding cross-strait relations, Beijing is maintaining its two-pronged strategy of “punishing separatists” while “integrating Taiwan,” the report said.

For example, to “punish separatists,” China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) threatened to investigate and prosecute Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang’s (劉世芳) relative Yen Wen-chun (顏文群), who works as an executive in China and was found to have donated to the Democratic Progressive Party, it said.

On the “integration” front, China’s Fujian Province announced 17 “milestone achievements” in building a cross-strait integrated development demonstration zone, while Xiamen is offering “service packages” to encourage Taiwanese who have never visited China to travel to the city, the report said.

TAO Director Song Tao (宋濤) during a joint think tank forum between the CCP and the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) in February also proposed ways to deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation, it said, adding that the forum concluded with the release of a 15-point “common opinion” document.

The following day, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Chairman Wang Huning (王滬寧) met with the KMT delegation and said the forum conformed to the shared desire across the Taiwan Strait for “peace, development, exchanges and cooperation,” the report said.

people: 劉世芳 賴清德

title: Average monthly number of Chinese sorties falls in Q1


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‘SOMEONE’S WATCHING YOU’:  Three people have been detained since surveillance cameras were found at the Airlee chain of aesthetic medical clinics across the nation   By Hsu Sheng-lun and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA

The secret installation of surveillance cameras in consultation and treatment rooms is a common practice across Taiwan’s aesthetic medical industry to guard against medical disputes and employee theft, an industry insider said yesterday amid a probe into the Airlee Inc (愛爾麗) clinic group.

After receiving a complaint about a suspected surveillance camera disguised as a smoke detector at an Airlee branch in New Taipei City’s Banciao District (板橋), investigators have found evidence of multiple cameras set up in Airlee clinics across the nation.

Owners of the systems would be able to connect to them through their cellphones and surveil the clinic in real time, the source said.

A sign outside an Airlee clinic in Kaohsiung yesterday says the establishment is cooperating with an investigation into alleged hidden cameras set up in treatment rooms. Photo: CNA

They said police were surprised to learn that installing surveillance systems in clinics was a well-known industry practice.

Aesthetic clinic owners have told the police in private that installing surveillance cameras on the premises is an act of self-protection.

The cameras allow owners to know if doctors made a mistake at the time of diagnosis or surgery, and give the clinic some leeway to protect themselves, owners said.

Another reason that cameras are so prevalent is to prevent employees from stealing equipment or drugs, they said.

In the Airlee case, the New Taipei District Court on Thursday approved prosecutors’ request to detain three people involved with the chain.

The court ruled that Airlee chairman Chang Ju-shan (常如山), a special assistant surnamed Chang (張) and a supplier surnamed Hsieh (謝) should be detained and held incommunicado.

A fourth suspect, a general manager surnamed Liu (劉), was released on bail of NT$5 million (US$159,089), and restricted from overseas travel, prosecutors said.

The suspects may have contravened laws on privacy, as well as the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act (兒童及少年性剝削防制條例) by filming customers without their consent.

Some clients of Airlee’s Banciao branch formed a self-help group and on Thursday gathered outside the clinic to negotiate refund terms and compensation procedures.

Customers seeking refunds have to apply online and visit the clinic in person with documentation for verification, Airlee wrote on Facebook,.

Refunds would apply only to unused treatment sessions, with no deductions for complimentary items and no administrative fees charged, it said.

In another case yesterday, New Taipei City prosecutors and police visited Dr. Shine branches in Banciao and Taipei’s Zhongshan District (中山), after the aesthetic medical clinic was also reported to have installed surveillance systems.

If clinics are found to have breached Article 72 of the Medical Care Act (醫療法) — leaking patients’ information on their health or symptoms without due cause — they could be fined a maximum of NT$250,000.

If they are a medical professional, their license could be revoked, and the clinic could be fined an additional NT$250,000 for contravening Article 57 of the act.

taiwan-subdivisions: 板橋 中山

title: Spy cameras common at clinics: source


title: Microplastic detection rate lower than global average

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Taiwan’s microplastic detection rate dropped to 22 percent from 2018 to last year, much lower than the global average of 83 percent, the Ministry of Environment said in a joint news conference with the Ocean Affairs Council yesterday.

The ministry would promote microplastic reduction at the source, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭?明) said.

For example, the draft resource circulation promotion act would raise the required ratio of recycled plastic used to produce new plastic products, he said.

Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming, second right, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling, center, and other officials hold signs at a news conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

The ministry would also enhance scientific monitoring of microplastics in water, Peng said.

A survey of 37 water treatment plants nationwide by the ministry’s National Environmental Research Academy last year showed that the microplastic detection rate decreased by half from 44 percent in 2018 to 22 percent, which is lower than the global average of 83 percent, Peng said.

That shows Taiwan’s water treatment process can effectively block microplastics, he said.

Chemicals Administration Director-General Tsai Meng-yu (蔡孟裕) said the levels of microplastics detected in the water was four particles or less per liter, which is also much lower than the global average of 57 particles or less per liter.

The ministry will continue to clean up plastic waste jointly with the council and other government agencies, Peng said.

From 2020 to last year, about 362,000 tonnes of marine debris were removed, thanks to the council’s efforts, he said, adding that it showed a 51 percent decrease in plastic waste.

The ministry would also promote microplastics management from a healthcare perspective, given the impact of microplastic exposure on human health, he added.

The problem of microplastics or marine waste cannot be solved by a single agency and must be tackled through interministerial efforts, Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲) said.

The council will collaborate with the ministry on surveying the nation’s microplastic distribution from land to ocean, she said.

Microplastics are smaller than 5mm, making them hard to separate and examine, National Taiwan Ocean University marine environment and ecology associate professor Shiu Ruei-feng (許瑞?) said.

Such substances can bind with pollutants and pose health risks after entering the human body, he said.

For example, polyester is the most commonly found microplastic and tends to intertwine with organisms that zooplankton feed on, he added.

Research has shown that microplastics can enter the human body via the respiratory and digestive tracts, National Taiwan University health sciences professor Cheng Tsun-jen (鄭尊仁) said..

Experiments on animals show that microplastics are toxic to almost all internal organs and can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, he said.

Reducing plastic use and promoting circular economy is good not only for the environment, but also for health, he added.


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MOTHER’S DAY: Increase paid leave for women, rights advocates say

HURDLES:  An activist said that a discriminatory wage structure and expectations of women taking on domestic roles shut them out of the workplace and promotions

Women’s rights advocates yesterday urged the government to increase the statutory minimum for annual leave and decouple it from seniority, saying that Taiwan’s culture of long working hours exacerbates rigid gender roles and forces women to sacrifice their careers for unpaid caregiving.

Single Taiwanese women on average spend 3.03 hours of uncompensated labor a day on domestic chores, while women living with a spouse or partner spend 4.41 hours a day, Awakening Foundation representatives told a news conference in Taipei, citing the group’s survey.

These figures are 2.6 times longer than the average time spent by Taiwanese men in comparable relationships, they said.

Female employees on average work 165.7 hours a month, while men work 170.5 hours, suggesting that women are forced to work less or take on part-time jobs to make time for their families, they said.

Fundamentally, the long working hours allowed by Taiwanese labor laws play a large role in gender discrimination in workplaces and at home, foundation chairperson Kuo Yi-ching (郭怡青) said.

The government should amend the law to allow workers to better manage their time between work and family, and make for a more equitable distribution of domestic chores, she said.

Taiwan Labor Front secretary-general Yang Shu-wei (楊書瑋) said that a discriminatory wage structure and uneven expectations on women to take on domestic roles systematically shut women out of the workplace and promotions.

At the same time, men are expected to make enough money to be the sole breadwinner, resulting in stratified gender roles, he said.

The overreliance on seniority for accruing annual leave means that a worker has to stay with the same employer for 25 years to obtain the legal limit of 30 days a year, Kuo said.

The assumption of stable, life-long employment is out of touch with reality, he said, adding that South Korean, German, French and British workers could expect more than 15 leave days after just a year of full employment.

Taiwanese Association of Family Caregivers public affairs official Chang Hsiao-chan (張筱嬋) said that among Taiwanese workers who also spend more than 20 hours on caregiving at home, 44 percent are supervisors at work, and 37 percent have 10 years’ seniority.

This poses significant obstacles to women who want to temporarily leave work to have children, she said.

Birth Reform Alliance managing director Hsu Shu-hui (徐書慧) said the short-term natal leave granted by Taiwanese companies is inadequate for rearing children, which is a continuous long-term task that could take years.

Taiwanese women’s burden of time poverty is among one of the most significant causes of the nation’s plummeting birthrate, she added.


people: 邱議瑩 蔡英文

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MOTHER’S DAY: Tsai urges women to take ovarian cancer screenings

Former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) yesterday urged the public to support a “teal ribbon” campaign for World Ovarian Cancer Day, calling on women to undergo regular screenings.

Chiu, an ovarian cancer survivor, partnered with the Formosa Cancer Foundation to distribute teal ribbons to lawmakers at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei to raise awareness.

Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer,” as its initial symptoms are inconspicuous, leading to many people being diagnosed only in the later stages of the disease, Chiu said.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chiu Yi-ying, center, holds a teal ribbon alongside other lawmakers and members of the Formosa Cancer Foundation at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

She encouraged women to undergo regular screenings and called on men to care for the health of their mothers, partners and daughters, turning their gratitude during Mother’s Day tomorrow into practical action.

Public discussion regarding ovarian cancer in Taiwan remains insufficient compared with other types of cancer, the foundation said.

By working with influencers to promote the teal ribbon as a symbol of protection, the foundation said it hoped to help more people recognize its risks, stay vigilant and avoid missing the golden window for medical treatment.

Separately, Tsai on Facebook invited the public to join the teal ribbon initiative, saying that women frequently prioritize caring for others while neglecting their own health.

Women must remind each other to take care of themselves, not out of selfishness, but as a fundamental responsibility, Tsai said.

A society that truly values women not only recognizes their contributions to the family, the workplace and society, but also prioritizes their health and needs, she added.

The teal ribbon is an important symbol of awareness of the disease, as well as support for women and understanding of their health, she said.

“Let us work together, so that women’s health is no longer silent,” Tsai said.


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MOTHER’S DAY: More than 60% of mothers not confident of spouses’ parenting capabilities: poll

More than 60 percent of mothers in Taiwan do not trust their male spouses’ parenting capabilities, a survey released on Monday showed.

The Child Welfare League Foundation unveiled a survey on Taiwanese mothers’ perspective on child rearing ahead of Mother’s Day tomorrow. It invited nearly 800 mothers nationwide to complete a questionnaire.

The survey showed that 92.6 percent of mothers believe children should be their top priority.

People play during a Mother’s Day event at the National Taiwan Science Education Center in Taipei’s Shilin District on May 11 last year. Photo: CNA

However, 65 percent of mothers said they have little confidence in their spouses’ parenting capabilities.

The survey showed that 66.3 percent of mothers thought that having children has deprived them of personal time and flexibility in life, while 55.9 percent said it was more difficult to balance different responsibilities after having children.

Moreover, 34 percent said they felt overwhelmed by motherhood, the survey showed.

Only 22.1 percent of mothers found child-rearing to be easy, which is a more than three-fold gap compared with Sweden, France and Germany, as well as 16 percentage points behind Japan, the survey found.

The survey reflected the plight facing Taiwanese mothers, who cited “lack of time to rest” being a top challenge, followed by “difficulty balancing family and other life roles,” and “concern over household finances.”

With regard to assistance for raising children, working mothers required “childcare services that meet their needs,” while full-time mothers needed “temporary childcare or respite services,” it said.

Up to 90 percent of respondents said caring for their children brought them unique satisfaction, it added.

The foundation called on the government to expand public childcare support and services, and for companies to enhance childcare-friendly measures in the workplace.

It also urged improvements in dividing parenting responsibilities in families.


title: Taipei exhibition highlights people-nature relationship

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The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency yesterday unveiled an exhibition designed by the Taiwan Design Research Institute to illustrate the agency’s Taiwan Ecological Network program.

The exhibition, titled “Weavers of the Island,” opened at Taipei’s Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and is to run through June 7.

Divided into two zones, the first one focuses on people’s relationship with nature, with a three-sided screen showing three different perspectives among people, animals and tall trees on the same life scene.

Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency Director-General Lin Hwa-ching speaks at the opening of the “Weavers of the Island” exhibition at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

The other zone presents 14 major conservation achievements made nationwide through public-private collaborations under the program.

Exhibition designs are not just about aesthetics, but also help better communicate the program to the public, institute president Chang Chi-yi (張基義) said.

Government efforts to conserve wildlife habitats in the Central Mountain Range’s forests have borne fruit over the past decades, agency Director-General Lin Hwa-ching (林華慶) said.

However, a seamless link from the mountain range to nearby habitats is required to form a comprehensive ecological network similar to a human body’s circulatory system, he said.

Lowland woods, farmlands, rivers and the coast are like peripheral blood vessels and nerves, Lin said.

The goal of building the Taiwan Ecological Network is to clear “blood vessels and nerves” that have been blocked for decades, he said.

The conservation corridors within the network would not only benefit wildlife habitat and migration, but would also boost climate resilience for human communities, he added.

National Cheng Kung University life science professor Chen I-ching (陳一菁) said the program not only changed people’s relationship with nature, but also relationships between people.

Promoting the program across the government, industry, academia and local communities requires close attention to networking and relationships, which has been the biggest challenge, she said.

Huang Feng-kang (黃鳳岡), head of the Eastern Region Engineering Branch of the Railway Bureau, explained how the bureau contributed to the ecological network.

The bureau changed part of the originally planned railway embankment in the “one-day living circle” railway construction plan to a 1km extension of a railway bridge based on box culverts, he said.

The railway section passes through an ecological corridor in Hualien County’s Danong Dafu Forest Park (大農大富平地森林園區), Huang said.

The change allows wildlife to cross unobstructed through the corridor, he said.

Leotek Corp president Torrent Chin (金海濤) said the company has participated in several of the agency’s conservation projects and is exploring the feasibility of applying its advanced technology of edge computing to prevent wildlife roadkill.

Edge computing models must at first be trained with small, simple trajectories before it can be applied to more complex situations, such as ensuring road safety at intersections, he said, adding that wildlife roadkill prevention is a good starting point.


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NIA helps Haiti couple, stuck for 45 days, to get home

Airport staff and immigration officials helped a Haitian couple who had been stranded at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for 45 days due to visa and airline ticket issues to continue their homeward trip, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) said yesterday.

NIA Border Affairs Corps official Lin Ching-fen (林清芬) said that aside from ensuring safety and security, border management also provides a pillar of support for travelers in need.

The Haitian couple originally planned to fly from Manila to Taiwan and travel on to Palau, but they were sent back to Taiwan by Palauan authorities, as they lacked a return ticket, the NIA said.

An undated photograph shows Border Affairs Corps official Kang Ching-nian, left, speaking with a Haitian national who was stranded at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport for 45 days. Photo courtesy of the National Immigration Agency

The couple arrived in Taiwan on Jan. 5, but were also denied entry to the Philippines or Malaysia, and had nowhere to go, it said.

The couple did not have a US visa, lacked travel funds and were further deterred by the restrictions placed on airline transit in Europe, it said.

Border Affairs Corps official Kang Ching-nian (康慶年) said he observed the couple’s difficulties and tried to help as much as possible, asking after their health every day.

Kang also paid out-of-pocket for bread, instant noodles and fruit for them, as the couple lacked money, the agency said.

The NIA mediated across agencies, contacting airlines, the Haitian embassy in Taiwan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to schedule a flight route for the couple to return home.

It charted routes through Turkey, Egypt, Malaysia, Singapore and Qatar, and after much trial and error, finally succeeded in booking a ticket for the couple on March 18 from Taipei to Hanoi, and on March 24 from Hanoi to Phnom Penh, where they would then continue to Haiti.

The incident highlighted how the NIA continues to uphold humanitarian core values while observing the law and doing their jobs, Lin said, adding that the agency would continue to show international travelers the warmth and professionalism of Taiwanese immigration officials.


title: Exports increase to near record levels

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THIRTY MONTHS OF GAINS:  The finance ministry said it expects sustained export momentum as global cloud service providers further ramp up capital expenditure

Taiwan’s exports surged to near record levels last month, underscoring sustained global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing products even as geopolitical and trade uncertainties persist.

Exports rose 39 percent from a year earlier to US$67.62 billion, the second-highest monthly level on record, Ministry of Finance data released yesterday showed. The gain marked the 30th consecutive month of expansion, driven primarily by robust shipments of AI servers, advanced semiconductors and cloud infrastructure equipment.

“The export momentum reflects sustained investment in AI, high-performance computing and cloud services, which continues to lift shipments across Taiwan’s technology supply chain,” Department of Statistics Director-General Beatrice Tsai (蔡美娜) told a news briefing in Taipei.

Growth was broad-based across key markets. Exports to Europe and the US surged 64 percent year-on-year, among the strongest gains across major destinations, highlighting resilient demand despite global economic headwinds.

Information and communications technology (ICT) goods and electronic components remained the dominant growth drivers.

Information, communications and audio-visual products jumped 62.3 percent to US$30.57 billion, setting a new monthly record. Electronic components rose 38.9 percent to US$22.79 billion, the second-highest level on record, supported by strong semiconductor demand.

Imports also gathered pace, rising 29.2 percent year-on-year to US$53.27 billion, driven by strong demand for production inputs and higher global energy prices. Purchases of agricultural and industrial raw materials grew 30.4 percent, while capital equipment imports increased 33.3 percent to US$12.72 billion.

Notably, imports of information and communications equipment surged 93.9 percent, alongside double-digit growth in semiconductor manufacturing tools, underscoring continued investment in Taiwan’s advanced chip production capacity.

The sustained increase in capital goods imports points to ongoing expansion across Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, particularly in cutting-edge process technologies and advanced packaging capabilities, Tsai said.

As a result, Taiwan’s trade surplus widened sharply to US$14.35 billion, up 93.7 percent from a year earlier.

Looking ahead, the ministry said it expects sustained export momentum as global cloud service providers continue to ramp up capital expenditure and economies accelerate deployment of AI infrastructure.

Demand for semiconductors and ICT products is expected to stay strong as new AI-driven applications expand across industries, it added.

Ongoing capacity expansion in Taiwan’s advanced manufacturing sector, including investments in leading-edge process nodes and advanced chip packaging, is also expected to support export performance in the coming months, Tsai said.

Exports this month could rise between 31 percent and 37 percent from a year earlier, Tsai added, pointing to sustained double-digit expansion in the first half of the year despite a seasonally low period.

However, Tsai cautioned that external risks remain elevated, as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and shifting US trade policy could introduce volatility into global supply chains and dampen demand.

For the first four months of the year, exports climbed 47.8 percent year-on-year to US$263.35 billion, while imports increased 33.2 percent to US$196.05 billion, underscoring the broad-based strength of Taiwan’s trade performance.


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IMAGE SENSORS:  The Japanese company would be the controlling shareholder of the venture, with development and production lines to be set up in Kumamoto

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) yesterday said it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corp to create a joint venture to develop and produce next-generation images sensors.

The partnership seeks to explore and address emerging opportunities in physical artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as automotive and robotics, paving the way for innovations and expanded technological advancements, TSMC said in a statement.

Sony would be the majority and controlling shareholder of the joint venture, the statement said, adding that the company would set up development and production lines in its newly constructed fab in Kumamoto Prefecture’s Koshi City in Japan, the statement said.

People walk near a Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co facility at Hsinchu Science Park on April 15 last year. Photo: Ann Wang, Reuters

Sony and TSMC are discussing potential investments via the joint venture. These investments, along with Sony’s new capital investment in its plant in Nagasaki, are being considered on the premise that they would be implemented in phases based on market demand, and that they would receive support from the Japanese government.

TSMC yesterday posted its slowest pace of monthly revenue expansion since October last year, highlighting the potential challenges of sustaining a torrid AI-fueled pace of growth.

Its sales last month increased 17.5 percent to NT$410.7 billion (US$13.1 billion), their smallest rise in about six months.

While the uptick reflects just 30 days of business and its revenue could fluctuate month-to-month, analysts on average expect the company’s second quarter revenue to grow about 35 percent.

TSMC has become an essential player in the global AI industry by making cutting-edge semiconductors for the likes of Nvidia Cor and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

That is as Alphabet Inc, Amazon.com Inc, Meta Platforms Inc and Microsoft Corp said they are setting aside US$725 billion for AI this year, significantly more than previously anticipated.

TSMC is exposed to a plateauing smartphone and consumer electronics market, where soaring memory chip costs are forcing brands to hike prices. Economic uncertainty is also dampening consumer demand in many parts of the world.

The chipmaker is bullish on global AI chip demand. Last month, it raised its full-year sales guidance and said its capital spending should trend toward the upper end of an existing forecast range of as much as US$56 billion, conveying confidence in the year’s economic outlook.

title: TSMC inks Sony Semiconductor Solutions deal


title: Vanguard evaluating plan for second Singapore fab

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Contract chipmaker Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp (世界先進) yesterday said it is seriously evaluating new capacity expansions at a new 12-inch fab in Singapore in a bid to address increasing customer demand ahead of schedule.

The company’s remarks came as the first-phase capacity has been fully reserved and covered by long-term supply agreements as some customers seek to diversify chip sourcing to hedge against geopolitical risks. As a result, the fab is highly likely to reach 100 percent utilization in 2028 rather than in 2029, Vanguard said.

The fab is operated by VisionPower Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, a joint venture with NXP Semiconductors NV.

Vanguard International Semiconductor Corp chairman Leuh Fang attends a media event in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Lisa Wang, Taipei Times

The Singapore fab is set to enter volume production in the first quarter of next year, or could ramp up production earlier than scheduled as construction progresses smoothly, Vanguard said yesterday. More than 200 manufacturing tools have been moved into the clean room for installation, it said.

“We originally did not plan to assess the second-phase expansion project until 2029, when we finish the first-phase capacity buildup at the fab,” Vanguard chairman Leuh Fang (方略) told reporters in Taipei yesterday. “As some customers have shown demand increases, we have to seriously evaluate the feasibility of building a second fab.”

Vanguard would carefully evaluate the expansion plan to prevent lower utilization from diluting gross margin, Fang said.

The phase-two facility would be similar to the phase-one fab, which would have an installed capacity of 44,000 12-inch wafers per month, Fang said.

The new 12-inch factory would concentrate on producing chips on mature process nodes such as 0.13-micron and 40-nanometer technologies rather than pursuing advancement to cutting-edge nodes, Vanguard said.

Asked if Vanguard is considering adopting more advanced 22-nanometer or 28-nanometer technology, Fang said he would “not say never.”

The company utilizes mature and specialty processing technologies to produce power management chips and chips used in cars and industrial devices at the new fab as it does at its 8-inch fabs.

Vanguard would utilize the Singapore fab to produce silicon interposers for a major customer using consigned manufacturing equipment from next year. The new business is expected to help propel factory loadings and the bottom line, company chief financial officer Amanda Huang (黃惠蘭) said.

Silicon interposers are an essential part of advanced packaging technology, or chip-on-wafer-on-substrate technology, used to package artificial intelligence chips.

In addition to 12-inch capacity expansion, Vanguard is also boosting 8-inch wafer capacity to meet customer demand, it said.


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Citi investor Day outlines clear path ahead for further growth, Taiwan has a leading role to play

Citi’s 2026 Investor Day was held at the bank’s headquarters in New York on May 7. Investor Day was led by Jane Fraser, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, the leaders of Citi’s five businesses and the bank’s Chief Financial Officer. The bank outlined a clear path to stronger, more durable returns. These included new near term and medium term RoTCE targets. (Citi 2026 Investor Day CEO) Investor Day also highlighted Citi’s international network remains a core and increasing competitive advantage on the back of macro and global volatility.

Christie Chang, Citi Country Officer for Taiwan and Chairman of Citibank Taiwan Ltd., said: “Investor Day highlighted Citi’s international network remains a core competitive advantage and it will be driving force in further growth ahead. We underlined the progress Citi has made in generating generate sustainable returns with effective, disciplined management. We are focused on growing further with clients in Taiwan and ensuring we continue to be a leading contributor to Citi’s growth.”

Citi’s breadth, depth, and scale provide the resilience to support client needs in all environments, with Investor Day underlining Citi supports 80% of US and Global Fortune 500 companies around the world. The number of unique cross-border corridors that Citi serves Banking clients in was also highlighted at around 3,800 and that in its Markets business, 42% of revenues in 2025 came from non G-10 Countries and that Asia Pacific accounts for 30% of Wealth Revenues. More clients are leaning into Citi’s physical presence in more than 90 markets and a network serving clients in more than 180 markets, that moves US$6tr daily. Targets will be achieved by driving client-led growth, including embracing technology further across the bank’s five core businesses, that are increasingly connected and winning share of mind and wallet with key clients. For example, year to date Citi has advised on the three largest M&A deals announced.

Investor Day follows a strong performance at first quarter earnings on April 14 - with revenues of US$24bn up 14% year on year, and net income of US$5.8bn, up 42% year on year. Further presentations across the bank’s five businesses underlined the progress made in reshaping Citi. This has been reflected in a share price that has more than doubled since the bank’s last investor day in March 2022.

Alongside Citi’s Chair and CEO, the following Executive Management team also presented.

■ Gonzalo Luchetti (Chief Financial Officer)

■ Shahmir Khaliq (Head of Services)

■ Andy Morton (Head of Markets)

■ Vis Raghavan (Head of Banking)

■ Andy Sieg (Head of Wealth)

■ Pam Habner (Head of U.S. Consumer Cards)

For further details of the presentations please visit

https://www.citigroup.com/global/investors/events-and-presentations/investor-day-2026


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HSBC Taiwan is expanding its push into Taiwan’s fast-growing wealth management market with a new premium financing product targeting high-net-worth clients, as global banks’ compete for the nation’s wealthy families.

The service would allow affluent customers in Taiwan to borrow funds to pay insurance premiums, helping them preserve liquidity while maintaining insurance protection, and supporting succession and estate planning needs, it said yesterday.

The launch reflects rising demand among Taiwan’s wealthy for more sophisticated wealth preservation, inheritance planning and cross-border financial services, as more families diversify their assets overseas, HSBC Taiwan international wealth and premier banking head Kevin Hu (胡醒賢) told a news conference in Taipei.

The name and logo are pictured at a branch in London on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

Taiwan’s high net worth segment is continuing to expand rapidly in client numbers and total assets, supported by strong equity market performance in recent years and Taiwan’s role in the global artificial intelligence supply chain, Hu said.

The number of people with net assets exceeding NT$100 million (US$3.18 million), as well as their assets under management, reached record highs at the end of March, he said.

Affluent Taiwanese clients are increasingly keeping core assets in Taiwan while allocating more investments abroad, reflecting growing demand for global diversification and integrated wealth planning services, he added.

Taiwan has been positioning itself as a regional asset management hub, encouraging international banks to expand their private banking and wealth management offerings in the local market.

HSBC remains competitive by leveraging its global network spanning more than 30 markets and 12 private banking networks to meet rising demand for integrated banking, investment and wealth planning services, Hu said.

The new product is designed to ease the burden of large upfront insurance premium payments while improving capital efficiency for wealthy clients, HSBC Taiwan wealth and premier solutions head Victor Lee (李勝凱) said.

Taiwanese entrepreneurs are showing more interest in insurance as part of broader wealth planning strategies, with about 15 percent indicating plans to increase life insurance holdings over the next year, he added.

For affluent families, insurance products are increasingly seen not only as protection tools, but also as vehicles for inheritance planning and intergenerational wealth transfer, HSBC Taiwan retail products head Mike Huang (黃至弘) said.

Wealthy Taiwanese spend about 50 times more on annual insurance premiums than their average peers, with typical premiums for mass market customers averaging about NT$11,000 a year, Huang said.

The initiative reflects HSBC Taiwan’s strategy to improve its appeal in wealth management and deepen relationships with affluent clients, he added.

title: HSBC expands wealth management push


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Qisda Corp (佳世達) yesterday said its revenue and profit are expected to improve this quarter and next quarter from the first quarter, driven by higher value-added businesses, particularly its medical, networking and artificial intelligence (AI) segments.

After a low point last year, revenue and profit are to return to more normal levels this year, with significant improvement anticipated, Qisda chairman Peter Chen (陳其宏) said told an online investors’ conference.

Qisda’s net profit fell 50.53 percent to NT$1.42 billion (US$45.18 million) last year, with revenue rising 3 percent year-on-year to NT$207.9 billion, company data showed.

Gross margin fell to 16.7 percent last quarter from 17.1 the prior quarter and 17.3 percent a year earlier, but is expected to improve going forward, Chen said.

AI would be one of the company’s major growth drivers this year, he said, adding that Qisda expects to see clearer results from its AI strategies.

The company is integrating AI features across its major products, Qisda president Cally Ko (柯淑芬) said.

That would include AI vision and display, high-end projectors, smart cockpits, advanced vision systems, satellite-related applications and drones, Ko added.

In smart healthcare, Qisda plans to focus on smart hospitals, elderly care, precision medicine, hemodialysis, healthcare and pet care markets, which the company sees as rapidly growing alongside demographic changes and rising pet ownership, Ko said.

Qisda also aims to start volume production of its new liquid-cooled AI servers after securing orders, she said.

The company is developing uninterruptible power supply products, industrial computers, telecommunications network products and cooling distribution units, she added.

Qisda expects its semiconductor business to support this year’s profit growth, Chen said, referring to BenQ Materials Corp (明基材), which is tapping into advanced semiconductor process materials.

The company reported a 1 percent quarterly drop in revenue in the first quarter to NT$51.54 billion, although it was up 4 percent on an annual basis.

Net profit totaled NT$318 million, up 509 percent quarterly, but down 34 percent annually.

Earnings per share rose to NT$0.2 from NT$0.03 in the previous quarter, but was lower than the NT$0.25 a year earlier.

title: Qisda says revenue, profit to improve this quarter


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Increased rat sightings in Taipei have sparked concerns over urban sanitation, the risk of hantavirus and the Taipei City Government’s ability to respond effectively. However, as alarming headlines and social media posts circulate, it is important that the public and local governments approach the issue with a measured understanding of the facts.

There is no evidence of an impending hantavirus epidemic in Taiwan. In January, the nation recorded its first hantavirus-related death in 26 years when an elderly resident of Taipei’s Daan District (大安) died from sepsis, multiple organ failure and pneumonia after eight days in hospital. After his death, authorities captured four rats near his residence, two of which tested positive for the virus. Since then, only one additional non-fatal case has been confirmed this year, bringing the total to two — consistent with recent years.

While the hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius has drawn international attention, Taipei’s situation is fundamentally different. Hantavirus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva.

According to the WHO, strains in Asia have a case fatality rate of roughly 1 to 15 percent, and there have been no documented cases of human-to-human transmission in the region. This does not mean the disease should be dismissed, but it does mean the situation does not warrant widespread panic. The most effective way to reduce risk is straightforward: reduce contact between humans and rodents.

In response to public concern over Taipei’s rat problem, the city government has expanded rodent control measures, primarily through anticoagulant rodenticides.

Local authorities cited the near doubling of dead rats in March compared with February as evidence that extermination efforts are working. However, reliance on poison-based pest control has drawn criticism from environmental groups, public health experts and some lawmakers, who argue that rodenticides are neither sustainable nor risk-free.

Taipei reportedly uses bromadiolone — a powerful anticoagulant introduced in the 1970s — which can move through the food chain when predators such as snakes and birds of prey consume poisoned rodents. According to the Raptor Research Group of Taiwan, more than 61 percent of examined raptor carcasses from 2021 to 2024 contained traces of rodenticides. In Taipei and Keelung, 92 percent of sampled crested goshawk carcasses tested positive for rodenticides — a troubling indicator for a native raptor that helps regulate rodent populations.

The long-term effectiveness of rodenticide use is also doubtful. In several countries, rat populations have developed resistance to anticoagulant poisons after prolonged exposure. Overdependence risks a cycle where larger doses are required for diminishing returns. Some have also raised concerns about pets consuming rodenticides. While Taipei uses bittering agents to reduce accidental ingestion by pets and humans, the risk of secondary exposure remains if pets consume poisoned rodents.

Rodenticides and traps play an important role in controlling severe infestations, particularly in dense urban environments. However, relying on them alone is not a substitute for addressing conditions that allow rats to thrive. Like many urban pests, rats flourish where food and shelter are easily accessible. Poor garbage management, overflowing food waste and unsanitary conditions around markets, restaurants and densely populated neighborhoods create ideal breeding conditions. If these issues persist, extermination campaigns alone are unlikely to produce lasting results.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) on Tuesday announced additional measures, including sealing rat burrows, improving sanitation enforcement and requiring market vendors to clean premises after closing. These are more sustainable approaches and should form the foundation — rather than a supplement — of the city’s long-term pest-control strategy.

The recently launched Rat Radar reporting platform, created with input from residents, could serve as an important data source for identifying infestation hotspots and allocating resources more effectively.

Beyond reporting rat sightings, the public must take responsibility for protecting their households and the wider community. In a densely populated city like Taipei, poor hygiene or hoarding in a single home or alleyway can quickly affect entire neighborhoods.

Cleanliness and waste management are shared civic duties. Effective urban rodent control requires a multifaceted approach encompassing coordinated sanitation, stricter enforcement of waste management regulations and greater emphasis on each person’s role in maintaining community hygiene. Without these, efforts merely address symptoms rather than root causes.

Taipei’s rat problem is real, but sensationalism, fear and finger-pointing must not overshadow the need for concrete, sustainable action.

title: EDITORIAL: Resisting the rat invasion


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The government has invested significant resources to encourage young and middle-aged people to move to rural areas to help stimulate agricultural development and rural local economies. Plans such as the Top 100 Young Farmers program, low-interest loans and start-up subsidies appear to indicate that rural areas are undergoing a generational transformation. However, those who do make it their mission to move to the countryside quickly run up against roadblocks, not for lack of enthusiasm or technical skills, but because buying farmland and obtaining agricultural insurance is out of reach.

To obtain Farmers’ Insurance, those engaged in agricultural work must meet purchased or leased farmed land area quotas.

For example, the minimum requirement for self-owned land is at least 0.1 hectares per person, or 0.2 hectares per person for leased land. For someone just starting out in agriculture, that is a significant entry barrier

According to per-unit pricing records, the price of agricultural land in many counties now exceeds NT$10,000 per ping (3.3m2), making it difficult to find land that meets the quota at a reasonable price.

Even with the loans and subsidies on offer, finances are still too tight. Critically, the Farmers’ Insurance program includes not just occupational and accident-related coverage, but medical and social protections as well.

With a buying boom in the rural farmland market and prices on the rise, those interested in building a life out of farming are struggling to secure land and insurance. Is the system really protecting farmers’ livelihoods, or is it merely encouraging land speculation?

If the government wants to promote agricultural sustainability and encourage young adults to take up farming, there must be fundamental reforms to the system.

First, barriers to obtaining insurance must be relaxed. Reasonable and differentiated area requirements for urban and non-urban cultivated land should be established, which can be checked against proof of active farming and occupational certifications.

Second, the release of publicly owned farmland and lease terms should be expanded. The government should offer financial support for the improvement of agricultural facilities, irrigation, water and electricity infrastructure, while increasing subsidies for the construction of production input storage spaces. That would lower farmers’ upfront costs and enable effective management and guidance in line with agricultural policy directions.

Third, a certification system should be established for those returning to farming households, in which the government assigns experienced local farmers or agricultural experts to conduct regular visits, and provide guidance and training.

Those with certification could be made eligible for the Farmers’ Insurance program.

Kuo Liang-huei is a freelancer.

Translated by Gilda Knox Streader

title: We can make farming great again


people: 馬英九 韓國瑜 蔣萬安 鄭麗文 盧秀燕 習近平

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After Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) met Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) in Beijing, most headlines referred to her as the leader of the opposition in Taiwan.

Is she really, though?

Being the chairwoman of the KMT does not automatically translate into being the leader of the opposition in the sense that most foreign readers would understand it.

“Leader of the opposition” is a very British term. It applies to the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy, and to some extent, to other democracies.

If you look at the UK right now, Conservative Party head Kemi Badenoch is clearly the leader of the opposition.

So are Pierre Poilievre in Canada, Angus Taylor in Australia and Chris Hipkins in New Zealand.

These are the kinds of parliamentary democracies in which there is a clear opposition party, and its leader is mostly unchallenged as representing opposition in the government.

These figures are clearly seen as alternatives to their prime ministers. They even gather a team dubbed a “shadow government”: Voters know exactly who would be heading which department if the majority changes, which is all it would take for these people to jump from “leader of the opposition” to “national leader.”

That is not how it works in Taiwan.

In the US, the head of the Democratic Party is Ken Martin, as he is the chair of the Democratic National Committee. Have you ever heard of him before?

It is not that Martin has no power, but his duties in managing the party do not make him the leader of the opposition to US President Donald Trump.

Other figures in the Democratic Party overshadow him in terms of media presence, policy shaping and campaigning. Martin is not a member of the US Congress, and he is primarily a manager.

In theory, this is what Cheng is, too.

Cheng is not even the most powerful KMT politician. That would be Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), who is by far the highest-ranking KMT figure today. Han, along with KMT caucus whip Fu Kun-chi (傅?萁), have significant decisionmaking power.

In contrast, Cheng is not even a member of the legislature: She can talk, but she cannot act.

As far as hard power in Taiwan is concerned, her words cannot turn into action any more than yours. The KMT can influence policy thanks to its weight in the legislature, but it could do so without Cheng.

Her case is not unique: Former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) was not always simultaneously KMT party leader and president and Han never served as KMT chairman despite having been the presidential nominee.

Even in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), being the head of the party does not mean being its most prominent figure: All three DPP presidents have been party chair at some point, but their occupation of that role was not necessarily coterminous with their presidencies.

We have no guarantee that Cheng would even be the next KMT presidential candidate.

Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) or Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), among others, are just as likely to be nominated.

Many said Cheng was elected chairperson with barely more than 65,000 votes in a poll that mobilized less than 40 percent of KMT members.

She does represent a significant, very pro-China wing within her party, but she is not its omnipotent figure — she is therefore different from what people in some countries might call a “leader of the opposition.”

If we want to understand Taiwan, we need to describe its politics as they are, not force them into categories borrowed from elsewhere.

Julien Oeuillet is an independent reporter in Kaohsiung and hosts the weekly program Taiwan vs the World on Radio Taiwan International.

title: What is Cheng Li-wun, anyway?


title: EDITORIAL CARTOON

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The cancelation this week of President William Lai’s (賴清德) state visit to Eswatini, after the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius revoked overflight permits under Chinese pressure, is one more measure of Taiwan’s shrinking executive diplomatic space. Another channel that deserves attention keeps growing while the first contracts. For several years now, Taipei has been one of Europe’s busiest legislative destinations. Where presidents and foreign ministers cannot land, parliamentarians do — and they do it in rising numbers. The Italian parliament opened the year with its largest bipartisan delegation to Taiwan to date: six Italian deputies and one senator, drawn from six

By Romain Blachier


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Trump’s Iran war tensions with allies spill into NATO strategy, undermining trust in long-standing transatlantic defense ties

European officials have been working on ways to convince US President Donald Trump to keep the US in NATO despite severe tensions over the Iran war. However, his abrupt move to cut US forces in Germany is the latest sign that such efforts have their limits and are far from certain to succeed.

The substance of the decision announced on Friday to remove 5,000 troops from Germany did not come as a surprise to NATO officials. European leaders have agreed with Trump that Europeans would take over more responsibility for their own security from US forces.

Dropping a plan to deploy long-range US Tomahawk missiles to Germany was more concerning for Berlin.

However, even that was not a huge shock, as that deal was made by Trump’s predecessor, former US president Joe Biden, and US Tomahawk stocks have been depleted by the US-Israeli war against Iran.

More alarming for European governments was how the move was made, with little prior notification or consultation and with US officials linking it to Trump’s displeasure at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of US’ conduct in the Iran war.

“What is worrying is not the figure of 5,000 troops, but the political signal from Washington that longstanding, absolutely reliable partnerships no longer seem to count for anything and appear to be subject to arbitrary decisions,” said Siemtje Moeller, a senior lawmaker from Germany’s Social Democrat Party, who are part of Merz’s governing coalition.

The move followed accusations by Trump that US allies have not been doing enough to support the US in the Iran war and suggestions by him that this meant Washington no longer needs to honor the alliance’s Article 5 mutual defense clause.

Trump also pushed the alliance to the brink by threatening to take Greenland from Denmark, a fellow NATO member.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte helped to defuse that crisis, but the underlying dispute has not been resolved.

European diplomats say they fear Trump could make further moves that would test the alliance before a summit of its 32 national leaders in Ankara in July, especially if the Iran war is not over by then and he is still venting anger at allies.

“The longer game for NATO and European allies is getting through Ankara,” said a European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We need to do things with the Americans if we can, and without them if we must.”

Defense experts say Europeans have little choice but to try to keep the US on board, given their heavy reliance on it to deter any possible attack by Russia.

As part of their efforts to convince Trump of the value of European allies, officials have said many European countries are honoring agreements to allow US forces to use bases on their soil and fly in their airspace during the Iran campaign — even if they are not keen to advertise the fact, given that Trump and the war are deeply unpopular in much of Europe.

While Spain has banned the use of bases on its territory, Rutte said countries including the UK, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal and Romania were delivering on their commitments.

European officials are also working to make a broader case to Trump, other US officials, lawmakers and Republican-friendly think tanks that it is in their interests to stick with the NATO.

Their efforts include highlighting support for a post-war mission in the Strait of Hormuz, underlining the military and economic value of European allies and demonstrating that Europe is taking on a greater role within NATO, diplomats say.

While there is broad support for these efforts across the alliance, the crisis has also exposed stark differences among European NATO leaders over how to respond to the war on Iran.

Leaders of Western European countries such as Spain, France and Germany have voiced blunt criticism, reflecting domestic public opinion but risking Trump’s ire.

Rutte, by contrast, has made clear he sees anti-war rhetoric as unhelpful. Some eastern European countries, fearing any weakening of NATO would embolden Russia, have taken a similar view, diplomats say.

“When European countries are saying ‘this is not our war,’ it irritated the hell out of me,” Rutte told What the Hell is Going On, a podcast hosted by the American Enterprise Institute, after meeting Trump in Washington last month.

On Monday, Rutte also said several countries were “pre-positioning essential logistical and other support” such as minehunters and minesweepers near the Gulf to be ready for a possible Strait of Hormuz mission after the war ends.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany have said they are sending ships that could be part of such a mission. France, which is leading the planning of a potential mission with the UK, also has ships in the Middle East that could take part.

“European leaders have gotten the message, they’ve heard the message from the US loud and clear,” Rutte told reporters at a summit of European leaders in Armenia.

title: Trump’s Germany troop cuts show limits of NATO


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JAMES’ 300:  Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was not at his best, but was supported well as they beat the Lakers, while Cade Cunningham led the Pistons over the Cavs

The Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday pulled away late to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 125-107 in an NBA playoff thriller, taking a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player and finalist for the award this season, scored 22 points, while the Thunder capitalized on 21 Lakers turnovers to hand LeBron James a defeat in his 300th career playoff game.

Gilgeous-Alexander was again below his best, but he was amply supported.

From top, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, Jared McCain and Jaylin Williams celebrate during Game 2 of their NBA Western Conference playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Chet Holmgren scored 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds, while Ajay Mitchell added 20 points and Jared McCain delivered 18 points off the bench to help the Thunder withstand a 31-point performance from Austin Reaves.

James, who became the first player to contest 300 post-season games, scored 23 points and handed out six assists.

The Lakers led by five points early in the third quarter, but with league-leading scorer Luka Doncic still sidelined by injury the Lakers could not hang on, even with Gilgeous-Alexander on the bench for considerable stretches because of foul trouble.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Chet Holmgren, left, controls the ball as Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during Game 2 of their NBA Western Conference playoff series at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on Thursday. Photo: AP

Oklahoma City produced a 22-5 scoring run to seize control. They will aim to keep the pressure on when the series shifts to Los Angeles for games 3 and 4 today and on Monday.

“We’ve got to be the aggressor,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I feel like they were playing with more force, they were attacking harder, making quicker decisions, playing with a better sense of urgency, especially in the first half.”

“As long as we take care of that we should have our foot in the right direction,” he said.

title: Thunder, Pistons take 2-0 leads


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Aston Villa on Wednesday reached the UEFA Europa League final with a 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest, including two goals from John McGinn in the second leg of their all-English semi-final for a 4-1 aggregate victory as they chase their first trophy in 30 years.

The Premier League side face SC Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20 after the Bundesliga team beat Braga 4-3 on aggregate.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Unai Emery’s Villa came out all guns blazing at a pulsating Villa Park and got the lead their dominance deserved in the 36th minute when Watkins tapped in following brilliant footwork from Emiliano Buendia.

Aston Villa’s John McGinn gestures after scoring during the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, on Thursday. Photo: EPA

Thirteen minutes into the second half, Buendia got Villa’s second with a coolly struck penalty after Nikola Milenkovic needlessly tugged Pau Torres’ shirt in the area.

Captain McGinn swept in carbon-copy goals in the 77th and 80th minutes to spark delirium among most of the 43,000 fans, including Villa-supporting Prince William.

Villa were European champions in 1982 and last won silverware when they lifted the League Cup in 1996.

SC Freiburg fans celebrate after the team won their UEFA Europa League semi-final with victory in the second leg against SC Braga at Europa-Park Stadion in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, on Thursday. Photo: EPA

They will hope four-time Europa League winner Emery can add to his tally — for the first time with an English club.

“There’s no better manager than this to get us prepared for this game and obviously take us into the final as well,” said goalscorer Watkins, whose head was bandaged for most of the game after an early clash. “His track record speaks for itself. We’re in a great position. We need to go there and win now.”

Emery has an unmatched four Europe League wins as a manager, three with Sevilla and one with Villarreal.

title: John McGinn double helps Aston Villa reach final


title: Sabalenka hopes to play under Belarus flag

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Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday said that she hoped she would be able to play tennis under the Belarusian flag after the International Olympic Committee lifted its ban on the country’s athletes competing in the Olympics.

World No. 1 Sabalenka has had to compete under a neutral banner as a consequence of her country’s support for Russia following its ally’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The IOC earlier on Thursday lifted its ban on Belarusian athletes competing in the Olympics, although restrictions on Russian athletes remain in place.

Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka returns to Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic during their women’s singles match at the Italian Open in Rome on Thursday. Photo: AP

Asked whether the women’s tour would drop the ban on her representing her country, Sabalenka said: “I really hope they’re going to give us our flag back.”

“I just know how much of an inspiration I am for young kids, I know that, and they send me messages, and I just want them to feel confident about no matter where you come from you can make it all the way to the top,” Sabalenka said at the Italian Open in Rome.

“For me representing such a small country, and the hard work that I had to do to get to the top, it’s just like, guys, it’s incredible, it’s a small country, and to make it all the way here, it means a lot to me,” she said. “I would be super proud to represent Belarus.”

Sabalenka was speaking to reporters after sweeping aside Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 6-3 at the Foro Italico, where she is aiming to win for the first time.

The 28-year-old is favorite to win in the Italian capital ahead of the French Open, which is to start later this month.

The top seed is on the same side of the draw as Coco Gauff, who beat Sabalenka in last year’s French Open final and made short work of Tereza Valentova in her opening match in Rome.

American star Gauff beat Valentova 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour, 34 minutes in front of a sparsely populated center court. She faces Argentine Solana Sierra in the next round.

Earlier Jasmine Paolini launched her title defense by battling back from a set down to beat France’s Leolia Jeanjean 6-7 (4/7), 6-2, 6-4.

Another Italian, Lorenzo Sonego, was dumped out, with the 30-year-old seen off in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 by Peru’s Ignacio Buse on center court.

At the Jiangxi Open in China yesterday, Taiwan’s Liang En-shuo defeated Hayu Kinoshita of Japan 6-3 6-3 in the women’s singles to reach the semi-finals at the WTA 125K Series tournament.

Liang faces China’s Bai Zhuoxuan today.

In the doubles, Lee Ya-hsin of Taiwan and partner Ye Qiuyu of China are to play Australian duo Gabriella Da Silva-Fick and Tenika McGiffin in the semi-finals today.

Lee and Ye ousted Taiwan’s Li Yu-yun and Li Zongyu of China in the quarter-finals yesterday, winning 6-4, 7-5.

Additional reporting by staff writer