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記者林睿奕／綜合報導

陸軍專科學校昨日舉行「專20期畢業典禮」，由校長萬少將親自主持，並邀請各軍種士官督導長、親友與全校師長共同見證，370位畢業生正式掛上象徵責任與榮譽的士官階級並授予畢業證書，為2年的軍校淬鍊畫下完美句點，邁向軍旅生涯的全新篇章。

典禮中，首先由教學部主任吳志庭親自為每一位畢業生頒授畢業證書，隨後由萬校長與家屬為畢業生授予士官階級；萬校長在致詞時表示，期勉全體畢業生，踏出校門後持續秉持士官「忠誠勇毅」的精神與專業素養，徹底實踐士官信條，戮力成為部隊骨幹與官兵之間最堅實的橋梁，實踐與傳承陸軍專科學校「忠誠勇毅」精神。

此外，陸軍司令部總士官督導長束正祥士官長也特別勉勵全體畢業生，不管未來的道路多麼艱辛，都要全力以赴克服各項挑戰，昂首闊步、綻放光芒，期許全體畢業生莫忘初衷，帶著全校師長與家人的祝福，續寫屬於他們的勇士傳奇。

journalist: 本網站由〔uGear 優吉兒網頁設計〕設計與製作

title: 陸專畢典 勉傳承忠誠勇毅精神


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海軍官校正期115年班畢業總成績前三名的蔡芮棻（中）、陳傑聖（左）、陳孟汝（右），期許自我不忘從軍初心，一日海軍，終身海軍。（記者孫建屏攝）記者孫建屏／專訪

海軍官校正期115年班學生昨日獲頒學資，應用外語系蔡芮棻、應用科學系陳傑聖、電機工程系陳孟汝等3位同學，以4年學習總成績優異脫穎而出，榮獲年班前3名的佳績，上臺接受頒獎表揚，他們期許自我不忘從軍初心，一日海軍，終身海軍，在未來軍旅工作崗位上盡忠職守，為單位與國軍貢獻心力。

蔡芮棻表示，軍校生活讓她不僅學習到專業知識與軍事技能，更在各項訓練與幹部職務中培養責任感、抗壓性及團隊合作精神。曾在二年級代表學校參與美國海軍官校國際交流事務研討會的她指出，將積極累積實務經驗，並持續精進專業與語言能力，成為能獨當一面的基層軍官。

陳傑聖則回顧，從初入校的懵懂，到擔任幹部肩負責任，再到敦睦遠航的歷練，4年官校生活讓他磨練出領導統御、團隊合作與獨立思考的能力。即將踏入艦隊服務，期許自己能將所學專業與領導能力運用於工作中，秉持積極負責的精神，勇於接受挑戰，努力成為值得信賴的海軍軍官。

陳孟汝則強調，畢業不是終點，而是責任的開始。回顧在校期間的入伍訓練、專業課程、艦艇實習與各項領導訓練，深刻體會到軍官不僅是軍階與職務，更肩負帶領部屬完成任務的責任。陳孟汝自勉，畢業任官後以身作則，成為部屬信賴、長官放心的軍官，並具備現代化作戰思維與國際視野，帶領官兵共同提升部隊戰力。

journalist: 本網站由〔uGear 優吉兒網頁設計〕設計與製作

title: 【海軍官校學資頒授】不忘從軍初心 持續精進挑戰自我


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記者古可絜／綜合報導

端午節假期除品嚐粽子、觀賞龍舟競賽外，今年端午連假還有精采璀璨的焰火秀，包含桃園龍潭歸鄉文化節、南投巧克力咖啡節及嘉義縣東石龍舟競賽等項目，現場搭配音樂表演、市集、美食及親子活動，邀請民眾把握3天端午連假，在夏夜微風中欣賞燦爛焰火，感受濃厚節慶氛圍。

多元體驗 感受熱鬧氛圍

桃園市龍潭區年度盛事「2026龍潭歸鄉文化節」今日起至21日舉行，活動結合傳統龍舟競賽、高樁獅演出、HAKKA粽夏音樂饗宴、仲夏市集及花火之夜等內容。其中最受矚目的「花火之夜」將於明日晚間登場，今年首度挑戰環湖式多點焰火展演，將龍潭大池打造為沉浸式花火劇場，並結合吊橋特效、湖域平臺與3層立體焰火，多點同步施放搭配湖面倒影，預計帶來前所未有的視覺震撼。

南投縣「2026南投巧克力咖啡節」則推出「咖心派對×璀璨焰火秀」，邀請民眾走進福興溫泉遊客中心，聽音樂、看表演、賞焰火；活動將於明日舉辦原民之夜演唱會，會後接續施放焰火，讓遊客在夏夜中感受咖啡香、巧克力甜與舞臺魅力交織的熱鬧氛圍。

有「焰火的故鄉」美譽的嘉義縣東石鄉，今年迎來第40屆龍舟競賽盛會。活動今日起展開端午系列活動，除精采龍舟賽事外，現場亦規劃在地美食市集、親子遊樂區、活力舞蹈演出及藝人表演，並提供免費霸氣蚵仔粥與民眾分享；明日晚間重頭戲「海上高空焰火秀」將於晚間8時在東石漁人碼頭船屋施放，長達480秒的高空焰火結合海面倒影，營造專屬東石海港的浪漫夜景。

journalist: 本網站由〔uGear 優吉兒網頁設計〕設計與製作

taiwan-subdivisions: 東石 龍潭 桃園 嘉義縣 南投縣 福興 南投

title: 端午全臺同慶 璀璨焰火映夜空


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一股從韓國颳起來的「紫色夢幻風」，正悄悄吹向南台灣，也讓在營養學界被譽為「花青素之王」的桑椹，異軍突起成為飲料市場的新寵，在風味層次與健康價值上，都有著極高的不可取代性，並以近乎野放的有機與自然農法，為台灣農業另闢一條蹊徑，再加上無縫接軌的冷鏈系統，徹底打破過去農產品看天吃飯的宿命。

近期在韓國引爆社群打卡熱的「Ube紫山藥飲料」，巧妙運用菲律賓國民食材，渲染出極具視覺震撼的紫白漸層，迷人的粉紫色調，不僅精準擊中現代消費者追求高顏值的心理，背後更隱含著大眾對健康價值的渴望，掀起一場以「紫色」為核心的原物料軍備競賽。

全站首選：英國新冠疫苗死亡通報破2500件！在癱瘓藥劑師自戕後 英媒揭露新冠疫苗併發症逾22800件

當跨國品牌紛紛向海外尋求Ube打造紫色魔法時，台灣本土其實就有一顆含金量更高的「紫色寶石」，桑椹是一種低熱量且營養價值極高的「超級果實」，也富含白藜蘆醇、維生素C及鐵、鈣等礦物質，除了能賦予飲品同樣夢幻、甚至更為深邃瑰麗的紫紅色澤外，更自帶天然酸甜果香。

座落於南台灣的「陳稼莊自然農業有限公司」，手握全台面積最大的有機桑椹農場，近年更在二代接班人陳煥為的操盤下，挾著超過三十多年淬鍊的農產加工實力，大舉插旗百億規模的餐飲B2B供應鏈，成為各大連鎖品牌背後最穩定的供應商。

台灣桑椹的黃金採收期僅集中在每年三月底至四月底這短短的一個月，根本無法支撐大型連鎖品牌全年度的常態性菜單。為了解決供應鏈的致命痛點，陳煥為打出「產地與工廠垂直整合」的王牌，桑椹百分之百都是自家農場種植，拒絕依賴外部契作，展現對原物料掌控力的絕對自信。

當前熱搜：多位紫衣人膜拜...稱可與外星文明對話 「濟顛禪師」鄔馨茹回應了！

陳稼莊農場採用有機與自然農法，桑椹樹不依賴水管灌溉，因此根系必須深深扎入土壤深處尋找水分。這種近乎野放的種植法，不僅淬鍊濃縮出濃郁果香，更讓果樹無懼颱風的侵襲。此外，剛採收下的新鮮桑椹清洗後迅速送入攝氏零下18度的冷鏈系統鎖住水果的鮮甜，並透過具ISO 22000與HACCP雙重國際認證及台灣有機加工認證的合法加工廠，隨時依據企業客戶的營運節奏配合生產。

為了讓企業客戶的品項結構更具市場競爭力，陳稼莊進一步將戰線延伸，導入台灣在地契作與嚴格把關的「百香果」與「紅心芭樂」系列產品，讓餐飲業者在規劃菜單時，能同時擁有紫色、黃色、粉紅色的天然視覺調色盤，實現一站式購足頂級永續餐飲食材的便利性。

在ESG、SDGs永續發展與永續採購成為商界顯學的今天，陳稼莊獲登錄於官方主辦的「社會創新平台」，對其產品的採購更能實質計入政府機關、國營事業、民營企業、民間組織的Buying Power、社會創新產品及服務採購獎勵機制積分，零售市場的客戶更從美式量販巨頭、全家新鮮市、機場免稅店再到指標性有機天然食品連鎖通路，下一步是將有機天然的頂級永續餐飲原物料，直送各大連鎖餐飲與烘焙品牌的後場。

countries: 台灣 韓國 菲律賓 英國

events: 颱風 死亡

title: 韓國「夢幻紫色風潮」吹到南台灣 有機桑椹躍升飲料市場新寵 | 生活 | Newtalk新聞


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北檢書記官利用職務之便偷拍性影像、應召女照，今日偵結起訴。 圖：翻攝自google map（資料照）

台北地檢署婦幼專組一名黎姓書記官，利用處理偵查案卷的機會，涉嫌15次翻拍卷證並傳給同事嘲諷，更有9度偷拍被害人性影像及應召女照片供自己觀賞，北檢自清自檢，發動搜索、傳喚黎男到案，今日依涉嫌違反《個資法》、洩密、妨害性隱私及不實性影像3罪起訴。

根據起訴書指出，黎姓男子於2023年1月31日起擔任北檢書記官，並於2024年3月19日起，黎男多次在書記官辦公室裡，利用收案卷、整卷之際，以手機拍攝警察機關移送資料內的報告書、筆錄、照片，或是當庭以其手機拍攝當事人庭陳之手機畫面後。並以LINE將含有案件當事人的個人資料及偵查應秘密事項的文書、照片，傳送給同事並以戲謔、輕浮的口吻評論。

現正最夯：英國新冠疫苗死亡通報破2500件！在癱瘓藥劑師自戕後 英媒揭露新冠疫苗併發症逾22800件

甚至黎姓男子利用職務機會，多達9次以手機拍攝被害人遭偷拍的性影像，及員警查獲應召站時，應召女的照片，存放在自己手機內，以供瀏覽、蒐藏。直到今年5月19日，北檢主動發掘，隨即啟動行政調查、指派主任檢察官指揮偵辦，6月1日搜索黎男住所及辦公處所，訊後諭知10萬元交保。

檢察官認定，黎姓書記官涉犯《刑法》公務員洩漏國防以外秘密罪、公務員假借職務上之機會未經他人同意無故重製他人性影像罪，以及《個資法》公務員假借職務上之機會非法蒐集、利用個人資料罪；審酌黎知法犯法，惟其並無前科、犯後坦承犯行，痛表悔悟，建請量處適當之刑。

title: 北檢書記官翻拍被害人性影像、應召女照！檢方自清自檢3罪起訴 | 社會 | Newtalk新聞


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【大紀元2026年06月18日訊】近年，中國經濟持續低迷、地方財政吃緊、失業問題不斷發酵，中共極權統治受到衝擊。在這樣的背景下，北京再次推出新一輪的洗腦運動，首度提出所謂的「習近平黨建思想」。而中央書記處書記蔡奇則要求全黨「讀原著學原文悟原理」，維護習近平及黨中央。

對此，專家表示，這一行為意味著，習當局對外宣示他要「告別改革，重歸文革」。而蔡奇推動的新運動，其表面上是為了鞏固習的權力，但其實際目的卻是反的。這到底是怎麼一回事呢？我們將在稍後的節目中詳細報導。

title: 【佳音時刻】北京啟動新運動 習要重回毛時代？


content_text:
【大纪元2026年06月19日讯】不知大家有没有注意到，中共国安部长陈一新，突然缺席了一场他本应出席的重要会议。

在中共高层频繁调整、省部级官员密集变动的背景下，这样的异常情况，引发外界关注。但至今为止，外界也不知道他缺席会议的具体原因。在稍后的节目里，我们就来聊聊这一话题。

title: 【佳音时刻】陈一新现异常 中共国安部被清洗？


content_text: 【大紀元2026年06月17日訊】今天焦點：中共二十屆五中全會將在下半年召開，這次全會將為二十一大人事安排做吹風，對未來中央官員做投票。當然這種投票只是摸底，並不是真正的選舉。那麼誰將成為下一屆的中共政治局常委呢？這些常委如何分工呢？

title: 【時政春秋】三探中共政局 新核心常委名單


content_text: 【大紀元2026年06月17日訊】今天焦點：川普自曝大絕招：出動B2轟炸機「把整座山炸塌」！中東變天！川普出奇招「讓敘利亞對付真主黨」？

title: 【新聞大家談】中東變天 川普出奇招


content_text:
【大紀元2026年06月19日訊】不知大家有沒有注意到，中共國安部長陳一新，突然缺席了一場他本應出席的重要會議。

在中共高層頻繁調整、省部級官員密集變動的背景下，這樣的異常情況，引發外界關注。但至今為止，外界也不知道他缺席會議的具體原因。在稍後的節目裡，我們就來聊聊這一話題。

title: 【佳音時刻】陳一新現異常 中共國安部被清洗？


content_text:
前中共中组部长陈希是中共党魁习近平的清华同学。 (Etienne Oliveau/Getty Images)【大纪元2026年06月19日讯】（大纪元记者东方皓综合报导）中共党魁习近平心腹、前中共政治局委员陈希卸任中共中央党校校长之后，于2026年6月18日再被免去国家行政学院院长职务，由中共政治局常委蔡奇兼任。

陈希曾长期主掌的中组部近年来被清洗。近期陈希卸职之际，多个自媒体时评人士爆料称，陈希从副国级被断崖式降至副厅级，或涉北京市政协主席魏小东案。

陈希被免去国家行政学院院长职务 蔡奇接任中共党媒新华社2026年6月18日报导，中共国务院任免国家工作人员，蔡奇兼任国家行政学院院长，陈希不再担任国家行政学院院长职务。

中共政治局常委蔡奇2026年6月5日首次以中共中央党校校长身份出席中共中央党校（国家行政学院）2026年春季学期第二批班次毕业典礼。

2026年5月15日举行2026年春季学期第二批进修班开学典礼，陈希仍以中央党校（国家行政学院）校长（院长）身份出席典礼并讲话。

中央党校和国家行政学院原是两个不同机构，2018年3月，两校整合组建成新的中央党校（国家行政学院），实行一个机构两块牌子。

现年73岁的陈希被免去国家行政学院院长后彻底卸职。现年71岁的蔡奇接替陈希，兼任中共中央党校（国家行政学院）校长（院长）。

陈希曾长期担任习的人事总管陈希出生于1953年，福建莆田人，1975年以“工农兵学员”身份进入清华大学化学系，是中共党魁习近平的同窗，据传两人还是睡上下铺的室友。习近平在中共十八大掌权后，陈希被提拔为中组部常务副部长。中共十九大上，陈希任中组部部长并进入政治局，随后兼任按旧例应由常委王沪宁兼任的中央党校校长；长期担任习的人事总管。

自2018年原属国务院的国家行政学院并入中央党校后，陈希成为校长兼院长，掌控这个中共培养党政高级干部的“特殊学校”。

中共二十大后，已非政治局委员和中央委员的陈希推迟至2023年4月才卸任中组部长，但仍以普通党员身份担任中共中央党校（国家行政学院）校长（院长），至今才卸职。

2025年4月，中共政治局委员、书记处书记李干杰兼任中组部长不到两年，与石泰峰职务对调，异常转任统战部长。李干杰是陈希的清华校友，仕途曾获陈希大力提拔。

在此前后，陈希的多名中组部亲信旧部或被调离，或被查处。陈希副手、原中组部副部长张建春2024年6月在中宣部副部长任上落马。陈希中组部旧部曹兴信2024年9月在中国联通集团党组成员、副总经理任上被查。

另外，近年大批中共省部级高官落马，大多是陈希任中组部常务副部长、部长期间考察、提拔。

传陈希从副国级被断崖式降至副厅级陈希被免职后，时评人蔡慎坤2026年6月19日在X平台发帖称，习近平50年前的同窗好友、主掌组织人事大权十余年的陈希，无预警地被习近平彻底抛弃，从副国级被断崖式降至副厅级，相当于又回到了26年前的职级水平。对陈希的处理并非腐败问题，而是政治立场和用人失察。作为长期掌握干部选拔任用大权的重要人物，陈希曾推荐提拔过大批官员，不少人被习近平认为政治上不忠诚。

蔡慎坤表示，陈希遭到断崖式降职，也预示着其政治旧部的前景一片暗淡。陈希清华系嫡系大员陈吉宁、李干杰，未来都可能被进一步边缘化；现任中宣部常务副部长胡和平，政治仕途也差不多到了终点。随着二十一大的临近，习近平面临新一轮权力布局和人事调整，一场新的高层洗牌正在进行之中。

北京市政协主席魏小东2026年6月6日在任上落马后，一直爆料中共高层动向的时评人蒋罔正当天发帖称，魏小东是“闽江五虎”（蔡奇、黄坤明、何立峰、王小洪、陈希）的政治掮客。近期会有大量的省部级、正厅级干部被官宣调查，主要是因为通过北京市政协主席魏小东，向黄坤明、蔡奇、何立峰、陈希、王小洪买官。蒋罔正当时还爆料，陈希已明确退休，待遇降为副厅级。

据公开简历，魏小东1961年5月出生，福建漳州人，厦门大学计划经济系计划统计专业毕业；是何立峰的厦门大学校友。

魏小东曾长期在中共劳动人事部、中央机构编制委员会办公室任职。陈希任中组部常务副部长期间，魏小东2016年8月任中央机构编制委员会办公室副主任；2017年4月，任中共北京市委常委、组织部部长。当时蔡奇任北京市委副书记、市长；王小洪任公安部副部长兼任北京市副市长、公安局长。

中共十九大后，蔡奇任中共政治局委员、北京市委书记，陈希升任中共政治局委员、中组部长；随后，魏小东2021年1月任北京市人大常委会副主任、党组副书记、北京市总工会主席；2021年8月，任北京市政协党组书记，2022年1月，出任北京市政协主席，晋升正部级。

责任编辑：孙芸#

journalist: 东方皓

title: 习心腹陈希被免行政学院院长职务 传被降级 | 蔡奇 | 中共中央党校校长 | 国家行政学院院长


content_text:
2025年8月10日，中国制造的汽车停放在江苏省连云港港口的码头上。(STR/AFP via Getty Images)【大纪元2026年06月17日讯】（英文大纪元专栏作家Milton Ezrati撰文／信宇编译）美国提高进口关税，对中国的出口贸易造成影响。虽然在2025年，中国生产商能够用欧洲和其它地区的市场来弥补这方面的损失，但是如今，这些新市场的人们已经开始抵制中国商品和影响力的涌入。

虽然这种对中国贸易日益增长的敌意需要时间酝酿，不过到2027年，这可能会给中国出口带来麻烦。鉴于北京近期提出的第十五个五年计划的内容，中国将难以应对这种变化的国内外环境。

中国问题的更直接原因是，美国总统川普（特朗普）决定推行不利于对中贸易的政策，特别是（但不限于）对销往美国的中国商品加征高额关税。这些关税抵消了中国的竞争优势——低成本和低价——据美国商务部（Department of Commerce）预测，到2025年为止，中国对美商品出口下降了约44%。

由于美国曾经是中国最大的贸易伙伴，美国市场销售额的下滑使得以出口为主导的中国经济迫切需要寻找替代者。去年，中方通过大力拓展欧洲和所谓的“全球南方”（global south，一个地缘政治和经济概念，指代全球体系中相对处于发展中地位的国家集合，主要位于南半球）市场，成功找到了这些替代者。2025年，中国制造的产品在欧洲的整体销售额增长了约8.4%。其中，中国对欧洲的汽车出口增长了约26%，而中国在欧洲拥有巨大的电动汽车（electric vehicle，简称EV）生产盈余。

中国对包括“一带一路”（Belt and Road Initiative，简称BRI）沿线国家在内的“全球南方”方国家的出口增长迅猛，以至于该地区目前进口的中国产品比美国和欧盟（European Union，简称EU）的总和还要多出50%。这种替代效应如此彻底，以至于中国最终实现了创纪录的1.2万亿美元贸易顺差。虽然这种替代效应令北京洋洋自得，但也引起了欧洲和世界其它地区的强烈不满。

在“全球南方”国家，抵制中国贸易的因素有两个方面。一方面是保护本国新兴产业，这些产业难以与大量廉价的中国进口商品竞争。例如，印尼、墨西哥、泰国、马来西亚、印度等国都以此为由寻求限制贸易。一些国家已经实施了关税和其它贸易限制措施，而另一些国家尚未采取如此极端的行动，但是所有国家都在呼吁限制对中贸易。

对于“全球南方”国家而言，问题远不止进口激增那么简单。其中一个重要原因是来自中国的投资，这些投资有时是为了寻求更廉价的劳动力，有时则是为了规避美国对中国制造产品征收的关税。这些移植过来的中国企业大量从中国进口原材料，而不是依赖当地生产商，阻碍了当地生产商的发展机会。此外，它们还会阻挠地方政府在污染和环保方面的政策。

钢铁生产就是一个例子，它揭示了人们对中共影响的担忧和抵制更为广泛的本质。在东南亚，当地钢铁生产商长期以来倾向于使用电弧炉炼钢技术，但是中国外来企业却更青睐污染更严重、碳排放更高的高炉炼钢技术。这只是一个行业的例子，但是这种模式在许多领域都普遍存在，并迫使这些国家采取产业政策，而这些政策很可能会加剧“全球南方”国家对与中国联系的抵制。

与此同时，远在半个地球之外的欧洲，尤其是德国，也开始意识到中国贸易的风险。 欧盟计划在2025年底对中国制造的电动汽车征收10%的关税，并对中国制造的电池征收更高的关税。欧盟还将免税钢铁进口量削减了一半，并在法国的领导下，考虑对中国贸易实施更严格的限制。欧洲态度转变最能说明问题的一点，就是目前在欧洲经济强国德国流传的一份新的评估报告。

总部位于英国伦敦的欧洲改革中心（Center for European Reform，简称CER）是一家备受推崇的智库，引领了对欧洲贸易政策的重新审视。该中心明确指出，中国竞争对德国和欧洲构成威胁。它提醒各国政府，所谓的“中国冲击1.0”（China Shock 1.0，指2001年中国加入世界贸易组织/WTO后，凭借廉价劳动力和出口激增，对欧美等发达国家传统制造业造成的巨大冲击）曾经导致美国250万制造业岗位流失，并使曾经的美国中西部工业重镇日渐衰落。该中心还指出，北京的新五年计划将“危及全球工业和就业”，尤其会对德国造成“中国冲击2.0”（China Shock 2.0）。

报告尖锐地指出，北京名为“万家小巨人企业”（10,000 little giants）的计划显然针对德国著名的“中型企业”（Mittelstand，德语），即德国至关重要的中型工业供应商群体。除了近期出台的限制措施外，报告还建议柏林支持法国在国际货币基金组织（International Monetary Fund，简称IMF，总部位于华盛顿特区）和西方七国集团（G7）的施压，敦促中方遏制出口热潮，调整人民币被低估的汇率，并放弃其“单边贸易模式”（one-sided trade model）。

毫无疑问，欧洲和“全球南方”国家需要时间来充分应对各自的担忧。2026年中国的主导地位可能与2025年大同小异。但到今年年底，尤其到2027年，这些应对措施将开始削弱中国的出口增长，并且由于中国经济的出口导向型特征，还将影响中国的整体经济增长率。

countries: 中国 墨西哥 印尼 印度

taiwan-subdivisions: 中西 新市 大同 成功

title: 【名家专栏】中共出口型经济面临阻力加大


content_text:
健康检查变夺命陷阱，台人赴中从不安全？名医中介换肝是黑心骗局，离岛条例将滥用台湾健保。（《健康1+1》提供）健康检查变夺命陷阱，台人赴中从不安全？名医中介换肝是黑心骗局，离岛条例将滥用台湾健保。

只要能活下去，去中国换器官又怎样？最近台湾换肝名医陈尧俐遭判刑、吊销医师证书，再度掀起赴中器官移植争议。有人花上大笔金钱换命，却术后当场死亡，近期还传出台商在中国“被死亡”，遗体器官被掏空，女儿跨海认尸竟惨遭公安侵害！你以为活摘器官离你很远？只要资产被盯上，你就完了。更有立委强推《离岛建设条例》修正案，欲打造“国际医疗特区”放宽中国医生与中资进驻。这到底是建设离岛，还是引狼入室？本集邀请两位医师，从医疗风险、法律责任、器官来源，到近期震惊社会的台商事件，带大家一起看懂：前往中国，可能是场赌注。

title: 去中国健检 差点回不来


content_text:
图为2011年10月18日，北京一家商店陈列的白酒。(Liu Jin/AFP via Getty Images)【大纪元2026年06月18日讯】（大纪元记者徐亦扬综合报导）大陆“618”电商大促期间，白酒低价促销继续引发争议。虽然今年一些平台对白酒的补贴力度有所收敛，但一些电商平台仍出现低于主流市场价的名酒。有酒商称，异常低价背后可能存在真假混卖、“5+1”“4+2”等套路。

白酒价格持续承压618是大陆仅次于“双十一”的重要年度电商促销活动。各大平台在618期间持续以折扣、补贴争夺流量，名酒也成为平台低价引流的重要品类之一。

近年来，大陆经济低迷、消费疲弱，高端白酒市场持续承压。飞天茅台长期被视为白酒价格风向标，但其批价已较去年明显下移。

据《每日经济新闻》6月18日报导，2025年618大促前后，飞天茅台散瓶批价曾从5月20日的2100元/瓶左右，降至5月30日的约2060元/瓶，6月15日又进一步跌至约1960元/瓶。今年5月下旬以来，飞天茅台散瓶批价则大致维持在1630元/瓶上下。

在白酒价格走低、库存压力较大、线上低价冲击线下渠道的情况下，低价促销、非授权渠道销售及真假难辨等问题更加突出。

低价引流并未消失《每日经济新闻》称，往年618期间，电商平台常以名酒低价促销吸引流量，线下渠道价格随之承压。今年平台补贴力度虽有所收缩，但低价销售并未消失。

以飞天茅台为例，报导列举的多个电商平台价格显示，今年618期间，京东平台补贴后最低价格约1699元/瓶；淘宝、天猫价格多在1700元/瓶以上；拼多多最低拼团价约1579元/瓶，但设置了单人限购1瓶、补货频次较低等限制。

线下批价方面，第三方报价平台数据显示，5月下旬以来，飞天茅台散瓶批价大致维持在1630元/瓶上下，原箱价格约1660元/瓶。成都一名酒类连锁门店人员称，6月17日飞天茅台散瓶零售价为1730元/瓶，原箱1760元/瓶。

报导称，与去年618相比，今年白酒批价的变化幅度明显较小。2025年618期间，平台低价补贴曾明显冲击线下价格。去年5月20日，飞天茅台散瓶批价约2100元/瓶，原箱在2160元/瓶以上；到6月15日，散瓶批价跌至约1960元/瓶，原箱约1980元/瓶。

另据《21世纪经济报道》6月6日刊发的报导，今年618期间，飞天茅台平台低价补贴有所降温，但其市场价格中枢已较去年明显下移。过去两年大促中常见的1499元飞天茅台今年基本消失，淘宝、京东、拼多多等平台上500ml飞天茅台散瓶价格多集中在1700元至1800元区间。与此同时，部分第三方酒水商家减少，酒水主播也较往年低调。

酒商称异常低价背后存风险不过，平台补贴收敛并不意味着低价乱象消失。《每日经济新闻》报导称，一些平台仍出现显著低于主流市场价的名酒，价差可达几十元甚至上百元。

一名酒商近日在社交平台发布视频称，618期间，一些线上平台的名酒价格比线下低出数十元甚至上百元，一箱酒可能相差几百元。他称，有些线上价格甚至低于线下酒商的进货成本。

该酒商还称，异常低价产品除真实补贴外，也可能存在真假混卖。例如一件六瓶装白酒中，五瓶真酒掺一瓶假酒，即所谓“5+1”；或者四瓶真酒掺两瓶假酒，即“4+2”。商家通过真假混卖降低整箱成本，再以低价吸引消费者。

酒企声明折射渠道混乱陆媒报导称，今年618期间，五粮液、茅台酱香酒公司、国台酒业等多家酒企相继发布线上渠道声明或提醒，涉及官方渠道名单及非官方渠道低价销售假冒产品等问题。这也显示，低价假冒、非授权渠道销售等乱象仍存在于大陆白酒电商市场。

对普通消费者而言，线上价格低于线下数十元甚至上百元时，很难仅凭平台页面判断商品来源和真假。

在低价促销之下，线下酒商也面临更大的价格压力。《每日经济新闻》称，线下门店有租金、人工、仓储等成本，难以长期跟进线上低价。

责任编辑：高静#

journalist: 徐亦扬

title: 大陆618白酒低价乱象 酒商称存真假混卖 | 电商 | 茅台


content_text: 公安部邀功大翻車，習近平生日慘被高級黑；台灣國安局招募中國線人，化身「中國包青天」打擊中共？八炯、館長等帳號被停權，給習賀壽獻禮？（《世界的十字路口》提供）

countries: 中國 台灣

title: 【十字路口】公安部邀功翻車？送習高級黑大禮


content_text: 中國3億零工，官場躺平，共產黨還能撐多久？蔡奇亮危機信號！百業蕭條，麻將館卻火爆；房地產神話破滅，財政困境，外資撤離，青年失業率居高不下，北京如坐火山口。（《美中大視野》提供）

title: 【美中大視野】經濟走向盡頭 中共還能撐多久？


content_text:
【大纪元2026年06月19日讯】今天焦点：美伊谅解备忘录具体条款还没有正式公布，但媒体已经传出多种版本，源头都是来自伊朗非官方来源。川普总统，万斯副总统，白宫官员都表示媒体报导的不准确。

川普表示等到周五双方正式签署之后就会公布备忘录，但他强调这不是最终的美伊协议，最终协议还需要接下来的艰苦谈判才能确定，而且如果伊朗不履行停火备忘录，美军还会再次对伊朗实施打击。

title: 【时政春秋】川普警告伊朗履行协议 否则再打击


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（中央社亞特蘭大18日綜合外電報導）2026世界盃足球賽南非球員莫科納今天在美國亞特蘭大（Atlanta）對陣捷克的比賽中罰進點球，幫助球隊以1比1逼和對手，也讓南非首次晉級世界盃淘汰賽階段的夢想得以延續。

法新社報導，薩迪勒克（Michal Sadilek）在開賽初期的先馳得點，一度讓捷克有望拿下作為獨立國家以來的第2場世界盃勝利。

不過，莫科納（Teboho Mokoena）在比賽尾聲的點球破網，讓兩隊都保有了爭奪32強席次的機會，儘管他們幾乎必須在A組的最後一場小組賽中獲勝才能晉級。

雙方目前各積1分，落後共同主辦國墨西哥與韓國2分，而墨韓兩隊將在今天稍晚交鋒。

南非下一場將迎戰韓國，而捷克則將面臨在阿茲特克體育場（Estadio Azteca）挑戰墨西哥的艱鉅任務。

總教練庫貝克（Miroslav Koubek）率領的捷克隊，開賽僅5分鐘便取得領先。

赫洛熱克（Adam Hlozek）傳中後，索伊卡（Alexandr Sojka）順勢將球傳給薩迪勒克，薩迪勒克隨後冷靜地起腳，將球射穿南非門將威廉斯（Ronwen Williams）的防線。

這是南非第4度參加世界盃，但過去從未突破分組賽階段。

南非球員馬瑟庫（Thapelo Maseko）的射門擊中了舒爾茨（Pavel Sulc）的手臂，主裁判潘素（Tori Penso）隨即吹判點球。值得一提的是，本場比賽由全女性裁判組執法。

莫科納自信地主罰命中，這是南非國家隊16年來的首顆世界盃進球。（編譯：李佩珊）1150619

countries: 南非 捷克 韓國 墨西哥 美國

title: 世界盃南非終場前點球建功 逼和捷克保住晉級希望 | 運動


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（中央社華盛頓18日綜合外電報導）美國與伊朗簽署結束中東戰爭的備忘錄後，美國軍方今天宣布解除對伊朗港口的海上封鎖。在此之前，美軍阻止船隻進出伊朗港口長達兩個多月。

法新社報導，美軍中央司令部（CENTCOM）在社群平台X發文表示：「今天，美軍解除對所有進出伊朗港口及沿海地區海上交通的封鎖。」

貼文補充道，美國軍艦「將繼續留在附近一帶，以確保協議各方面都得到遵守」。

美國副總統范斯（JD Vance）表示，美軍已允許至少12艘船隻通過。

伊朗於戰爭初期關閉荷莫茲海峽（Strait of Hormuz）後，美軍也對伊朗實施封鎖。

另據海事追蹤機構的說法，3艘沙烏地阿拉伯油輪今天已經通過荷莫茲海峽離開波斯灣（Persian Gulf）。裝載液化天然氣（LNG）的法國籍船隻Mraikh號則成為衝突爆發以來，首艘通過該水道的這類法國船舶。（編譯：楊昭彥）1150619

countries: 伊朗 海地 沙烏地阿拉伯 美國 法國

title: 美伊簽署終戰備忘錄 美軍宣布對伊朗港口解除封鎖 | 國際


content_text: 【記者洪基男／綜合報導】新北市今（18）日下午出現強降雨，新店區涵煙翠社區前新坡一街發生邊坡土石崩落，造成多輛汽機車滑落邊坡，新北市政府立即啟動應變機制，朱惕之副市長、工務局長馮兆麟趕赴現場勘查，經專業技師評估社區建築物暫時無危險，工務局今晚將連夜加裝建築物監測儀器掌握安全狀況，並進場打設鋼軌支撐及帆布覆蓋，避免災情擴大。 新北市政府接獲通報後，由災害應變中心開設前進指揮所，統籌調度市府相關單位投入搶災。朱惕之表示，初步研判邊坡滑落原因，主要是連日豪雨造成邊坡土壤含水量增加，加上道路側邊水溝下方部分掏空，雨水沖刷帶走土壤，導致下邊坡坍塌，進而造成汽機車滑落。 朱惕之指出，為避免後續邊坡持續滑動，市府今晚連夜施工，針對道路及下邊坡施作緊急保護措施，包括架設鋼軌支撐、加設帆布覆蓋，降低雨水持續沖刷風險，並透過監測設備持續掌握邊坡變化。 工務局長馮兆麟表示，目前已調派工程人員及機具進場，持續辦理邊坡穩定及道路安全處置，後續將依監測結果評估修復方式。市府也將持續監控現場狀況，待確認安全無虞後，再逐步恢復道路正常通行。 工務局提醒，近來連日降雨造成山區地質條件變化，呼籲山坡地社區及住戶平時應落實水土保持及排水設施維護工作，山坡地社區應善盡管理維護責任，市府每年皆要求社區進行自主檢查，共同維護公共安全。

taiwan-subdivisions: 新店 新北市 新店區

title: 豪雨造成新店涵煙翠社區前邊坡崩落 新北市府啟動應變連夜搶修


content_text: 【記者洪俐婷／綜合報導】位於大安區的信維整宅即將招商，臺北市長蔣萬安今（18）日前往信維整宅走訪在地店家及住戶，除了宣布信維整宅公辦都更案將於下個月正式公告招商的好消息，也趁著端午佳節前夕向居民表達祝福。 會前，蔣萬安先走訪立春堂國藥號、四喜肉粽店、雜貨店等，親自關心居民生活狀況，也一一獻上端午節祝福。 蔣萬安表示，信維整宅因環境老舊、空間狹小且雜物堆積，已不適宜市民居住，過去地方對更新充滿期待卻停滯不前，如今在市府團隊與地方民代、里長及住戶的共同努力下，終於突破重重瓶頸，邁出最關鍵的一步。 蔣萬安也期許未來招商順利，改善居民生活環境，成為臺北市指標性、富有生活機能、全面升級的一棟建物。 蔣萬安在致詞時感性提到，自己國中時期就經常到信維整宅一帶走逛、品嚐美食，包含知名老店麗春堂國藥號、四喜湖州粽等，對此處充滿深厚的回憶。四年前他來到管委會一一拜訪住戶時，便將大家希望降低都更進場門檻的心聲牢記在心。蔣萬安強調，如果不從制度上改變，用同樣的方法只會得到同樣的結果，因此上任後立即推出都更八箭「7599」專案及整建住宅專案計畫，以「早進場、幫試算、助選屋」三大創新創舉，將原本第一、二階段皆需九成的門檻，調降為第一階段75％、第二階段80％，成功以最快的速度推進進度。 對於信維整宅能有史以來達到超過90％的最高意願率，蔣萬安萬分感激地方主委、里長及議員一戶一戶協助整合與溝通。同時，蔣萬安也特別感謝都發局、更新處及住都中心等市府團隊同仁，在過去14個月內親自登門拜訪散落在北臺灣各地的住戶，透過舉辦50場說明會、提供2000多場諮詢服務，經歷起起伏伏的三年溝通整合，終於成功讓意願率達標，展現極高的執行效率。臺北市其他整宅案如南機場單元三、斯文里二期及斯文昌隆等，目前也都已順利完成招標與簽約，在在顯示市府推動都市更新的決心。 蔣萬安也展望未來，強調信維整宅是所有居民永遠的家，市府團隊期待下個月的招商能一切順利並持續加速推進，未來都更案正式動工並完工後，規劃一樓將進駐現代化超商，並將托嬰、托幼、區民活動中心等各項公共服務設施全面納入。

taiwan-subdivisions: 成功 臺北市 大安區

title: 信維整宅下月公告招商！蔣萬安拜訪居民送端午祝福


content_text: 【記者周葉／高雄報導】科工館與農業部林業保育署屏東分署合作，即日起至6/17在科工館北館B1F長廊，推出專為親子家庭打造、兼具知性科普與沉浸式趣味的「啊！我迷路了！—找到安全回家的綠網通道」主題特展。 為讓生硬的生態保育概念轉化為易懂的科學知識，特展以「迷宮」設計來象徵棲地破碎化的現狀，觀眾進入可領取任務集章卡，化身穿山甲、草鴞、凶狠圓軸蟹等臺灣珍貴生態主角，親身挑戰並協助牠們通過重重關卡。 在探險過程中，將面臨野生動物真實遭遇的遊蕩犬危害、毒老鼠風險、路殺、獸鋏、光害等巨幅棲地困境 ；並在迷宮核心的「保安林休息站」，深度體會保安林維護土石穩定、提供生物繁衍與覓食的生態價值。 林業保育署屏東分署還特別深入高雄市內門區，走訪光興社區、內東里及三平里，邀在地居民與長輩共同研讀問卷、參與討論與命名活動，誕生「羅漢門保安林」展區。 展區出口處也設計延伸解說區與公眾留言牆，鼓勵觀眾在認識保育行動之餘，也能進一步思考自己日常生活中如何一起編織這張國土綠網，並在留言牆上寫下觀展心得或祝福、共同參與創作，留下與大自然深刻的連結。 主辦單位另於7月份的每個週六上、下午，於展場各辦理1場免費互動活動，有結合生態宣導的「小小螃蟹過馬路」趣味跳格子比賽、「誰陪我長大」生態繪本說故事、「綠網小英雄」賓果比賽及DIY手作體驗等。

taiwan-subdivisions: 高雄 內門區 屏東 高雄市

title: 暑假生態強檔 科工館「啊！我迷路了！」主題特展邀親子翻轉生態綠網


content_text: 【記者洪俐婷／綜合報導】臺北市推動穆斯林友善觀光再傳捷報！國際知名穆斯林旅遊推廣機構新月評等（CrescentRating）今（18）日於新加坡舉辦「2026清真旅遊獎（Halal In Travel Awards）」頒獎典禮，臺北市知名場館－台北小巨蛋榮獲「Muslim-friendly Event Venue of The Year（年度最佳穆斯林友善活動場館）」獎項，臺北市一直以來積極打造穆斯林友善環境，再次獲得國際肯定。 臺北市政府觀光傳播局長余祥表示，觀傳局持續推動「穆斯林友善景點暨旅宿輔導計畫」，累計至今已輔導逾百家旅宿及景點業者取得穆斯林友善認證，為全臺穆斯林友善認證數量最多的城市。去（114）年也與中國回教協會合作，輔導臺北市15家景點及旅宿業者取得穆斯林友善認證，台北小巨蛋即為其中之一，台北小巨蛋是臺灣具代表性的多功能室內場館之一，長年舉辦國際級體育賽事、大型演唱會、頒獎典禮及藝文展演活動，更是臺北重要的流行娛樂與城市文化地標，小巨蛋獲頒此殊榮，感謝新月評等對臺北市的肯定。 北捷遊憩公司林繼業處長表示，台北小巨蛋為尊重多元文化並提供穆斯林友善服務，去（114）年在觀傳局及中國回教協會的輔導下，於場館內建置穆斯林祈禱室，提供完善且包容的使用環境，讓穆斯林旅客於活動期間能安心進行禮拜，也因此成功取得穆斯林友善認證。此次能獲得國際獎項，代表小巨蛋推動友善環境的努力被國際看見，未來也會持續打造更貼近國際旅客需求的優質觀光環境。 觀傳局指出，臺北市近年持續優化穆斯林友善觀光服務，並積極布局國際穆斯林旅遊市場，不僅於「臺北旅遊網」設置穆斯林旅遊專區，協助旅客更便利取得旅遊資訊外，也透過每年舉辦臺北開齋節歡慶活動，促進文化交流，展現臺北多元、開放且具包容力的城市形象。未來將持續攜手臺北各景點、場館及旅宿業者，並結合國際合作資源，持續完善穆斯林友善旅遊環境，吸引更多穆斯林旅客造訪臺北，感受臺北豐富人文風貌與友善親切的觀光魅力！

countries: 中國 新加坡 臺灣

taiwan-subdivisions: 臺北 成功 臺北市

title: 臺北打造穆斯林友善觀光再獲國際肯定！ 台北小巨蛋榮獲2026清真旅遊獎「年度最佳穆斯林友善活動場館」


content_text: 【記者洪基男／綜合報導】為歡慶端午佳節，在6月19日（星期五）端午節當天，三重重新橋觀光市集將熱鬧舉辦「市集慶端午×平安龍粽有」系列活動。延續發放造型香包暖心傳統外，更首度推出充滿趣味的「手作造型龍舟置物盒」DIY體驗，邀請市民朋友攜家帶眷一同前來，體驗有別於傳統的熱鬧節慶氛圍。 新北市政府高灘地工程管理處處長黃裕斌表示，為讓市民朋友親身體驗端午傳統文化的魅力，將於端午節當天上午10點在重新市集第7區舞台，特別準備300個精美造型香包免費大發送，期盼透過這份小巧玲瓏的應景好禮，將滿滿的平安與健康祝福傳遞給每一位市民，數量有限，送完為止，歡迎有興趣的民眾提早到場排隊索取。 黃裕斌進一步表示，除了往年的靜態活動外，今年更別出心裁規劃「造龍舟，品粽香」手作DIY活動。現場將限量提供50個名額，讓大小朋友能親手打造專屬的「造型龍舟置物盒」，享受動手做的樂趣與成就感。更棒的是，當天成功完成龍舟置物盒的民眾，現場將加碼贈送香噴噴的傳統肉粽1顆，讓大家有得玩又有得吃，過一個收穫滿滿的端午佳節。 高灘處補充，端午連假歡迎全家大小呼朋引伴，先來場河濱之旅在重新市集逛街挖寶、品嚐在地小吃；再到周邊景點，如大都會熊猴森樂園、海世界水樂園等遊玩。一起到河濱公園散步，前來排隊領香包、做龍舟、吃肉粽，共同迎來滿滿的好運與平安。

taiwan-subdivisions: 新北 新市 新北市 三重 成功

title: 新北重新市集慶端午×平安龍粽有！手作龍舟、限量香包免費送


content_text:
AI算力掀起全球電力革命，也讓作為電力電子系統核心執行元件的功率半導體，開始出現供貨吃緊現象。繼5月底國際大廠帶動漲價潮後，強茂最新證實訂單能見度已達2027年中、德微也指出公司訂單滿手至2027年底，帶動功率半導體題材再度發酵，茂矽、強茂、尼克森、德微、杰力等逾10檔攜手鎖漲停。

功率半導體台鏈傳缺貨，包括德微釋出小訊號、TVS等功率保護元件有供貨吃緊現象，強茂也證實供應鏈確實已有部分MOS出現供不應求，且因AI單櫃在功率元件使用量大幅提升，造成AI應用端會使用到的100V Hot-Swap、60/80V二次配應用都在缺貨，進而造成車用客戶擔心資源被排擠，從原先的成本導向，開始回頭顧產能。

德微指出，全球推動非紅供應鏈，中國功率半導體龍頭揚杰科技遭禁，公司因與揚杰產品相似度高，皆聚焦在功率元件，隨著歐盟制裁令緩衝期將在6~7月發酵，德微即將承接一筆取代揚杰的大訂單，數量達數百萬顆。隨著訂單一口氣快速湧入，產能利用率提高至目前逾60%，持續朝70~80%邁進；公司並表示，包括DFN、MOSFET及部分保護元件在內，相關訂單滿手，一路旺至2027年底；晶圓廠產能也持續擴充，已增至將近2萬片，仍無法完全滿足需求。

強茂也表示，全球供應鏈正加速洗牌，轉單效應將在下半年擴大，公司目前出貨比提升至1.4~1.5，且已有將近80%的產線利用率已接近滿載，訂單能見度已至少見到2027年中。此外，為搶攻AI對應商品，強茂預計在下半年推出如100V熱插拔等對應的新產品，爭取商機。對此法人看好，強茂今年營收有望達雙位數增幅，全年AI占比估達12%~15%。

功率半導體族群紅光滿面，茂矽、強茂、尼克森、德微、杰力、台半、大中、捷敏-KY、虹揚-KY、力智、博盛半導體、朋程、富鼎齊攻漲停鎖死中；其中德微、強茂、台半、富鼎皆開盤一字鎖漲停，德微及強茂站上368.5元及160元，德微收復月線，強茂更一舉站回10日、月線，盤中有近4.8萬張買單高掛。

journalist: 非凡新聞

countries: 歐盟 中國

title: 熱門股／功率半導體缺貨潮！逾10檔飆漲停 德微、強茂訂單滿手至2027年 | 產經 | 非凡新聞


content_text:
營養師薛曉晶表示，代謝症候群即使在中高齡族群仍具改善空間，與其嚴格節食，不如從提升飲食品質與規律活動著手；圖為情境照。（圖取自freepik）

〔健康頻道／綜合報導〕不少中高齡民眾看到健檢出現血糖、血脂、血壓異常或腰圍過粗，常以為年紀大只能靠吃藥控制。營養師薛曉晶引述研究指出，代謝症候群的改善關鍵在於「飲食品質與生活型態調整」，包括調整餐盤品質、充足纖維量、控制鈉攝取、優質脂肪、良好維生素D狀態，與日常活動量等7原則，仍有機會改善。

薛曉晶於臉書粉專「營養師媽媽曉晶的生活筆記」發文分享，《Frontiers in Nutrition》期刊2026年3月發表的研究，分析1,300位60歲以上、有代謝症候群長者的臨床資料。研究觀察他們接受地中海飲食、DASH飲食、高纖諮詢、熱量限制、Omega-3及維生素D補充等多元營養介入後，代謝指標是否改善。結果顯示，這些營養介入與多項代謝風險顯著改善相關。

薛曉晶說明，對長者而言，代謝管理不應只追求體重下降，更要避免肌肉流失與營養不足，因此飲食調整應兼顧蛋白質與均衡攝取。這也意味著，不是「餓肚子」，而是「吃對方向」。

長者應該如何應用這項研究成果？薛曉晶建議，不妨從以下7事做起：

●每天補足蔬菜量：每餐1-1.5碗熟蔬菜，增纖維、鉀、鎂，穩飽足。

●白飯白麵換「部分全穀」：先從1/3糙米、燕麥、地瓜、南瓜開始，平穩血糖。

●每日纖維目標25克：蔬菜、豆類、菇類、全穀、堅果多元累積。

●蛋白質每餐都有：魚、豆腐、雞蛋、雞肉、瘦肉輪流，守住肌肉量。

●每週2-3次魚類/Omega-3：鮭魚、鯖魚、秋刀魚等；魚油諮詢醫師。

●鈉攝取從湯汁加工品減少：少喝湯、少沾醬、少香腸醃漬品，對心血管友善。

●飯後10-15分輕活動：散步、家事、原地踏步，助餐後血糖平穩。

薛曉晶總結，代謝症候群非一日形成，改善也需全面策略。將「飲食、活動、睡眠與醫療追蹤」融入生活，才是長久之道。用藥者切勿自行停藥減藥，務必由醫師評估。

☆健康新聞不漏接，按讚追蹤粉絲頁。

☆更多重要醫藥新聞訊息，請上自由健康網。

title: 健康網》不只靠藥！血糖血脂失控新觀念 營養師曝7法改善 - 自由健康網


content_text:
Guests pose for a photograph at the Taiwan Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris on Wednesday.Photo: CNA

Staff writer, with CNA

Thirty-four start-ups are showcasing artificial intelligence （AI） technologies at the Taiwan Pavilion at VivaTech, one of the largest start-up and tech events in Europe, which opened in Paris on Wednesday.

Organized by Taiwan Tech Arena, the pavilion highlights how AI technologies are enabling smart life in fields such as training, security, energy and retail, said the National Science and Technology Council, parent body of Taiwan Tech Arena.

The pavilion aims to generate business opportunities for the participating firms, the NSTC said.

Taiwanese start-ups have been participating at VivaTech for the past seven years, mainly to learn from their foreign counterparts, said Lin Der-sheng （林德生）, director of the council’s Department of Academia-Industry Collaboration and Science Park Affairs.

However, the 34 participating this year are seeking opportunities to attract business and secure orders, Lin said.

As part of Taiwan’s efforts to build a comprehensive tech supply chain, 61 suppliers are supporting the start-ups to boost their chances of securing business deals, he said.

While VivaTech is focused on tech start-ups, it also hosts major established global companies such as Microsoft and Airbus.

This year, Taiwanese manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, also known as Foxconn globally, is participating at VivaTech, displaying its advanced AI server racks and AI-based smart solutions in a dedicated exhibition area across from the Taiwan Pavilion.

Hon Hai, a supplier to Santa Clara, California-based AI chip designer Nvidia Corp, debuted the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72, Nvidia HGX platforms and Nvidia MGX architectures at VivaTech.

In a display of its recently diversified product portfolio, Hon Hai also showcased two electric vehicle prototypes.

Made by subsidiary Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, the prototypes are the Model B, a sporty crossover, and the Model D, a lifestyle multipurpose utility vehicle.

Hon Hai, an iPhone assembler, also introduced its smart manufacturing innovations such as humanoid robots at the tech event.

VivaTech head of global partnerships and public affairs Julie Lamande said at the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion that Taiwan’s tech ecosystem is critical to VivaTech.

The presence of Hon Hai, in particular, demonstrates the importance of Taiwan’s role in AI and semiconductor development, Lamande said.

Hon Hai vice president James Wu （巫俊毅） said that his company is strengthening its “build-operate-localize” business model, which has helped the firm sign letters of intent with partners in several European countries and launch discussions on cooperation.

Initiated in 2018, Taiwan Tech Arena is building a flagship start-up ecosystem in Taiwan, the council said, adding that it is a platform to connect technologies and talent with markets and capital.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES

title: 《TAIPEI TIMES》Start-ups showcase AI tech at Taiwan Pavilion - 焦點


content_text: 天文台昨日兩度發出黑色暴雨警告信號，為1998年有紀錄以來首次，而兩次黑雨發出的時間更相隔不足6小時。本次暴雨由朝早斷斷續續到晚上，新界地區出現嚴重水浸。屯門有私家車疑誤闖水氹沒頂，女司機報案後及時打開車門自行脫困；屯門井頭村街巷狹窄，雨水流過即變湍急激流，居民出入需小心翼翼；元朗大馬路明渠水位更暴漲至接近行人路面。另外，上水有行人隧道水浸變泳池，水深及膝，途人需捲起褲管涉水而行。在香園圍口岸有行人隧道被水淹浸變水塘，旅客需要狼狽而行。渠務署表示，截至昨晚9時半，共確認19宗水浸個案。昨日下午12時55分，天文台發出今年第二個黑色暴雨警告信號，至下午3時05分才改發紅色暴雨警告信號。豈料，昨日本港天氣極為不穩定，天文台於傍晚6時35分，再度發出黑色暴雨警告信號，即在6小時內兩度發出「黑雨」信號，並預料本港可能受冰雹影響。暴雨期間，屯門、元朗、天水圍、上水及打鼓嶺等地區接獲多宗水浸報告。最驚險一宗位於屯門亦園路，一輛掛中港牌的黑色私家車，駛過一處水氹時疑「死火」被困於水中，女司機自行報案。根據網上圖片，可見該私家車車頭前傾，幾乎沒頂淹浸於黃泥水中，懷疑是被困的女司機離開車廂後，沿水深及腰的「水路」離開。另一張圖片也見到，現場水位明顯已經上升，相信是同一輛的私家車尾廂門被打開。屯門山景邨景貴樓遊樂場也有水浸，有人懷疑山上晨運徑有山泥傾瀉，令渠口淤塞所致。與此同時，屯門井頭村也受暴雨侵襲，雨水流經村內的橫街窄巷，瞬間變成激流洶湧而下，居民出入小心翼翼，以免被洪水沖走。屯門湖山河畔公園、富健花園至新屯門中心一帶同樣嚴重水浸，連單車徑也不能幸免。此外，元朗錦田一輛電單車被水深及膝的洪水圍困；元朗大馬路明渠水位暴漲至接近行人路面，從網民拍攝的影片及相片，顯示河水洶湧湍急，有人打趣指「首次見呢條河咁飽滿」，另有網民直言明渠水位「就嚟浸上嚟」和「元朗條河就嚟滿瀉」。而天水圍輕鐵站對開也嚴重水浸，天水圍屏山塘坊村有如澤國，消防接報出動到場救援。另有警車駛過水浸路面時，懷疑「死火」被困。有網民也拍攝影片直擊上水行人隧道水浸，片中見到隧道內水深及膝，行人需要捲起褲管涉水而行，情況十分狼狽。拍片的網民直言，隧道「好似泳池咁」；另一條影片則可見，整條隧道已經遭淹浸，工人緊急豎立「前面道路封閉」告示牌，並封閉隧道口，避免有人途經發生事故。另於粉錦公路，不斷有混濁的黃泥水瘋狂湧出，猶如激流般淹浸行車路，發貼網民打趣稱「去咗亞馬遜漂流記」。消防處指，昨日在暴雨期間接獲57宗水浸事故，主要集中在上水及元朗一帶。

title: 東方日報A1：首次同日兩發黑雨 汽車沒頂水浸處處


content_text: 一貼睇晒《東方日報》A1新聞頭條、B1財經要聞及C1娛樂最爆，以及東網嚴選的本港、兩岸及國際重點新聞，名家評論，讓你在最短時間掌握最重要資訊。

title: 《東方日報》今日要聞


content_text:
OPPOSING COERCION:  The president thanked the G7 for its support for the ‘status quo,’ saying Taiwan is willing to help in maintaining peace and stability in the Strait

President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday urged China to abandon its military expansion in the South and East China seas, and the Taiwan Strait, as well as any use of force against Taiwan.

Taiwan remains willing, on the basis of equality and dignity, to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China in pursuit of peaceful and mutually beneficial development, he said at a reception for foreign correspondents in Taipei.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election, Lai said.

President William Lai speaks during a reception for foreign correspondents in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Screen grab from the Presidential Office’s Flickr page

Three decades ago, despite missile threats from China, the nation went ahead with the vote, sending a message to the international community that sovereignty rests with the people, that only Taiwan’s 23 million people can decide its future, that the Republic of China (ROC) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are not subordinate to each other, and that Taiwan is not part of the PRC, he said.

Over the past 30 years, Taiwan has continued to shape its future through elections and bolster its democracy through successive peaceful transfers of power, which underscores the “irreversibility” of its democratic system, Lai said, adding that the international community has recognized the nation’s progress in areas such as democracy, freedom, global competitiveness and economic growth.

Taiwan has earned the trust of global partners in supply chains, advanced semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence applications and computer infrastructure, he said.

These achievements demonstrate that by engaging with the world and maintaining its commitment to democracy and freedom, Taiwan has been able to achieve sustained prosperity and development, he added.

As the US and Iran move toward a peace agreement, there are signs of hope for stability in the Middle East, Lai said, expressing hope that the Russia-Ukraine war would also end as soon as possible and allow Ukrainians to move beyond the suffering of war.

Turning to the Indo-Pacific region, Lai thanked the G7 for reiterating that no unilateral attempt to change the “status quo” would be accepted, and opposing the use of force or coercion in the Taiwan Strait, as well as military expansion in the East and South China seas.

Taiwan is willing to work with the international community, in line with the G7’s position to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, he said.

Lai also expressed hope that the US would approve a US$14 billion arms sale “as soon as possible,” reiterating that the democratic nation “rejects unification” with China.

“Taiwan’s efforts to safeguard its national security, uphold its democratic and free way of life, and reject unification and the rule of the Chinese Communist Party should not be seen as a provocation against China or paint Taiwan as a troublemaker in the region,” he said.

Additional reporting by Reuters

title: Lai urges PRC to abandon expansionism


title: Executive Yuan proposes US$6.6bn drone budget bill

content_text:
The Executive Yuan yesterday proposed a NT$210 billion (US$6.65 billion) special budget bill for the procurement of domestically produced drones over six years, to offset funding removed from an earlier defense spending bill.

The special budget — which uses a funding mechanism that bypasses normal budget planning procedures to ensure timely and sustained implementation — was proposed by the Ministry of National Defense.

It would cover the procurement of 1,446 coastal reconnaissance drones, 208,200 coastal attack drones and 1,320 uncrewed surface vessels, Department of Strategic Planning head Huang Wen-chi (黃文啟) told a Cabinet news conference.

A Taiwan-made drone is pictured at the International Oceanic, Terrestrial and Aerial Unmanned Vehicles and Self-Driving System Industry Chain Exhibition in Germany last year. Photo courtesy of the Chiayi County Government

The proposed budget would run from August through the end of 2031.

It was proposed after the Legislative Yuan removed funding for domestic drone procurement from a proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget last month, creating a gap in defense capabilities and limiting opportunities to promote economic growth, ministry official Weng Yu-heng (翁予恆) said.

The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party, which together hold a majority in the legislature, last month passed their version of the special defense budget, which capped spending at NT$780 billion, and removed funding for domestic contract production, foreign direct commercial sales and Taiwan-US weapons codevelopment.

The latest bill would allow the ministry to place large long-term orders with local defense contractors and support innovation, enabling them to keep pace with rapidly evolving drone technology, Weng said.

The three types of uncrewed systems would be deployed alongside other firepower assets during saturation attacks against enemy command nodes and lines of communication in case of a potential invasion, he said.

Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) has instructed the ministry to communicate with all legislative caucuses regarding the proposal, which is “urgent” and “necessary” to safeguard Taiwan’s security, Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee (李慧芝) said.

The Cabinet’s latest proposal is in line with the constitutional spirit and respects the Legislative Yuan’s resolutions, while reflecting the government’s responsibility to safeguard national interests, said Su Tzu-yun (蘇紫雲), director of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research’s Defense Strategy and Resources Division.

The military’s proposal is highly urgent and necessary, he added.

Uncrewed systems are seen as critical to Taiwan’s defense, Su said, adding that although traditional warfare has relied mainly on soldiers and firepower, uncrewed capabilities and computing power could help quickly offset troop shortages and enhance deterrence against potential aggression from China.

If the development plan is aligned with international market demand, it could also help drive Taiwan’s industrial growth and create another strategic pillar, or a “guardian mountain,” for the nation, he said.

Advancing the proposal would facilitate direct engagement with the US Congress and aligns with the US’ Blue Skies for Taiwan Act, which authorizes Taiwan-US cooperation on uncrewed systems technology and procurement, he added.

The proposed bill aims to set out a broad framework first, and then once it is passed and the budget is formally submitted for review, specific equipment models could be added as needed, Su said.

During the review stage, the military could explain that some counterdrone systems are in fact part of coastal uncrewed warfare requirements for offense and defense, helping preserve flexibility in procurement, he added.


title: Trump defends Iran deal and calls detractors ‘fools’

content_text:
US President Donald Trump yesterday lashed out at critics of his agreement with Iran, calling those who accused him of offering concessions to end the war “fools,” ahead of negotiations in Switzerland on implementing the deal.

Oil prices tumbled after Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed their accord to end the Middle East war, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, but two months of negotiations lying ahead.

After uncertainty over when the deal agreed earlier this week would be formally signed, Trump put his name to it in thick black ink at a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles outside Paris on Wednesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, gives US President Donald Trump a tour of the Palace of Versailles in France on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

“These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are ‘tumbling’ down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid,” Trump posted on social media hours after signing the deal.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also signed the agreement, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding that “now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement.”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the deal “shall enter into force with immediate effect” and Iran “will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”

He also signed the accord.

A two-month negotiating period now begins with all eyes on the reopening of Hormuz and if progress could be made in talks over Iran’s nuclear program, which Washington has long suspected of concealing secret bombmaking ambitions.

Macron hailed the deal “which allows for peace, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, and 60 days to conclude an agreement on nuclear, ballistic and regional activities.”

There remained confusion over the next steps, with the accord originally supposed to have been signed in Switzerland today by chief Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President J.D. Vance.

Baqaei said an in-person ceremony was no longer needed, but Sharif said an official ceremony would take place today in Switzerland and technical talks would commence.

Under the text, Washington commits to immediately waive oil sanctions crippling Iran’s economy.

Once a final agreement is reached on Iran’s nuclear program, the US would also facilitate the release of a US$300 billion reconstruction fund supported by regional nations, the deal says.

UN atomic agency chief Rafael Grossi said the agency was ready to begin defining the “concrete steps” that would need to be taken to implement a US-Iran deal.

US officials also said Iran would dilute its enriched uranium stocks, possibly by “down blending on site” under the supervision of the UN watchdog.

Iran’s ballistic missile program was not mentioned in the agreement, despite Israel’s longstanding push for its dismantling.

“Iranian missiles are only for firing, not for negotiations. Iran’s defense capability will not be discussed in any way, in any process or with any party,” Baqaei said.


content_text:
G7 leaders on Wednesday hailed a newfound unity on increasing pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine, sensing a shift by US President Donald Trump to take a tougher line against Moscow.

The three-day meeting in the French town of Evian focused intensely on Trump’s deal to end the war with Iran and efforts to pressure Russia into brokering peace with Ukraine through ramped-up sanctions.

The leaders of the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US agreed on a final statement that included references to the Ukraine war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attends a working session at the G7 summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday. Photo: AP

“It was tough work, but worth it,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, describing the statement as a “success.”

As well as increasing supplies of air defense equipment to Ukraine, the leaders agreed to “increase the pressure on the Russian war economy” by strengthening sanctions, including on Moscow’s fossil fuel revenues, the statement said.

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed a “very deep change in the US approach” toward Ukraine, saying Trump had understood that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not interested in peace.

“President Trump, like all of us, simply acknowledged that there was no serious willingness on Russia’s part today to discuss peace,” Macron said.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that on Ukraine there was “a lot of convergence, which is not always obvious” and there was “no friction or divergence.”

Throughout the summit, which was attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Trump took a harder line against Moscow, saying Russia had to seek a deal and showing impatience over the casualty toll on both sides.

G7 leaders also agreed to grant licences for Ukraine-based companies to produce long-range missiles and air defense systems, a diplomatic source said.

Trump hailed his talks with Zelenskiy in Evian and a recent phone conversation with Putin.

“They both want to do something, they just don’t know how to do it,” he said.

Meanwhile, a top Kremlin aide yesterday said European leaders had probably pumped Trump with harmful ideas at the summit.

Trump had been misinformed about the state of affairs in Ukraine, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov said.

Zelenskiy and his European allies impressed upon Trump that they believed that Ukraine’s battlefield fortunes had improved thanks to its drone incursions deep into Russia, which was “categorically not true,” he said.

title: G7 leaders welcome US’ increased pressure on Russia


people: 柯志恩 賴清德

content_text:
‘CHINA EXCLUDED’: President William Lai said Taiwan has separate agreements with Japan and the Philippines, which provide channels to manage the rights of fishers

President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday dismissed concerns that a plan by Japan and the Philippines to delimit overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs) would adversely affect Taiwan, while stressing that China has no claim to the waters.

The planned maritime boundary negotiations between Tokyo and Manila “cannot and will not affect the rights of a third country under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties,” Lai said in an exchange with foreign media at the Taipei Guest House.

Lai’s comment follow an announcement on May 28 by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that sparked domestic concern regarding potential adverse effects on Taiwan’s maritime rights in partially overlapping waters.

President William Lai speaks at a news conference with the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Ann Wang, Reuters

An EEZ is a sea zone extending up to 200 nautical miles (370.4km) from a coastal nation’s baseline. Within that area, countries possess sovereign rights to explore and manage resources.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) earlier this month said that excluding Taiwan from the talks — which cover overlapping waters east and southeast of Taiwan — could jeopardize fishing rights, resource access and maritime operations.

Lai said that Taiwan has separate fisheries agreements with Japan and the Philippines, providing established channels for managing fishing rights.

As a sovereign nation and a responsible regional actor, Taiwan operates in accordance with international norms, and the bilateral frameworks ensure its national interests and fishers’ rights are fully protected, he added.

The Japan-Philippines move to delimit overlapping EEZs — part of an effort to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — comes amid rising concerns over Beijing’s aggressive activities in the region.

The planned negotiation to delimit their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves aims to “enhance legal certainty in the region,” a joint Japan-Philippines statement said.

Beijing denounced the move as “completely illegal, null and void,” with China Coast Guard vessels launching law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan — a region China has asserted as falling under its sovereign territory, Reuters reported on June 1.

Lai said that China’s “gray zone” operations have fueled regional anxiety and signaled a clear intent to project dominance across the western Pacific.

As China is not a nation bordering those waters, Beijing has no legal basis to make any claims there under international law, he said.

Meanwhile, in response to a question from Japanese media on the state of Taiwan-Japan relations and how cooperation could be further developed, Lai said exchanges over the past year have continued to deepen across multiple levels, from national and local legislatures to industry, culture and tourism.

Japan has emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at international forums, he said, calling the support “very, very important” for Taiwan.

Lai highlighted three points:

The Taiwan-Japan friendship is built on long-standing trust; peace in the Taiwan Strait is not just a Taiwan issue, but a shared responsibility for security in the Indo-Pacific region and global prosperity; and the more united democratic partners are, the stronger the region’s ability to maintain peace and stability, he said.

Additional reporting by Chen Yun

title: Lai dismisses worry over Tokyo-Manila EEZ talks


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EXECUTIVE CHECK: Legislator Lai Shyh-bao said he supports a standard industry development act, as industrial development is the focus, not political maneuvering

Funding for the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) industry must come from regular spending bills, not special statutes, which would weaken the legislature’s constitutional function as a check on executive power, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) told reporters yesterday.

The Executive Yuan earlier yesterday proposed a special budget totaling NT$210 billion (US$6.65 billion) over six years for domestically produced drones.

The legislature last month rejected a proposed special budget for indigenous defense projects.

The Chien Hsiang, an uncrewed aerial vehicle developed by the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo: Taipei Times

The KMT should propose an alternative to the government’s plans, Lai said yesterday, citing KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s (鄭麗文) comments calling on the party to put forward its own version of a drone industry development bill.

However, funding for the industry must come from regular spending bills, not special statutes, as that weakens the legislature, he said.

The Budget Act (預算法) stipulates that special budgets are allocations for urgent matters and not subject to restrictions on deficits that apply to annual budgets, Lai said.

If the KMT does not propose a drone bill, Lai said that he would consider sponsoring a draft on his own initiative.

Lai said he supports a standard industry development act, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs as the responsible authority, as industrial development is the focus.

Combat UAVs could be included in a chapter of such a bill to ensure national defense needs are met, he said.

KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin (徐巧芯) said she expected the KMT caucus to put forward its own version of the bill.

The development of the domestic drone industry should not be bogged down by political maneuvering, Hsu said.

A proposal would be reviewed with a focus on national interests and the long-term development of the drone industry, she said.

The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) caucus said that its support for improving national defense and defense autonomy remains unchanged, but it questions the Executive Yuan’s proposal, saying it was effectively “repackaging an old proposal” through a special budget to bypass legislative oversight.

The Cabinet’s latest proposed UAV funding special act amounts to nothing more than an attempt to resurrect a piece of legislation that lawmakers already killed, TPP caucus whip Chen Ching-lung (陳清龍) said.

The government should clearly explain the latest proposal and put in place a robust oversight mechanism, Chen said, adding that there must be no “opaque decisionmaking” or opportunities for politically connected parties to benefit.

It is regrettable that items previously required by the legislature to be included in the regular budget had been “repackaged” in the latest special budget bill proposed by the Executive Yuan, he said.

He asked whether it was necessary to propose a special budget and called on the executive branch to provide a clear explanation, adding that politics should not override professional considerations.

Additional reporting by Chen Chih-cheng

people: 徐巧芯 賴士葆 鄭麗文 陳清龍

title: KMT lawmaker warns over drone budget


title: Han Kuo-yu says ‘trust’ in Taiwan brands top ideal

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“Made in Taiwan” should be “it is well made in Taiwan,” Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said yesterday at the Taiwan Trusted Brand Awards Ceremony in Taipei, adding that the core of the artificial intelligence (AI) era lies in “trust.”

In the era of corporate competition, the focus was once on quality, technology and market scale, but with the arrival of the AI era, consumers are accessing information faster than ever, while expectations for corporate transparency, social responsibility and sustainability are rising sharply, Han said.

Competition is no longer just about products, but about brands, and at its core, about trust, he said.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, front row, sixth left, attends the Taiwan Trusted Brand Awards Ceremony in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei Times

Taiwan’s manufacturing sector once underpinned national prosperity and economic growth, but the new foundation is brand trust and corporate governance, he added.

Taiwan should move from “Made in Taiwan” to “it is well made in Taiwan,” he said.

Han said EU officials had told him that Europe’s perception of Taiwan has improved markedly over the past two to three years, with Taiwanese influence and economic presence increasingly recognized by European business communities.

He attributed the shift to the efforts of ordinary Taiwanese, as well as the influence of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) and the rest of Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing sector, citing investment expansion in France by Hon Hai Precision Industry Co and battery manufacturers, as well as TSMC’s investments in Germany.

As the EU places greater emphasis on Taiwan, branding is also gaining importance, with the trend likely to be a great source of encouragement and momentum for Taiwan’s business sector, he said.

Although Taiwan is small enough to look like an egg on the map, its industrial output accounts for 3 percent of global total and includes numerous “hidden champions,” Han said, expressing hope that all sectors would continue to help Taiwan boost its international presence and visibility.


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Thirty-four start-ups are showcasing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies at the Taiwan Pavilion at VivaTech, one of the largest start-up and tech events in Europe, which opened in Paris on Wednesday.

Organized by Taiwan Tech Arena, the pavilion highlights how AI technologies are enabling smart life in fields such as training, security, energy and retail, said the National Science and Technology Council, parent body of Taiwan Tech Arena.

The pavilion aims to generate business opportunities for the participating firms, the NSTC said.

Guests pose for a photograph at the Taiwan Pavilion at VivaTech in Paris on Wednesday. Photo: CNA

Taiwanese start-ups have been participating at VivaTech for the past seven years, mainly to learn from their foreign counterparts, said Lin Der-sheng (林德生), director of the council’s Department of Academia-Industry Collaboration and Science Park Affairs.

However, the 34 participating this year are seeking opportunities to attract business and secure orders, Lin said.

As part of Taiwan’s efforts to build a comprehensive tech supply chain, 61 suppliers are supporting the start-ups to boost their chances of securing business deals, he said.

While VivaTech is focused on tech start-ups, it also hosts major established global companies such as Microsoft and Airbus.

This year, Taiwanese manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, also known as Foxconn globally, is participating at VivaTech, displaying its advanced AI server racks and AI-based smart solutions in a dedicated exhibition area across from the Taiwan Pavilion.

Hon Hai, a supplier to Santa Clara, California-based AI chip designer Nvidia Corp, debuted the Nvidia Vera Rubin NVL72, Nvidia HGX platforms and Nvidia MGX architectures at VivaTech.

In a display of its recently diversified product portfolio, Hon Hai also showcased two electric vehicle prototypes.

Made by subsidiary Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, the prototypes are the Model B, a sporty crossover, and the Model D, a lifestyle multipurpose utility vehicle.

Hon Hai, an iPhone assembler, also introduced its smart manufacturing innovations such as humanoid robots at the tech event.

VivaTech head of global partnerships and public affairs Julie Lamande said at the opening of the Taiwan Pavilion that Taiwan’s tech ecosystem is critical to VivaTech.

The presence of Hon Hai, in particular, demonstrates the importance of Taiwan’s role in AI and semiconductor development, Lamande said.

Hon Hai vice president James Wu (巫俊毅) said that his company is strengthening its “build-operate-localize” business model, which has helped the firm sign letters of intent with partners in several European countries and launch discussions on cooperation.

Initiated in 2018, Taiwan Tech Arena is building a flagship start-up ecosystem in Taiwan, the council said, adding that it is a platform to connect technologies and talent with markets and capital.

title: Start-ups showcase AI tech at Taiwan Pavilion


title: CIB touts ATM anti-fraud feature

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EFFECTIVE: Since the implementation of the facial recognition software at ATMs at banks nationwide, fraud reports have dropped 20 percent, CIB officials said   By Wang Kuang-jen and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writer

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) yesterday reported on anti-scam progress, saying that, in collaboration with financial institutions, ATMs equipped with a “face-obstruction warning” feature are effectively deterring scam runners.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei, CIB officials said that they reported 12,742 cases of fraud last month, costing the economy an estimated NT$5.46 billion (US$172.9 million), which is down 20 percent and 37 percent respectively compared with the same month last year.

According to the CIB, scam runners often wear helmets, masks or sunglasses to conceal their identities, making it harder for police to review surveillance footage and trace suspects.

A person wearing a mask stands in front of an ATM equipped with a “face-obstruction warning” feature in an undated photograph. Photo copied by Wang Kuan-jen, Taipei Times

To prevent fraud-related withdrawals at ATMs, the bureau has combined banks’ risk data with intelligence from the 165 anti-fraud hotline to roll out a “face-obstruction warning” feature.

From December last year to April, the “face-obstruction warning” feature has been installed at more than 1,000 ATMs, it said.

Police data showed that, compared with the same period last year, ATMs equipped with the system recorded 1,851 fewer fraud-related withdrawal cases and a reduction of more than NT$41.5 million in illicit withdrawals from January to April, it said.

The measure has effectively increased the cost for scam runners, eased the burden on post-incident investigations and delivered a notable boost in anti-fraud effectiveness, the CIB said.

The nation’s financial institutions have implemented the technology differently, it added.

CTBC Bank’s ATMs uses a version that requires users to remove clothing items that conceal their face before proceeding with a transaction after facial recognition software detects concealed features, CIB officials said.

Bank SinoPac uses facial recognition technology that locks the doors of its ATM venues on customers who hide their faces, they said.

Cathay United Bank implements a different edition of anti-fraud technology that identifies suspicious transactions and asks users to explain their transaction, they said.

The system would lock out the users and reject the transaction if their answer fits with the profile that police helped the bank create of cash mules or fraud victims, CIB officials said.

The CIB thanks banks for their cooperation in the crackdown on scammers and urges them to improve anti-fraud measures, they said.


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RISING POPULARITY: Enhanced flight connectivity and a visa waiver trial program are among the motivations that have boosted travel to Taiwan by Filipinos, the agency said

The Tourism Administration said yesterday that it is stepping up efforts to attract tourists from the Philippines following strong growth during the first quarter.

The agency’s data showed the nation welcomed 210,000 Filipino visitors from January to March, marking a 43 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The Philippines is Taiwan’s top source of inbound tourists among the Southeast Asian nations, data showed.

With a population of 116 million and national median age of 26, the Philippines boasts a young demographic with strong travel potential, the Tourism Administration said.

Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines Yang Teng-shih, center, attends the Taiwan Travel Fair in Manila on Friday last week. Photo: CNA

Outbound travel demand in the Philippines continues to rise amid robust economic growth and the expansion of the country’s middle class, it said.

More people in the Philippines are motivated to visit Taiwan due to enhanced flight connectivity and the visa waiver trial program, it said, adding that more than 66 percent of Filipino visitors travel independently in Taiwan.

Statistics compiled by the Philippine Department of Tourism showed that, as of the first quarter this year, Taiwan has become the third-largest overseas travel destination for Filipinos.

It said that its tourism campaign in the Philippines highlights Taiwanese food, culture and lifestyles and is targeted at transit travelers.

It also hosted the Taiwan Travel Fair from Friday and Sunday last week at the Glorietta by Ayala Malls in Makati, Metro Manila. The exhibition area features an LED screen broadcasting Taiwan tourism promotional videos throughout the day, a model train carriage from the Alishan Forest Railway and a replica of a Taiwanese streetscape.

Visitors to the exhibition can try brown sugar bubble milk tea as well as learn how to make blessing sachets and lantern-shaped charms inspired by Sky Lantern Festival traditions.

In addition, the event featured performances by the Bellwalkers Troupe (鈴行者劇團), which has won six gold medals at Taiwan’s National Games, as well as interactive Zumba Fitness dance sessions to energize the crowd.

To expand its reach on social media, the administration invited popular Filipino influencer Cocoy Lim to share his travel experiences in Taiwan. Visitors who purchased travel products at the event received Taiwan-themed gifts, while selected buyers were also given five-day mobile data SIM cards for use in Taiwan. The event is expected to generate more than NT$20 million (US$633,152) in business opportunities, demonstrating the effectiveness of cross-industry integrated marketing.

The delegation also held two B2B Taiwan tourism promotion events on Monday at Makati Diamond Residences in Manila and on Wednesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu. More than 250 representatives from Philippine travel agencies, airlines and media organizations attended the events.

title: Taiwan moves to attract Filipino travelers


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A record four Taiwanese universities placed in the top 200 of the latest QS World University Rankings, led by National Taiwan University (NTU), which rose from 63rd last year to its highest-ever ranking of 54th.

NTU was joined in the top 200 by National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) at 142nd, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University at 177th and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) at 191st.

According to QS data, all four universities have achieved their highest-ever positions in the rankings. NCKU entered the top 200 for the first time, while NTHU recorded the largest year-on-year improvement among Taiwanese universities, climbing 34 places from last year.

Two people cycle in front of the main entrance to National Taiwan University in an undated photograph. Photo: Lo Pei-de, Taipei Times

Also ranked among the world’s top 500 were National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (379th), National Taiwan Normal University (423rd), National Sun Yat-sen University (438th) and National Taipei University of Technology (494th).

UK-based QS said the rankings are based on weighted evaluations across five broad areas: research and discovery, employability and outcomes, learning experience, global engagement and sustainability.

Taiwan’s universities performed particularly well in the “employment outcomes” indicator under the employability and outcomes category. NTU ranked 10th globally in this measure, while National Chengchi University — ranked 613th overall — placed 65th.

However, Taiwan’s institutions were less competitive in the “employer reputation” indicator under the same category, which measures perceptions among global employers. NTU was the only Taiwanese university to rank among the top 100, placing 64th.

QS senior vice president Ben Sowter said that Taiwan’s latest QS results reflect an “interaction between sustained research investment and a growing policy emphasis on strategic workforce development.”

He also said that recent policy initiatives have expanded support for semiconductor, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing talent development in partnership with universities.

Globally, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology retained the No. 1 spot for a record 15th consecutive year. Imperial College London and Stanford University tied for second place.

They were followed by the University of Oxford and Harvard University, rounding out the top five.

The University of Cambridge and the California Institute of Technology were next in the rankings, while ETH Zurich and University College London tied for eighth. The National University of Singapore completed the top 10.

This year’s rankings included more than 1,500 universities from 106 countries and territories around the world.

title: Taiwanese universities move up in global rankings


title: Central bank keeps rate unchanged

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WAIT-AND-SEE: Maintaining the current policy rate would help support economic and financial stability in light of developments at home and abroad, the governor said

The central bank yesterday kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged, , maintaining a cautious stance as it balanced a still-subdued inflation outlook against persistent global geopolitical and financial uncertainty, including tensions in the Middle East.

The decision was widely expected and extends a wait-and-see approach amid uneven global conditions.

The bank left the discount rate at 2 percent, the secured lending rate at 2.375 percent and the short-term accommodation rate at 4.25 percent.

Central bank Governor Yang Chin-long points to a board at a news conference following the bank’s quarterly meeting in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

“Maintaining the current policy rate will help support the overall economy and financial stability in light of economic and financial developments at home and abroad,” central bank Governor Yang Chin-long (楊金龍) told a news conference, adding that world fuel prices have eased significantly after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end the fighting.

At the same time, the central bank sharply upgraded its growth outlook, lifting its forecast for GDP this year to 9.45 percent from 7.28 percent previously.

The revision reflects stronger-than-expected first-quarter performance, higher capital spending plans from major US cloud service providers, continued investment in Taiwan’s manufacturing expansion and firmer private consumption.

Inflation expectations were also revised slightly higher, with the consumer price index growth forecast raised to 1.91 percent from 1.8 percent.

Two central bank board members proposed rate hikes to contain inflation, but Yang said that only tech firms are benefiting from the artificial intelligence boom.

He did not address how to tackle the uneven growth.

On housing, the central bank said targeted credit controls are beginning to cool speculation.

Loans for first-time homebuyers have risen as a share of total mortgage lending, while financing for urban renewal and redevelopment projects has also increased, Yang said.

However, the intended soft landing has remained largely elusive, he added.

The share of real-estate lending in total bank loans fell to 35.2 percent last month, down from a peak of 37.6 percent in June 2024, central bank data showed.

Credit-tightening measures are intended to prevent excessive concentration of bank lending in property markets and redirect credit toward productive uses, Yang said.

The slowdown in property transactions has failed to achieve the goal, as households are increasingly borrowing for investment purposes, driving a rise in banks’ wealth-management revolving credit, as well as lending to securities and futures-related businesses.

Yang urged banks to improve risk controls and closely monitor exposure, although he added that the issue is largely the Financial Supervisory Commission’s jurisdiction.

“We are closely monitoring the situation,” Yang said, dismissing concerns over equity overheating, citing Taiwan’s solid economic fundamentals.

On foreign exchange policy, Yang reiterated that the New Taiwan dollar is determined by market forces, while the central bank would step in only to smooth excess volatility caused by short-term capital flows or seasonal factors that could threaten financial stability.

The policy stance highlights a broader balancing act: supporting Taiwan’s export and technology-driven growth — particularly AI-linked industries — while guarding against external shocks and financial imbalances in property and currency markets, he said.


title: Apple to partner with Intel Corp on chips: Trump

companies: Apple 台積電

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US President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post yesterday that Apple has agreed to work with Intel to design and manufacture its chips in the nation.

A partnership with Intel helps Apple diversify its manufacturing base as it seeks additional chip capacity. The iPhone maker relies heavily on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電), whose advanced production lines are in high demand from artificial intelligence (AI) chipmakers such as Nvidia Corp and Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Intel shares rose about 6.5 percent in premarket trading, extending a roughly threefold gain so far this year.

Intel and Apple logos are seen in this illustration taken on Sept. 24 last year. Photo: Reuters

Intel reached a preliminary deal to make some chips for Apple after more than a year of discussions, the Wall Street Journal reported last month.

Apple and Intel did not immediately respond to a Reuters’ request for comments outside regular business hours.

An Apple contract gives Intel a steady demand from one of the world’s largest consumer electronics companies, boosting both its reputation and a manufacturing business that has lagged TSMC in recent years.

Earlier this week, Intel said a new generation of its manufacturing tech 18A has entered initial production, as it sees strong demand for its central processors.

Last year, the Trump administration took a 10 percent stake in Intel and said it plans to invest about US$10 billion in the chipmaker to build or expand US factories.

Trump has said he “should have asked for more” of a stake in Intel, eight months after the government’s Intel position grew to be worth more than US$50 billion.

The administration has been stepping up efforts to secure US supply chains for critical minerals and semiconductors, including taking equity stakes in companies to reduce reliance on China.


title: EDITORIAL: What does AI mean for education?

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National Taiwan University (NTU) last week announced that it has disqualified a candidate from its medical school examination for using artificial intelligence (AI) smart glasses to cheat, in the first case of AI cheating in university entrance exams.

Despite the hot weather, the applicant wore a hoodie, claiming that he felt cold, as well as a pair of thick-rimmed glasses to the written exam, which is part of the application process for NTU’s medicine and dentistry department.

Suspicions were aroused when the applicant stared oddly at the test for long stretches and brought the paper close. Upon inspection, the proctor found the glasses to be very hot, indicating they could be AI glasses. If aimed at the target question, the glasses would automatically scan and display the answer and calculation process.

The incident was an example of how AI systems can be misused to cheat, violate rules and undermine the fairness of school exams. It also highlighted that the rapidly evolving new technology, which has fundamentally altered the academic landscape, poses an unprecedented challenge to schools and their efforts to maintain academic integrity.

A survey of more than 95,000 students from 20 major US universities conducted by the University of California at Berkeley and Cornell University, published last month in the journal Science, showed that more than two-thirds of respondents used generative AI and more than 40 percent frequently consult chatbots. Nine percent of students who used AI reported using it to cheat, the survey showed.

Another survey by the Pew Research Center showed that up to 60 percent of teenagers believed their peers use AI chatbots to cheat on schoolwork.

England’s Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation recorded 2,225 cases of mobile phones and smart devices being used to cheat in national General Certificate of Secondary Education and A-levels in schools and colleges last year. Mobile phone and smart device cheating has been the most common category of exam malpractice since 2018, the BBC reported.

In South Korea, following a series of AI cheating scandals involving hundreds of students at South Korea’s top universities who admitted using AI tools in mid-term exams last year, examinees were found cheating in the country’s Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) test last month.

Unlike the NTU AI glasses case, in which the student involved received a score of zero as punishment, South Korea’s YBM TOEIC Committee not only invalidated the cheaters’ test scores, but also banned them from taking the test for five years. If the cases are found to involve the leakage of exam questions or infringement, the offenders could face civil or criminal charges.

Many schools already stipulate that phones and electronic devices are forbidden in exams. Institutions continue to deploy stricter penalties and more advanced technologies to detect cheating and prevent exam malpractice.

Princeton University would require all in-person exams to be proctored from July 1, the most significant overhaul of its 130-year-old honor system, amid concerns over academic integrity and the increasing use of AI and electronic devices. Given that banning AI tools in classrooms is neither feasible nor practical and risks throwing the baby out with the bathwater, schools at all levels should reassess their assessment policies and practices. Faculties should adopt more diverse and multifaceted evaluation methods to better measure the extent to which students have learned and mastered course material.

There are growing calls on campuses to reinstate oral exams alongside written tests to verify learning outcomes. Others argue for more varied, frequent, and long-term performance and project-based assessments to better observe student capabilities. As governments and institutions develop AI-related education guidelines, it might be time to rethink education itself and redefine academic integrity in an era where AI is integral to learning. Education should emphasize skills and learning attitudes that prepare students for future demands, rather than focusing solely on grades or degrees.

As Jason Stephens, vice president of the International Center for Academic Integrity, a non-profit organization, said: “The emergence of AI has indeed made cheating easier, but it does not change the ethical and challenges facing academic integrity.”

Educators also have a responsibility to cultivate a culture of integrity, subtly guiding students away from improper behavior. Teachers could devote time to discussing the impact of cheating with students, and helping them face and overcome any shortcomings in learning without resorting to cutting corners.


title: How Japanese cured my anxiety

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Writing has always been more than a communication tool; it is a carrier of information, culture and history. Broadly speaking, written languages can be divided into phonetic systems, such as English and French, and logographic systems, such as Chinese and Japanese. Thirty years ago, as the information age emerged, Japan, the US and the Four Asian Tigers rose alongside the global economic boom. During that period, many Japanese expressions entered modern Chinese usage. Terms such as 羈絆 (kizuna in Japanese, jiban in Chinese), meaning “bond” or “connection,” became cultural bridges between the two societies.

Now, three decades later, the artificial intelligence (AI) era has fully arrived. Technology evolves at dizzying speed, and language evolves with it. While phonetic languages often create new concepts through prefixes and suffixes, Chinese, with its dense information encoding, has demonstrated unique advantages in AI. The rise of DeepSeek offered a glimpse of how Chinese can shape new forms of AI reasoning and semantic organization. Yet amid this innovation, everyday language is changing. The recent translation of “token” as 詞元 (ciyuan) sparked heated debate, highlighting how profoundly the Internet and information age have reshaped Chinese.

What was once a relatively unified logographic system — evolving from oracle bone script — has become a hybrid language filled with internet abbreviations like “yyds” and “srds,” English loanwords such as “coffee,” and countless phonetic borrowings, especially in smartphone systems and software localization. In the pursuit of “Chinese localization,” many menu translations fail to keep pace and create comprehension barriers.

When I first encountered the term 詞元 while using AI tools, I was completely confused. Elsewhere online, ideas that could have been expressed more clearly in English were awkwardly forced into Chinese, leaving me constantly decoding or searching for their meaning.

That experience led me to Japanese, a language still shaped by Chinese civilization within the East Asian character sphere. Korean, by contrast, has undergone near-total phoneticization through Hangul.

The result, in my view, is a divide: Those familiar with Chinese roots grasp deeper meanings, while others rely purely on phonetic interpretation.

In some ways, this has reinforced cultural stratification. Japanese, by contrast, preserved Chinese character structure while integrating hiragana and katakana for phonetic flexibility. Loanwords are easily rendered in katakana, making them immediately legible in a global context.

After switching my phone’s system language to Japanese, I found that my language anxiety disappeared. I was no longer trapped inside stiff and often confusing Chinese translations. Instead, information from the modern technological world felt smoother and easier to absorb.

Japan has long served as one of Asia’s primary gateways for imported culture and technology. Japanese writing naturally blends kanji, hiragana, katakana and English into a fluid hybrid system.

Using Japanese, in a sense, feels like embracing the flow of modernity itself. Changing my phone to Japanese was not simply a language preference.

It became a way to reconnect with the original meaning of words in a multilingual age — and to navigate the accelerating currents of technology with greater clarity and ease.

Lambert Yu is a senior staff engineer based in the US.

Translated by Lin Lee-kai


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Nearly three decades after the 1997 handover, Hong Kong has become a paradox: a place where financial dynamism coexists with political repression — a reality Taiwan cannot afford to ignore. Despite a sharp contraction of civic freedoms since 2020, Hong Kong remains a major global financial center. It has recently overtaken Switzerland as the world’s largest offshore wealth hub, supported by steady inflows of capital from China and across Asia.

The territory continues to serve as a key intermediary linking Chinese firms, multinational investors and global markets. Institutional continuity has played a role.

The Hong Kong dollar’s peg to the US dollar — introduced in 1983 amid uncertainty over the territory’s future — stabilizes financial markets, even during periods of global volatility. At the same time, a new wave of Chinese initial public offerings has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s status as China’s principal gateway to international capital. The widespread use of the yuan in cross-border transactions further reflects Beijing’s broader effort to internationalize its currency through the territory’s banking system. Yet this economic vitality has unfolded alongside a rapid deterioration of political life.

Public dissent has been curtailed. Opposition parties and independent unions have dissolved. Media outlets such as the Apple Daily have closed. Annual public commemorations, including the Tiananmen vigil and July 1 marches, have been banned.

Many democracy advocates and former legislators now face prosecution under national security laws. Within a few years, the boundaries of permissible political expression have narrowed drastically. For Taiwan, the significance of Hong Kong lies not only in its democratic erosion, but also in the fact that this political shift has not triggered an immediate economic collapse. Hong Kong challenges the assumption that prosperity necessarily depends on democratic governance. In the short term, markets can remain highly functional even under authoritarian constraints. This resilience stems from several structural factors.

Hong Kong’s bureaucratic efficiency, legal framework and global connectivity anchor investor confidence. Meanwhile, talent-admission programs targeting Chinese professionals and students have partially offset population losses caused by emigration. These measures are gradually reshaping the territory’s social composition while deepening its incorporation into the Greater Bay Area. The result is a system in which market functionality persists even as political participation recedes. Nevertheless, Taiwan should resist drawing the wrong conclusion.

First, economic success does not eliminate political risk. Hong Kong’s competitiveness still relies on trust, transparency, the rule of law and international credibility. As political control tightens, these qualities might erode over time. Increased scrutiny from Western governments, including high-tech export restrictions and sanctions linked to human rights concerns, has introduced new compliance and reputational risks for companies operating there.

While these pressures have not displaced the territory’s financial status, they have added layers of uncertainty.

Second, economic integration creates opportunity and dependency. Hong Kong’s prosperity is tied to China, but that dependence has weakened its ability to chart an autonomous political and economic course. Financial mechanisms such as the stock-connect and bond-connect schemes, along with digital payment systems, have aligned the territory closely with China’s regulatory framework. Taiwan faces similar pressures through cross-strait investment and supply chains. Preserving strategic flexibility would require diversification of trade partners, capital networks and technological ecosystems.

Third, administrative efficiency cannot substitute for democratic legitimacy. Under the framework of “one country, two systems,” Hong Kong’s limited autonomy operates through an internal power-sharing arrangement among politicians approved by Beijing, rather than through genuine electoral competition. To many residents, the local government appears to be capable of delivering practical results in areas such as infrastructure and crisis management.

Yet efficiency without accountability risks eroding public trust over time. Current governance trends have placed greater emphasis on ideological conformity and political alignment with Beijing. Tensions within the ruling system are evident: petitions from pro-Beijing actors and instances of bureaucratic noncompliance have exposed frictions between centralized expectations and local administrative realities. Institutional restructuring after the 2019 protests has deepened this gap.

Beijing reportedly reshuffled personnel within the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong, an influential body overseeing local authorities and reporting to the State Council. Many new appointees from national agencies possess limited experience in Hong Kong affairs and are discouraged from direct engagement with local communities. As a result, policymakers increasingly rely on information filtered through loyalist networks rather than broad public feedback.

Administrative culture presents another challenge. Some career civil servants remain cautious toward politically driven initiatives, including proposals to delink the Hong Kong dollar from the US currency, mandate patriotic education as an examination subject and extend ideological oversight into religious communities. These dynamics underscore an unresolved tension between administrative pragmatism and autocratic rule.

By contrast, Taiwan’s democracy safeguards judicial independence, press freedom, religious liberty and institutional credibility, ensuring political authority remains accountable to voters. Meanwhile, many young Hong Kong residents, disillusioned after the 2019 protests, now prioritize career mobility and personal consumption, while frequent travel to Shenzhen reflects the normalization of cross-border lifestyles.

However, in Taiwan younger generations are concerned with democratic identity and political sovereignty. Maintaining this civic commitment while expanding economic opportunity would be critical.

Finally, Hong Kong highlights a broader global change in the relationship between governance and growth.

Digital surveillance, data-centric governance and platform-driven economies have enabled new forms of state control that bypass traditional liberal-democratic accountability.

Economic performance alone is no longer an adequate measure of societal well-being. Institutional integrity — and the freedoms it protects — matters even more.

Hong Kong’s experience offers Taiwan a clear, if sobering, lesson. A society can remain commercially vibrant even as political freedoms contract, but only up to a point.

For Taiwan, freedom is not a constraint on growth; it is the foundation that sustains long-term prosperity in an increasingly volatile era.

Joseph Tse-Hei Lee is a professor of history at Pace University in New York.

title: Hong Kong is a warning for Taiwan


title: Peace with Iran will not end conflict in the Gulf

content_text:
The opening of the Strait of Hormuz and limited sanctions relief mask a fragile ceasefire with unresolved strategic disputes

Peace deals are never easy, and the path to the US-Iran agreement announced on Sunday may yet hold some surprises. Assuming that pact is finalized, it would conclude — for now — a war that has remade the Middle East. It would ease the strain on world markets by reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

However, fundamentally, the deal would mark more of an intermission than a conclusion: It would entrench, rather than end, the struggle between the US and Iran. It would not undo the regional and global changes the war set in motion, many of them deeply challenging for the US.

The deal Washington and Tehran are closing in on, based on a memorandum of understanding laboriously negotiated over the past two months, represents a minimalist approach to ending the current war. Initially, it would bring a tenuous ceasefire on all fronts. It would require Iran and the US to lift their dueling blockades of Hormuz. It would probably provide some limited sanctions relief for Tehran.

Yet many crucial issues — the fate of Iran’s nuclear program, the larger architecture of US sanctions — would be deferred to subsequent negotiations. The deal does little to address key Iranian capabilities that have long threatened the region, namely missiles and regional proxies such as Hezbollah. The pact provides the near-term respite both sides need, without easing a larger US-Iran confrontation that has lasted for decades.

The war has both bludgeoned and emboldened an Iranian regime bent on evicting the US from the Middle East — if anything, the government seems to have been further radicalized. Hardliners will tout that government’s survival, and its success in punching back against a US onslaught, as a landmark victory in a long struggle against US power.

True, Iran’s rulers must now confront pent-up domestic discontent. However, they have shown little compunction about brutally repressing such unrest in the past. Meanwhile, they will presumably set about strengthening their missile arsenal and their proxy network. Tehran is likely to hang tough in subsequent nuclear talks: A regime that has faced repeated attacks by the US and Israel might now see added value in eventually obtaining the deterrence provided by nuclear weapons. The clock to the next US-Iran confrontation may start ticking the moment this conflict ends.

This conflict will also leave a second messy residue — a situation in which Hormuz is not closed, but it is not fully open, either. Traffic through the strait will increase as the fighting ends; the global need for Gulf energy is acute, but Iran has discovered that geography gives it tremendous leverage. It will surely squeeze Hormuz in the future — perhaps even in the upcoming nuclear negotiations — when it needs to generate pressure against the US.

Add this war, then, to a spate of recent events that have thrown the future of freedom of navigation into uncertainty. A muddled future for Hormuz also means that the Gulf states will need to race to reduce their reliance on the waterway, by building additional pipeline capacity and other workarounds.

Meanwhile, the war has reshaped the Arabian Peninsula. Even before it started, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were battling for influence on both sides of the Red Sea, from Yemen to the Horn of Africa. The war against Iran only intensified that rivalry.

The UAE felt abandoned by its Gulf neighbors, as it absorbed most of Iran’s punishment. It received real support only from Israel and the US. The resulting anger precipitated a move long in the making: the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC. That decision, in turn, might well bring an intensified Saudi campaign to contain Emirati influence by building counter-UAE coalitions with countries from Egypt to Qatar. The Arabian Peninsula is fracturing, geopolitically speaking, even as Saudi Arabia and the UAE must both figure out how to cope with a resilient, seething Iran.

That challenge relates to a fourth dynamic: Hedging behavior will accelerate, as US power seems indispensable and unreliable at the same time. The initial aerial blitz against Iran showed off the impressive capabilities of the US-Israel coalition. The course of the war confirmed that deeper cooperation with the US Central Command is the best way for Gulf states to shield themselves from Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Yet the fighting revealed that the US is erratic, and geography is stubborn. Leaders in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain surely noticed that the US began this war without adequate plans to protect Hormuz or stifle Iranian retaliation. The US bases on their soil became magnets for Iranian attacks.

Proximity means that Iranian power is a fact of life for Gulf countries. Therefore, they might ultimately seek their own detente or de-escalation with Tehran. Even close US partners would seek alternative relationships — with Israel in the UAE’s case, with Pakistan in Saudi Arabia’s — as a hedge against the inconstancy of the US.

The final legacy of this conflict has been to weaken US global power. It was possible, at the outset, to hope that a successful campaign against Iran would strengthen the US globally — by cutting down a strategic partner to Russia and China, remaking world energy markets, and showing off the Pentagon’s unique power-projection capabilities. However, a messy, drawn-out conflict had less salubrious effects.

The war exacerbated the chronic overstretch of the US military, by depleting readiness and munitions.

It deepened a transatlantic crisis by causing sharp recriminations within NATO. Trump’s bewildering behavior — threatening war crimes, then touting peace deals — created a widespread perception that the US was blundering through a grave geopolitical crisis.

The messy aftermath might continue to consume US attention and resources for years to come. In this sense, Trump’s war is yet another reminder of how the US constantly wants to be done with draining Middle Eastern conflicts — only to find itself continually ensnared in that vexing, vital region.

Hal Brands is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and the Henry Kissinger distinguished professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He is also a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, the author of The Eurasian Century: Hot Wars, Cold Wars, and the Making of the Modern World, and a senior adviser to Macro Advisory Partners. This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.


title: UK goes to polls for pivotal by-elections

content_text:
‘KING OF THE NORTH’: Pollsters expect Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to win, who would easily gain the support of 81 of the 400-plus MPs needed to launch a contest

The UK yesterday held a key local election that could trigger the endgame for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s beleaguered premiership, or win him a reprieve.

Labour Party veteran and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is looking to win the parliamentary by-election for the Makerfield constituency in northwestern England, so that he can then try to replace Starmer as prime minister.

Polling stations opened at 7am and were to close at 10pm, with counting due to begin straight away.

Pollsters expect Burnham to win the historic contest, but he faces a tough fight from the hard-right Reform UK party.

“Almost undoubtedly it’s in the hands of the voters of Makerfield as to whether or not Burnham becomes prime minister,” political scientist John Curtice. “If Burnham does win, his path to 10 Downing Street looks to be relatively assured. If they deny him the opportunity, it may be that Starmer will survive, at least for the time being.”

Starmer, who has served as prime minister since July 2024, has been clinging to power by his fingernails since Labour suffered a drubbing in local and regional elections last month.

The 63-year-old has endured several ministerial resignations and rock-bottom personal poll ratings, with Reform leading national surveys for more than a year.

However, Starmer insists his landslide election victory over the conservatives 21 months ago gives him a five-year mandate to govern.

Impatience within the center-left Labour party ramped up last month when Labour member of parliament (MP) Josh Simons announced he would stand down so Burnham could try to return to parliament and run for leader.

While Makerfield’s 76,000 electorate typically votes Labour, Simons won a majority of only about 5,300 at the 2024 general election.

Reform, led by anti-immigrant firebrand Nigel Farage, also won every council ward in the predominantly white, working-class area during last month’s council polls.

However, the popularity of Burnham — a three-term mayor of Greater Manchester nicknamed the “King of the North” — is likely to see him triumph over Reform candidate Robert Kenyon, polls predicted.

Kenyon has also been dogged by offensive remarks he previously made about women, while the fringe Restore Britain party is expected to split the hard-right vote.

In Ashton-in-Makerfield, Hazel Ellis, 61, said she planned to vote for Reform.

“I’m willing to give them a go because this is the last hope for Britain now,” she said.

In nearby Bryn, Finn Knowles, 23, said Burnham was “a better option” than Starmer.

“He doesn’t really know what he wants to do,” Knowles said of the prime minister.

Burnham, who polls show is Labour’s most popular politician, hails from the party’s so-called soft-left wing and has been an outspoken critic of Starmer’s more-centrist rule.

Under Labour rules, leadership candidates must be an MP, which Burnham was between 2001 and 2017.

He would easily muster the support of 81 of Labour’s 400-plus MPs needed to launch a contest, which Starmer has vowed to fight.

Burnham allies are hopeful Starmer’s top ministerial team could persuade him to lay out a timetable for his departure instead, avoiding a bitter contest.

On Wednesday, the prime minister tried to ward off the expected challenge by insisting he wants Burnham to play “a big role” in his government.

If Burnham wins in Makerfield, it is unclear when he would make his move against Starmer, particularly when a tricky defense of his vacated mayoral seat would loom for Labour.

Former British secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting, also maneuvering for the top job, said the prime minister should be given “space over the weekend” to consider his future.

Streeting, from Labour’s right wing, has vowed to challenge Starmer if Burnham loses.


title: Drastic restrictions on public transport take effect in Cuba

content_text:
Drastic restrictions on cross-country travel took effect yesterday in cash-strapped Cuba, with spaces on ever scarcer trains and buses now reserved for the sick, people traveling for funerals and other emergencies.

Cuba has been running on empty since the US in January cut off its fuel imports as part of a pressure campaign aimed at forcing changes to the country’s economic model, if not its leaders in Havana.

Transport across the island has screeched to a near halt as gasoline pumps run dry.

A man stands next to luggage and stacked boxes on a train platform in Havana on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Trains from Havana to cities in the east would now only run every 16 days, compared with about three times a week previously. Public buses, which used to run at least once daily to provincial cities, would only operate one to three times a week.

Deputy Ministry of Transport Luis Ladron de Guevara said no permits were needed to travel, but that a “priority system” would operate.

Passengers are required to apply seven days in advance for passage.

The restrictions on inter-city transport affect state-run transportation, on which most Cubans depend.

While small numbers of private taxis and buses continue to serve other cities, they are prohibitively expensive — up to 200 times the price of the state alternative.

Outside a state-run bus office in Havana, 51-year-old Madelaine Montero was waiting on Wednesday for a ticket to take her father, an 80-year-old cancer patient, home to Granma, about 750km away in the east.

She said he needed to be home 20 days before his next check-up to undergo tests, “otherwise he can’t receive treatment.”

A few meters away, 60-year-old Jose Manuel Garcia, who is blind in one eye and undergoing treatment for retinal detachment to save the other, was seeking passage home to Santiago de Cuba.

He said he feared having to suspend treatment — available only in Havana — if getting there proved “so difficult” each time.

In Havana, municipal buses have virtually disappeared, leaving most people with no option but to walk to work or school in near 40°C heat.

On Wednesday, dozens of people stood on the side of an eight-lane highway leading east out of the capital trying their luck by waving fistfuls of bills at passing vehicles.

Alexi Martinez, a 56-year-old public health worker, spends almost all her salary on truck tickets to visit her elderly diabetic mother in Havana.

“I have to do it because I’m an only child,” she said.


title: The strange and splendid door gods of Tainan

taiwan-subdivisions: 成功 安南

content_text:
Far from the standard painted guardians found in most Taiwanese temples, these unusual figures open a window onto the city’s forgotten coastlines, colonial encounters and indigenous spiritual worlds

In most of Taiwan’s temples, you’ll find door gods (門神) — full-length portraits of protective deities painted directly onto the large wooden main entrance doors.

More often than not, they depict Qin Shubao (秦叔寶) and Yuchi Gong (尉遲恭), seventh-century generals who are said to have guarded the sleeping chambers of Emperor Taizong (太宗) of the Tang Dynasty, because the ruler was afraid of ghosts. Realizing they couldn’t remain on duty forever, the emperor had their portraits painted on the bedroom’s entrance, and these images proved effective at keeping evil spirits at bay. Artists usually give Qin fair skin and a composed expression, while Yuchi is darker and looks more fierce.

Door god portraits are among the finest and most culturally significant expressions of folk art in Taiwan. But as in other forms of temple decoration, convention doesn’t preclude innovation. Tucked away in parts of Tainan seldom visited by sightseers, both of the shrines featured in this article boast idiosyncratic door gods.

LUERMEN ZHENGMEN TEMPLE

Where Tainan’s Annan District (安南) meets the sea, the coastline has been repeatedly redrawn by the forces of nature. Several times since the 17th century, rivers have burst their banks and carved out new courses. Silt washed down from the Central Mountain Range has blocked creeks and filled in lagoons. Luermen Zhengmen Temple (鹿耳門鎮門宮) stands on solid ground, but when Koxinga, also known as Zheng Chenggong (鄭成功) — the shrine’s principal deity — arrived hereabouts in the spring of 1661, this location was beneath the sea.

This place of worship was founded in 1986 and rebuilt between 2006 and 2008. The current structure was inspired by Ming Dynasty architecture, which is appropriate as Koxinga was a Ming loyalist implacably opposed to the Manchu Qing regime established in Beijing in 1644. Perhaps because it’s exposed to ocean gales, the structure is already noticeably weathered.

The temple’s six door gods were painted by Annan-born Lin Chung-hsin (林中信), and four of them are nothing out of the ordinary. The other two have European features, to represent the Dutch East India Company officials, merchants and soldiers Koxinga defeated and expelled.

One wields a kris, a dagger with a twisting blade. Such weapons are associated with the Indonesian island of Java, which in that era was also a Dutch colony, so it wouldn’t be surprising if some of those stationed in Taiwan carried them. His companion holds a ji (戟), a halberd-like weapon. Both foreign door gods are barefoot; according to the Web site of Tainan City Government’s Tourism Bureau, this is because “when the Dutch were defeated, they abandoned their weapons and armor, and even their shoes, before fleeing.”

On the temple’s first floor, large paintings (also by Lin) depict several European men, some of whom wear armor. I’ve not been able to discover the significance of the red-and-white flag one man holds; it’s nothing like the flags of the Dutch Republic or the Dutch East India Company.