When volatility is good politics

In Trump’s ‘thugocracy,’ those in charge are able to profit off the suffering they themselves create

The US-Israeli war with Iran has shown how instability can become a powerful political instrument. Leaders can exploit crises to maintain supporters’ loyalty, even while imposing costs on them, and extract concessions from domestic and foreign adversaries through coercion and manufactured unpredictability. In a forthcoming paper, Canadian economist Ronald Wintrobe calls this dynamic “thugocracy”: a form of rule grounded in coercion, intimidation and unpredictability.

Over the past three months, the conflict has swung repeatedly — sometimes within hours — from escalation to de-escalation, with threats, strikes, sanctions, tolls and ceasefire announcements following one another at breakneck speed. For example, on April 7, only hours after saying that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” US President Donald Trump abruptly changed tack and announced a ceasefire, claiming that America’s military objectives had already been achieved.

Conventional frameworks for diplomacy and deterrence are poorly suited to a conflict of this kind. Wintrobe’s thugocracy concept is especially valuable because it highlights how coercion, instability and political loyalty can interact in ways that redistribute the costs and benefits of conflict unevenly across society. Political and economic insiders have the financial resources and privileged information to benefit from instability, while all others absorb the costs. Convinced that the sacrifices imposed by war, sanctions and economic coercion serve a larger purpose, the leader’s supporters are willing to endure substantial hardship.

The Trump administration illustrates how war and profit are becoming increasingly intertwined. In March, for example, the Financial Times reported that a broker associated with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attempted to acquire a defense-focused investment fund just before the start of the Iran war. While that allegation remains disputed, the broader dynamic is clear: Those closest to power are uniquely positioned to anticipate shocks, hedge against them and profit from the instability that follows. Prediction markets such as Polymarket have pushed that logic even further, turning geopolitical escalation itself into a speculative asset.

The pattern extends beyond financial markets. Trump has repeatedly threatened to “take” Iran’s oil and target key oil-export infrastructure, including facilities on Kharg Island, underscoring how deeply material interests are embedded in his strategic calculus.

Trade policy has likewise become an instrument of coercion, with Trump threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on countries that continue trading with Iran. Together with sanctions and military pressure, trade restrictions have become part of a unified bargaining strategy aimed not only at weakening Iran but at maximizing US leverage over other countries.

Viewed against the backdrop of Iran’s economy before the war began, the effects of these measures become much clearer. After decades of Western sanctions, many households were already grappling with falling living standards, while domestic industries struggled to stay afloat.

Nader Habibi of Brandeis University and I said in a study that international sanctions were associated with a significant contraction of Iran’s middle class between 2012 and 2019. This was not simply a temporary shock, but the result of sustained declines in real incomes, persistent inflation and severe labor-market disruptions. As purchasing power eroded, many households experienced downward mobility.

The consequences were not limited to lost income. Studies have shown that sanctions have made essential drugs far more expensive and harder to obtain. For many patients, this meant missing or delaying treatment and heightened health risks. These economic and social pressures helped fuel the mass protests that swept Iran early this year.

The war is devastating an economy already weakened by years of cumulative shocks. And because ordinary Iranian households bear most of these costs, external actors remain insulated from many of the immediate political costs of escalation.

This helps explain why coercive policies can retain support among a leader’s core constituency despite imposing significant economic costs. Drawing on the concept of “Giffen goods,” Wintrobe said that some policies can continue to command support even when they leave supporters materially worse off. That does not mean that the Iran war is popular among US voters, or that Iran’s government enjoys majority support. Rather, the mechanism operates within particular constituencies. In the US, it works through partisan loyalty, narratives of strength and selective information flows. In Iran, external attacks and sanctions can reinforce nationalist solidarity, even among citizens who remain critical of the regime.

Information is central to this process, especially among Trump’s core supporters. The issue is not formal censorship, but a fragmented and polarized media environment in which the costs of the Iran war can be reframed as the price of strength, deterrence and national renewal. In such a setting, economic strain can more easily be attributed to Iran, foreign rivals or domestic opponents rather than to the administration’s own decisions. At the same time, Trump’s rapid shift from threatening Iran with catastrophic destruction to announcing a ceasefire can be cast as tactical success, reinforcing the perception that the president is acting decisively and strategically.

Identity also plays a powerful role. When policies are framed as vital to national security, they can create a strong sense of collective purpose even as they impose severe economic costs. That is because public attitudes are shaped as much by status, identity and fear of external threats as they are by material interests.

In times of war, the connection between policy choices and economic hardship becomes obscured, making alternative explanations easier to accept. The result is a political equilibrium that perpetuates costly and destabilizing policies. The persistence of sufficient public support for such measures reflects the interplay between economic incentives, weak political accountability, restricted information and identity politics, rather than simple voter irrationality.

When war generates economic gains for certain groups, it can create powerful incentives to prolong it. While not every beneficiary seeks escalation, some people are structurally positioned to profit from it.

The fallout does not stop at national borders. Rising prices, supply-chain disruptions and heightened uncertainty ripple through the global economy, affecting households and firms far beyond the immediate conflict zone and reshaping political incentives worldwide.

The fragile ceasefire with Iran might pause the violence, but it does not alter the underlying incentives driving the conflict. As long as volatility enriches the powerful while ordinary people pay the price, escalation remains politically useful. The real challenge is to sever the link between geopolitical instability and private gain.

Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, professor of the economics of the Middle East at the Center for Near and Middle Eastern Studies and the School of Business and Economics at Marburg University, is a visiting fellow at the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study and a research fellow at CESifo and the Economic Research Forum.

Copyright: Project Syndicate


Takaichi’s press snubs sweep away another tradition

To foreign audiences, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is one of the most recognizable Japanese leaders in recent memory. From hugging US President Donald Trump to drumming with her South Korean counterpart, she has drawn attention in a way few of her blander predecessors could.

However, back home, the press is getting restless at its lack of access to the prime minister. Takaichi has spoken with the media on fewer occasions than any leader in the past 15 years, despite the succession of domestic and global events she has faced since taking office. She has largely eschewed impromptu press gaggles and one-on-one interviews, preferring to communicate via tweet instead. That, combined with her habit of avoiding the traditional late-night dinners with politicians and party members, has some commentators dubbing her a hikikomori, a term for recluses who shun society.

Accusations of dodging the media have followed her since February’s election campaign, when she skipped a debate with opposition leaders on the national broadcaster, citing a hand injury related to her rheumatoid arthritis. What some might see as ducking is more a matter of downgrading.

At the risk of drawing too many similarities to Donald Trump, one thing she shares with the US president is a preference for directly reaching voters via social media.

“Since becoming prime minister, I have been trying to communicate mainly through X as much as possible every day,” she told reporters on a rare occasion when they had an opportunity to ask. “I want to inform people in a timely manner, and through replies I can directly receive feedback from the public.”

She is not wrong: Japan has more daily users on X than any other country. When the government has an announcement, such as confirmation a ship had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, it is often via social media post. The Japanese Ministry of Finance has a page on a local blogging platform, with posts explaining the budget and measures to tackle inflation. Takaichi’s press secretary started an X account, directly rebuffing English-language accounts posting fictional comments from the premier. It is a change made more ironic by the fact that Takaichi began her career as a TV news anchor.

The press everywhere are used to having preferential access. Japan has had a particularly cozy system, thanks to the oft-criticized kisha club system, closed groups of reporters with privileged access to ministries and other institutions, sometimes accused of being too close to their subjects. It is a system that might prove just as vulnerable to disintermediation as the media elsewhere, losing relevance in an era where they no longer have a monopoly on the means of transmission.

In corporate communications, companies from Toyota Motor Corp to Nintendo Co are increasingly opting for “owned media” strategies that bypass legacy outlets to deliver information directly to the customer. Artificial intelligence firms like OpenAI go direct to users when they launch new features, sometimes dropped just on Sam Altman’s X feed. Silicon Valley tech executives like Mark Zuckerberg are these days more likely to appear on a three-hour podcast than sit down for traditional media interviews. There is not only less risk of being quoted out of context or hit with “gotcha” moments; audiences increasingly trust these lengthy, loose formats, despite concerns that they are forums for lobbing soft questions.

The Trump administration has courted podcasters and other online influencers, encouraging them to apply for White House accreditation while shutting out traditional media. While the US president was the most prominent early example of a politician announcing policy on social media, he is an avid consumer of legacy media. Future politicians, who are growing up in a very different news environment, might care much less for traditional adulation. Substack has made it possible for anyone to be a commentator; little wonder it is one of the only news Web sites growing as traffic at most others declines.

Those who complained about the protective kisha clubs might cheer this democratization of access. Whether or not that is a good thing, technology continues to change how public figures interact with the public itself. It was only in the early 2000s that Japanese prime ministers began the press gaggle system, an attempt to communicate more directly with the public by leveraging the power of television.

People are now as likely to get their news from TikTok as TV. Newspaper sales have halved in 15 years; YouTubers and rabble-rousing influencers like Internet entrepreneur Hiroyuki Nishimura might have more sway over public opinion than anyone in the traditional press.

The media harbor suspicions about Takaichi, who as communications minister once said the government could curb broadcasters if their coverage was politically biased. Suspicions run both ways: The media might have their own agenda, as Takaichi discovered when a photographer for news agency Jiji was caught on microphone saying he would “only release photos that will lower the approval ratings” of the prime minister.

As the old bargain between the press and power frays, the media still has a duty to demand accountability, but it should not assume politicians still depend on it for distribution.

Gearoid Reidy is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Japan and the Koreas. He previously led the breaking news team in North Asia, and was the Tokyo deputy bureau chief. 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.


MAN CITY DRAW: In the battle at the bottom of the table, West Ham United need a win in their final match of the season to have a shot at overtaking Tottenham

Arsenal’s decades-long wait is over after Mikel Arteta’s team on Tuesday were crowned Premier League champions for the first time since 2004 with Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth.

“I told you all ... it’s done,” Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice posted on social media with a photograph of himself and his teammates celebrating.

The result at Vitality Stadium put an end to what might be Pep Guardiola’s final title challenge with City after the decorated manager did not dismiss reports that he was set to leave the club at the end of the season.

AFC Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi celebrates scoring during their Premier League match against Manchester City at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, England, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

City needed to win against Bournemouth to take it down to the final game of the campaign on Sunday, but the draw left Arsenal with an unassailable four-point lead at the top, ending their 22-year wait for the title.

Arsenal fans celebrated wildly outside the team’s Emirates Stadium, setting off flares and partying in the street. There were celebrations at the club’s training ground, too, where the players had gathered to watch the match.

City threatened another twist in an engrossing title race when Erling Haaland scored in stoppage-time to equalize after Junior Kroupi’s first-half strike, but it was too late to find a winner.

Arteta’s players can now stand alongside club icons Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Ian Wright, who previously reached the summit of English soccer. And Arsenal’s current class could yet break new ground by winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history later this month.

Thoughts of the May 30 final against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain can be put on the backburner for now.

Now is a time for celebration and relief for Arteta after finishing runners-up in the league three years in a row.

Arsenal claim Premier League title


The New York Knicks, fueled by 38 points from Jalen Brunson, on Tuesday erased a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers 115-104 in overtime in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.

The Knicks looked done for when they trailed 93-71 with 7 minutes, 52 seconds left in regulation time, but Brunson spearheaded an 18-1 New York run and banked in a floater to tie it at 101-101 with 19.3 seconds left.

When Cleveland’s Sam Merrill missed a three-pointer, they went to the extra session — in which the Knicks scored the first nine points.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell, center, looks for options as Landry Shamet, left, and Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks defend during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday.

Brunson said that he did not know how the Knicks had pulled off the sensational comeback.

“I don’t have an answer for you,” he told broadcaster ESPN. “We got some stops. We kept fighting, kept believing, just kept chipping away. They were playing great basketball and we just found a way.”

Mikal Bridges added 18 points, and OG Anunoby, back from a two-game injury absence, was one of three Knicks players with 13.

The New York Knicks’ OG Anunoby, top, goes to the basket during Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points to lead the Cavaliers and James Harden added 15.

The Knicks have a chance to double their lead in the best-of-seven series, as they are set to host Game 2 today.

The series winners face either defending champions the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the championship series.

The Spurs, fueled by a 41-point performance by Victor Wembanyama, beat the Thunder in double-overtime in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday.

It is the first time in NBA history that the first games in both conference finals have been decided in overtime.

Rust might have played a role in a sluggish Knicks start. New York had been off for nine days after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers were battle tested if not rested, having polished off a second straight seven-game series with a triumph against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

A three-pointer by Mitchell saw Cleveland emerge from a back-and-forth first half with a 48-46 lead and the Cavaliers pulled away relentlessly in the second half as the Madison Square Garden crowd looked on in stunned, silent disbelief.

However, they were celebrating wildly by night’s end as the Knicks moved one step closer to their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.

They reached the conference finals last year, but were beaten by the Indiana Pacers.

The Cavaliers are in the conference finals for the first time since 2018, when they were led by LeBron James.

Harden, 36, is back in the penultimate round for the first time since his 2018 Most Valuable Player season with Houston, when the Rockets fell in seven games to the Golden State Warriors.

It was a crushing welcome to the conference finals for seven-time All-Star Mitchell, who never made it past the second round in five post-season appearances with the Utah Jazz.

“We should have won the game,” Mitchell said. “We’re up 22 with God knows how much time? Eight minutes? Gotta win the game. We didn’t.”

However, there is still plenty of time to regroup, he added.

“It’s one game,” Mitchell said. “We could have lost by 40, still would have been 1-0. We played pretty solid for three quarters or so. We’ll make adjustments and go from there.”

In Los Angeles, the Dallas Mavericks said that they are “parting ways” with head coach Jason Kidd in a decision agreed by both parties.

“The Dallas Mavericks announced today that the team has mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jason Kidd,” an article posted on the team’s Web site said. “The organization will immediately begin a comprehensive search for its next head coach.”

Kidd has been at the helm in Dallas for five seasons, reaching the Western Conference finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024 under his guidance, but a 26-56 campaign, in the Mavs’ first full season since they traded Slovenian star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February last year, spelled the end of his tenure.

NY Knicks rally to stun Cavaliers


MLB is experiencing an epidemic of guys being dudes. At ballparks all across the US, groups consisting of mostly young men are joining in on the “Tarps Off” trend that is loud, goofy, infectious and new to the baseball world.

Joining in on the fun is simple: Go to the section where the party is happening, take off your shirt and start twirling it above your head.

Soccer-like chants or singing usually follow — injecting a jolt of energy for a sport that is occasionally chided for its lack of energy inside the stadium.

The Seattle Mariners’ mascot Moose interacts with fans during the MLB team’s game against the Chicago White Sox at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Tuesday. Photo: AP

After getting its start in St Louis, Missouri, on Friday last week, it has spread across the league to places like Detroit, Michigan; Tampa Bay, Florida; Philadelphia; Seattle; and Anaheim, California.

Chad Bitzer — who has been going to Seattle Mariners games for about 13 years — was among the shirtless fans.

His reasoning was simple: “Cause everyone else was taking it off. Why not?”

The Detroit Tigers’ Lee Hao-yu hits a single during their MLB game against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan, on Tuesday. The Taiwanese, who was playing second base, had one hit from three at-bats. Photo: AFP

“It’s fresh. It’s a beautiful night. Take it off,” Bitzer said. “Great northwest night. We live for the summers. We live for the good weather.”

His team lost on Tuesday, beaten 2-1 by the Chicago White Sox.

Ground zero for the shirtless outbreak was in St Louis on Friday last week, when a club baseball team affiliated with Stephen F. Austin State University was in Alton, Illinois, for the National Club Baseball Division II World Series. The Cardinals offered tickets to the team and 17 players attended.

That group started the fun, dozens of others joined and suddenly their were a couple of hundred fans creating a ruckus in right field that helped propel the Cardinals to a 5-4 victory in 11 innings over the Kansas City Royals.

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol loved the energy so much that he bought tickets for the shirtless revelers for Saturday’s game and they returned.

“It’s hard not to have fun when the fans are like that,” Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn said on Friday. “We’ve got the best fans in the world, but it seems like the younger generation makes it more like a college atmosphere.”

Even the Cardinals’ mascot Fredbird joined in on the fun.

Now it might be the start of a tradition — more shirtless fans cheered for the Cardinals in Tuesday’s game against the Pirates. It certainly seems to be a boost for the club’s homefield advantage: Ivan Herrera hit a three-run homer to lift the Cardinals to a 9-6 win in 10 innings.

A similar outbreak of shirtless fans broke out at a Tampa Bay Rays game on Monday and again on Tuesday, when they beat the Baltimore Orioles 4-1.

Another small group celebrated at Citizens Bank Park as the Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-1 in the rain.

Angels fans celebrated with a mix of joy and irritation, chanting for owner Arte Moreno to sell the team.

They lost 14-6 loss against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

MLB certainly will not complain about the recent attention. Attendance is up at big-league stadiums so far this season, averaging about 1,000 more fans per game than a year ago through Monday’s contests.

If the trend continues, MLB could average 30,000 fans per game for the first time since 2016.

Elsewhere on Tuesday, it was:

‧ Cubs 2, Brewers 5

‧ Diamondbacks 5, Giants 3

‧ Marlins 4, Braves 8

‧ Nationals 9, Mets 6

‧ Padres 4, Dodgers 5

‧ Rockies 0, Rangers 10

‧ Royals 1, Red Sox 7

‧ Tigers 3, Guardians 4

‧ Twins 1, Astros 2

‧ Yankees 5, Blue Jays 4

Shirtless fans star as MLB embraces ‘tarps off’


Scientists have spotted two humpback whales that made separate, record-breaking crossings between Australia and Brazil.

The whales were identified by their distinctive tail markings at the two locations about 14,500km apart. They traveled in opposite directions and journeyed farther than any humpback known so far.

“It’s a very rare event, but it is a really wonderful demonstration of just how wide-ranging these animals are,” said Phillip Clapham, former head of a US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration whale research program who was not involved with the new findings.

A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Australia in a photograph provided by the Pacific Whale Foundation this month. Photo: Pacific Whale Foundation via AP

Humpback whales are known for roaming long distances across major oceans in predictable patterns, typically following migration routes learned from their mothers. They feed on krill and small fish in the warmer months and breed in tropical waters over winter.

It is difficult to track the movements of creatures that spend most of their lives underwater. In the new study, scientists analyzed more than 19,000 whale images taken in the past four decades by research groups and citizen scientists.

Recognition software helped to identify the whales based on the color patterns and jagged edges of their tails. Researchers pinpointed two different whales at breeding sites in eastern Australia and Brazil over the years, suggesting they had crossed from one place to the other.

One whale traveled more than 15,000km, outranking previous record holders, including a humpback that swam from Colombia to Zanzibar.

The findings were published on Tuesday in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

Since the photos only depict the whales at the beginning and end of their journeys, researchers do not know the exact route they took.

Whales do not typically travel between mating sites, so it is not yet clear why these two separately embarked on their journeys.

They might have met other whales on shared feeding grounds and split off instead of returning to where they came from, study coauthor and Pacific Whale Foundation chief biologist and research program codirector Stephanie Stack said in an e-mail.

“Finding not one but two individuals that have crossed between Australia and Brazil challenges what we thought we knew about how separate these populations really are,” Stack said.

Such odysseys are more difficult for whales in the northern hemisphere, where massive continents make traveling across oceans tougher.

Scientists said the record journey shows just how far humpback whales can go. The methods can also help keep track of them as climate change warms oceans, possibly changing where krill live and where humpbacks might go to feed and breed.

Two humpback whales set swimming records


BIGGER ROLE: Beijing has said it maintains an impartial stance on the war in Ukraine, but by training Russian troops, China is far more involved than previously known

China’s armed forces secretly trained about 200 Russian military personnel in China late last year, and some have since returned to fight in Ukraine, according to three European intelligence agencies and documents seen by Reuters.

While China and Russia have held a number of joint military exercises since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Beijing has repeatedly said that it is neutral in the conflict and presents itself as a peace mediator.

The covert training sessions, which predominantly focused on the use of drones, were outlined in a dual-language Russian-Chinese agreement signed by senior Russian and Chinese officers in Beijing on July 2 last year.

A car drives along a road covered with an anti-drone net near Sloviansk, Ukraine, on Oct. 27 last year. Photo: Reuters

The agreement, reviewed by Reuters, said that about 200 Russian troops would be trained at military facilities in locations including Beijing and the eastern city of Nanjing.

About that number of soldiers subsequently trained in China, the sources said.

The agreement also said that hundreds of Chinese troops would undergo training at military facilities in Russia.

By training Russian military personnel at an operational and tactical level who then participate in Ukraine, China is far more directly involved in the war on the European continent than previously known, one intelligence official said.

The Russian and Chinese defense ministries did not respond to requests for comment.

“On the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently maintained an objective and impartial stance and worked to promote peace talks, this is consistent and clear and is witnessed by the international community,” the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “Relevant parties should not deliberately stoke confrontation or shift blame.”

The intelligence agencies spoke on condition they not be identified in order to discuss sensitive information.

European powers, which see Russia as a major security threat, have watched warily at increasingly close relations between Russia and China, the world’s second-largest economy and an important EU trade partner.

The two nations announced a “no limits” strategic partnership days before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and pledged to conduct military exercises to rehearse coordination between their armed forces. As the West tried to isolate Russia, China provided a lifeline by buying its oil, gas and coal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Tuesday and yesterday hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin, less than a week after US President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit.

China and Russia have cast Putin’s trip — his 25th visit to China — as further evidence of their “all-weather” partnership, even as the West urges Beijing to pressure Moscow into ending its war in Ukraine.

Both sides use long-range models to attack targets hundreds of miles away, while on the battlefield, smaller drones that are remotely controlled by pilots using first-person view equipment and armed with explosives dominate the sky, making it hazardous for armored vehicles or infantry to move.

In September last year, Reuters reported that experts from private Chinese companies had conducted technical development work on military drones for a Russian attack drone manufacturer, according to European officials.

China’s foreign ministry said then it was unaware of the collaboration.

The EU last month sanctioned the two companies identified in the article.

According to the training agreement, the Russians would be schooled in disciplines such as drones, electronic warfare, army aviation and armored infantry. The agreement prohibited any media coverage of the visits in either country and said no third parties should be informed.

Visits by Chinese troops to Russia for training have been taking place since at least 2024, but Russian personnel training in China is new, two of the intelligence agencies said.

While Russia has extensive combat experience in Ukraine, China’s vast drone industry offers technological know-how and advanced training methods such as flight simulators, they said.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has not fought a major war for decades, but it has expanded quickly in the past 20 years and rivals US military might in some areas.

A significant number of Russian personnel who received training in China were ranking military instructors in a position to pass knowledge down the chain of command, the two intelligence agencies said.

One of the agencies said they had confirmed the identities of a handful of Russian military personnel who trained in China and had since been directly involved in combat operations with drones in Ukraine’s occupied Crimea and Zaporizhzhia regions.

The rank of those people ranged from junior sergeant to lieutenant colonel, the agency said.

The names of the individuals appeared in a Russian military document seen by Reuters that listed the service members going to China. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the subsequent involvement of those individuals in the Ukraine war.

The same intelligence agency said it was highly probable that many of those who trained in China had gone to Ukraine.

Internal Russian military reports described four of the training sessions for Russian troops in China after they had taken place.

One report dated December last year described a training course on combined-arms warfare for about 50 Russian military personnel at the Army Infantry College of the PLA branch in Shijiazhuang.

The report said the course involved training soldiers to fire 82mm mortars while using uncrewed aerial vehicles to identify their targets.

A second report described air defense training at a military facility, including the use of electronic warfare rifles, net-throwing devices and drones to counter incoming drones. Two officials said the facility was located in Zhengzhou.

All of those types of equipment are relevant to the war in Ukraine. Electronic warfare rifles are aimed at incoming drones to interfere with and disrupt their signals, while nets can be thrown around drones to ensnare them as they approach.

Both sides use fiber-optic aerial drones connected to their pilots by fine thread that cannot be jammed electronically. Fiber-optic drones typically operate with a range of 10km to 20km, but some can go as far as 40km.

A third report, dated December last year and written by a Russian major, described drone training for Russian personnel at Yibin’s PLA Training Center for Military Aviation, First Brigade.

The course centered around multimedia presentations and involved the use of flight simulators, training to use several types of first-person view drone and two other types of drones, it said.

A fourth report described a course in November last year at the Army Engineering University of the PLA Infantry. The training covered explosives technology, mine construction, demining, and the removal of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices.

The report included photographs of Russian soldiers in uniform being taught by Chinese instructors in military uniform. The images also showed Russian soldiers being shown engineering equipment and how to sweep for mines.

China trained Russians to fight in Ukraine: sources


Philippine Supreme Court declines to halt ICC arrest

The Philippine Supreme Court yesterday rejected a bid by Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa for a temporary restraining order to prevent his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Dela Rosa, whose whereabouts are unknown, is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in a bloody “war on drugs” during Rodrigo Duterte’s 2016-2022 presidency.

Dela Rosa has denied involvement in illegal killings.

Philippine Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa takes a phone call during a session at the Senate in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday last week. Photo: Reuters

Philippine authorities last week confirmed they were seeking to arrest the former police chief and top enforcer of the crackdown, who had argued in a petition to the court that law enforcement had no legal authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by a foreign court.

“The Supreme Court, in a vote of 9-5-1, denied the prayer for a temporary restraining order and/or status quo ante order filed by Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. Dela Rosa,” a court statement said.

Dela Rosa’s attorney said they would ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.

The court’s ruling is the latest turn in a dramatic story that has gripped the Philippines since early last week and paves the way for his arrest.

Dela Rosa last week emerged from six months of hiding and took refuge at the Senate for several days, before slipping away in the early hours of Thursday last week, after a night of chaos and gunfire following his appeal for help.

The ICC last week unsealed an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, accused along with Duterte and other “co-perpetrators” of the crime against humanity of murder.

Government agents tried to arrest Dela Rosa on the same day, but the pro-Duterte Senate leadership foiled the attempt and gave him sanctuary.

Duterte was arrested last year and is awaiting trial before the ICC in The Hague on charges stemming from the drug crackdown.

“For now, we can say that the warrant of arrest is valid against Senator Bato Dela Rosa,” Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s spokeswoman Claire Castro told reporters.

It was not immediately known whether Manila would try to enforce the arrest.


Japan asks China to ensure citizens’ safety after attack

Tokyo has asked Beijing to ensure its citizens’ safety after a stabbing in a Shanghai restaurant in which two Japanese nationals were injured, Japan’s consulate in Shanghai said yesterday.

It is the latest diplomatic point of friction as the two countries are embroiled in a standoff triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s suggestion that if China invaded Taiwan, it would pose an existential threat to Japan, potentially triggering a military response.

China said the incident was “an isolated public security case.”

People run and walk along the Bund across from buildings in Shanghai’s Pudong District on Jan. 6. Photo: Bloomberg

Pudong District police on Tuesday wrote on social media that they had received a report that a man “was injuring people with a fruit knife in a restaurant.”

Police said the suspect, a 59-year-old surnamed Yang (楊) who was detained at the scene, had a history of mental illness.

Three people were taken to a hospital, the statement said, with Japanese media later reporting two were Japanese.

Asked about the reports, the Japanese consulate in Shanghai confirmed that two Japanese citizens had been hurt, adding that they were receiving medical treatment.

“The Government of Japan has requested the Chinese government to ... clarify the facts and provide a clear explanation ... [and] ensure the safety and security of Japanese nationals,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara later confirmed Tokyo’s request, adding that a consular alert had been sent to all Japanese residents in China.

“The government will continue, while maintaining contact with the parties concerned, to provide all possible support from the standpoint of protecting Japanese nationals,” he said.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday said that the third person injured was Chinese.

“This incident is an isolated public security case, and the competent Chinese authorities will handle it in accordance with the law,” spokesman Guo Jiakun (郭嘉昆) told a regular news briefing.

The restaurant reported to be the site of the attack, based on the police statement, appeared calm yesterday.

Several people in gray suits who appeared to be security were standing guard in the mall where the restaurant is located.

Police said that when Yang was detained, he had been “speaking incoherently and behaving erratically.”


An Australian animal welfare group is seeking a heroic dog with an appetite for adventure for a full-time position as a koala rescuer.

The successful pooch will replace the world-famous Bear, credited with saving more than 100 koalas from bushfires during a decade of service.

“Bear set the gold standard for koala detection dogs,” the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Oceania head of programs Josey Sharrad said. “He’s leaving very big boots to fill, but now it’s time to find his successor to follow in his pawprints and keep protecting koalas.”

Bear, a koala detection dog, trains at an unknown location on Nov. 10, 2023.

Photo: International Fund for Animal Welfare via AFP

“By only recruiting a rescue dog, it’s a win-win — giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas,” Innovation for Conservation director and handler Russell Miller said.

Other key attributes are a love of play, confidence and a gentle temperament toward fellow animals is crucial.

They must also be medium-sized — “not too small that they struggle in the bush, not too big that the handlers can’t carry them when needed,” the IFAW job ad says.

Interviews were being held in eastern Australia’s Sunshine Coast, but applications by video are also welcome.

Bear’s skills saved more than 100 koalas as the Black Summer bushfires raged across Australia’s eastern seaboard from late 2019 to early 2020, razing millions of hectares, destroying thousands of homes and blanketing cities in noxious smoke.

The tail-wagging detective with a “joyful and goofy” personality retired with an extensive list of accolades — including an Animal of the Year award and the Puppy Tales Photos Australian Dog of the Year award.

Conservation group seeks new koala dog


MALDIVES

Divers’ bodies recovered

The last two bodies of Italian divers killed in the deadliest-ever diving accident have been recovered, a government spokesperson said yesterday, completing recovery efforts. The divers were among a group of five who entered a deepwater cave for exploration last week, after being granted the necessary permit to research soft corals in the Devana Kandu site. Maldivian authorities are investigating multiple possible causes behind their deaths, including whether the group descended far deeper than expected. “A preliminary identification has confirmed the identities of the Italians and work will go on to confirm via DNA through Interpol and other partners,” spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef said.

Divers conduct search-and-recovery operations for the bodies of Italian tourists in the waters of Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, yesterday. Photo: Maldives President’s Media Division via EPA

CHINA

Floods kill at least 25

Rescue workers yesterday used boats or swam through floodwaters to evacuate people in waterlogged areas across central and southwest China after torrential rain killed at least 25 people and shut businesses, schools and transportation links. Heavy rain is expected to continue across southern and central parts of the country, including the Jiangxi, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Guangdong and Hainan provinces and the Guangxi autonomous region, with high risks of landslides, flash floods and severe urban flooding and waterlogging, authorities said. “A new round of rainfall will arrive tomorrow, bringing significant precipitation to many areas in both the north and south,” the China Meteorological Administration said.

SPAIN

Billionaire’s son released

The son of Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the Spanish fashion brand Mango, on Tuesday posted bail of 1 million euros (US$1.2 million) following his arrest for alleged homicide in connection with a renewed investigation into the death of his father in 2024. Andic, 71, was hiking with his son, Jonathan Andic, in the mountains near Barcelona when he fell about 150m down a cliff and died in December 2024. Jonathan Andic, 45, who is the vice chairman of Mango, one of Spain’s biggest retailers, was the only witness. Police opened an investigation, but closed it a few weeks later. It was reopened in March last year, and in October, police confirmed the death was being investigated as a possible homicide. Jonathan Andic was taken to a court in Martorell, where the case is being investigated.

AUSTRALIA

Frog found in lettuce

When Australian farmer Rhys Smoker announced he had found a live frog in a bag of lettuce, his roommates did not believe him. Smoker had been preparing a steak and salad dinner on Saturday for the three people who share his house in Esperance in Western Australia when he spotted the frog among the leaves inside the sealed plastic bag he had bought from a supermarket, housemate Laura Jones said on Tuesday. “He’s like: ‘Oh Bro, there’s a frog in the lettuce.’ And we’re like: ‘No, you’re taking the mick, like that’s not real,’” Jones said. Smoker brought the bag into the lounge room to show Jones and her partner Billy Le Pine. “Obviously there’s a little frog hiding out and, yeah, we all had a little laugh about it,” Jones said. Le Pine said they named the frog Greg before releasing it at a pond near the house. “We thought we’d give him a wee send-off tune as we played Crazy Frog for him,” Le Pine told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Crazy Frog is a Swedish CGI-animated character and Eurodance musician.

World News Quick Take


Notes from Central Taiwan: Trump, Taiwan and the great panic machineHis post-summit remarks gave Taiwan’s pro-PRC camp fresh talking points, but the broader pattern — alarming words, official walk-backs and underlying policy continuity — remains deeply familiar

And so, in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s trip to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), all the experts on the Strait of Hormuz suddenly became experts on US-China-Taiwan relations. The Internet has certainly expanded human knowledge.

Lots of these sudden experts made noise this week about Trump’s words after the meeting with PRC dictator Xi Jin-ping (習近平). Trump is going to sell out Taiwan! Longtime Taiwan commentator J. Michael Cole summed the situation up neatly in the Guardian: “We need to keep in mind that he has a tendency to say many things — sometimes contradicting himself within 24 hours — in the moment, based on what he recently heard or whom he spoke with.”

Trump’s remarks, widely reported in Taiwan, gave a lift to the pro-PRC side in Taiwan’s politics, which exploited them to yell at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) about its pro-independence flank. But this is old hat. A CNN report observed that a declaration of independence by Taiwan “is not part of the one-China policy,” the US President said. Anyone know which US President said that?

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos in March speaks during a press conference at the Malacanang Palace in Manila. Marcos said last week that the Philippines would likely become involved in any conflict over Taiwan — comments that he later walked back. Photo: AFP

Official Washington pretends to be convinced that Taiwan could “declare independence,” a self-serving position that also helps the PRC, as I have observed (Notes from Central Taiwan: Independence in rhetoric and reality, April 15, 2024). Each time the US puts forth some version of “ZOMG they could declare independence!” politicians from the pro-China side jump on it. Their claims, that they refuse to be “pawns” of the US, or that the DPP-US relationship and arms purchases are hotbeds of corruption, are standard propaganda, decades old.

This pavane of the US president speaking on Taiwan and then underlings walking it back is an old dance in US-Taiwan relations. “[The President’s] comments represent the strongest and most specific language a US leader has used, and an apparent shift in US policy,” as CNN noted — not of Trump, but of Bush in 2001. The following day an administration official was quoted in the CNN follow-up piece: “no change [in US Taiwan policy] was intended.”

While the Internet was melting down about Trump, the thing that struck quieter observers was how normal everything was. Trump met with the leader of the PRC, and nothing seriously changed. Normal. The president then made Taiwan-related noises, which were quickly walked back. Again, normal. The president deprecated Taiwan independence, presenting it as a cause of the issue. The president told the PRC and Taiwan to both cool it. Every president has made that false equivalence between perps and victims — it is a normal part of US policy. These are inevitably followed by commentators explaining that nothing has really changed, like this essay, also perfectly normal.

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 88 surface-to-ship missile launcher on May 6 fires during the Joint Task Force Maritime Strike, part of Balikatan, the annual joint military exercises between the US and the Philippines, at Culili Point Sand Dunes, Paoay, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines. The leaders of both Japan and the Philippines have said that their nations would be directly impacted in the event of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Photo: Reuters

Several US presidents have made “major shifts” in Taiwan policy, only to see Taiwan policy slowly flow back to its more or less normal mode. Much inertia yet remains in US Taiwan policy. Policy-makers, commentators and think-tankers work tirelessly whenever the dikes are breached to force US Taiwan policy back to its old streambed of the Six Assurances, strategic ambiguity, the communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). Somewhere in the mud of that river lie the fossilized remains of the wishes of the Taiwan people.

Will the US defend Taiwan? The Internet was filled with voices saying that Trump had sold out Taiwan. Yet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that US Taiwan policy was “unchanged.” Other signals are out there, should anyone want to read them.

Earlier this month the US tested its Typhon missile launcher system, based in the Philippines since 2024, by firing a Tomahawk missile, hitting a target 600 kilometers away in the Philippines. Tomahawk missiles can also reach the Taiwan Strait and parts of the PRC from their bases in the Philippines. The PRC has objected vociferously to the deployment of the missiles, since they have only one obvious target: the PRC and its military.

If the US isn’t planning to intervene in a PRC invasion of Taiwan, why is it ramping up its military presence in the Philippines, especially in the north, under the Trump Administration?

The US in late 2023 began rebuilding the World War II airfields on Tinian island in the Pacific, a US commonwealth territory. Tinian is famed as the airfield from which the US launched B-29 raids on Japan late in the war.

“Today, amid tensions between the US and China over Beijing’s threats toward Taiwan, Tinian has been picked as one of several World War II-era military bases to be refurbished,” Radio Liberty said.

If the US isn’t planning on defending Taiwan in a war with the PRC, why is it repairing bases in the Pacific under the Trump Administration?

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said last week that the Philippines would likely become involved in any conflict over Taiwan, given the nation’s geographical proximity and 200,000 migrant workers here. Marcos was later forced to clarify, saying “when it comes to Taiwan, as far as the Philippines is concerned, we do not interfere with something that is an internal matter,” observing that Philippine policy is that Taiwan is part of China, adding “we do not want to be involved in any war, we do not want to be involved in any conflict.”

Marcos very obviously has his own domestic audience to address, but it is difficult to see how the Philippines could stay out of a war between the US and China over Taiwan, especially if it is trying to repatriate its nationals. Northern Luzon will likely be a staging area for supplies to Taiwan, and for US air and sea assets fighting over Taiwan. Manila and Washington have a mutual defense treaty that could well be triggered in the event of a PRC attack on either.

To the north Japan has in the last few years placed missiles on islands close to Taiwan and announced evacuation plans for the residents of said islands. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s announcement that an invasion of Taiwan would be “existential” for Japan highlights another issue in the US intervention calculus: the involvement of nearby states.

Let’s assume Trump decides initially not to intervene in a PRC invasion, as many of his remarks over the years tend to indicate. He refuses to say openly one way or another, which gives him leverage he appears to enjoy.

In that case, imagine the immense pressure that will be brought to bear on him. Japan and the Philippines will be weighing in, since they are next on Beijing’s expansionist list. The US Congress, where Taiwan remains a popular bipartisan issue, will be pressuring for intervention. Voices in the government, intelligence community and Pentagon will be arguing for it as well, as will think-tankers and commentators of all stripes. Taiwanese-American groups will also be in that fight. Polls show defending Taiwan has broad public support in the US.

Of course, Trump could render all this speculation pointless simply by dying, as 80 year olds often do. What will President J. D. Vance do?

Let’s hope Taiwan policy still has inertia.

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


Donovan’s Deep Dives: Shared destiny: The ideological roots of KMT-CCP alignmentTo understand why some opposition lawmakers so readily echo Beijing’s aims, one must first understand the Chinese ethnonationalist worldview that binds race, nation and “reunification” into a single political mission

The opposition coalition of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has systematically worked to make things extremely difficult for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). They have slashed budgets for military spending, dragged out budget negotiations and blocked appointments for key roles, including on the Constitutional Court and several critical agencies, effectively paralyzing their ability to function normally.

All of this is to the advantage of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which is engaged in “unlimited warfare” on many fronts against democracies around the world, but most especially Taiwan, which it wants to annex into its empire as it did with Tibet, Manchuria, Inner Mongolia and the Uighur territories.

This has led many to label them “pro-China” and even as “traitors.” Their behavior makes these accusations easy to make.

Premier Cho Jung-tai, center, yesterday speaks in the legislature about the defense budget, as Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo, right, and Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics Minister Chen Shu-tzu look on. Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times

But of course it’s not that simple.

In the last column, “Donovan’s Deep Dives: How and why the TPP and KMT help Beijing” (May 16, page 12), four broad reasons were identified, of which one or more may apply to each lawmaker.

The first two have nothing to do with China, namely legitimate policy and ideological differences normal in democracies and the deep historical enmity many in the KMT and DPP have for each other, and the TPP’s recent anti-DPP turn.

The third reason is that some may have been turned by the CCP; actual traitors. Indeed, some have been found in the DPP, and it seems unlikely that KMT members — who regularly join delegations to China — have not been targeted by the CCP with offers of money, sweet business deals for family members, sex or blackmailed through compromising materials.

It was when approaching the fourth reason, the KMT Chinese ethnonationalists who share ideology with the CCP and whose agendas sometimes align, that I had a startling thought.

There may be a whole generation of English-language readers who have little to no idea of what Chinese ethnonationalism is.

In the mid-to-late 2010s, Taiwan’s English-language media landscape switched from being dominated by KMT ethnonationalist narratives (“pan-blue”) to DPP-friendly pro-Taiwan ones (“pan-green”). Pan-blue outlets all but disappeared, and even the KMT stopped running English content on their Web site in 2020.

It used to be that Taiwanese were regularly referred to as “Chinese,” Taiwanese-Americans were called “ABCs” (American Born Chinese) and “free China” was still used. “Mainland” for China still persists, mostly among those educated prior to 2014.

Before exploring this topic, some caveats are in order. First, keep in mind I am at the opposite end of the political spectrum and disagree with them, but I will do my best to present their worldview.

Not all KMT voters are Chinese ethnonationalists; many have other reasons for supporting the party. By definition, KMT members are, and espouse the eventual “reunification” of Taiwan with the “mainland,” but there is a spectrum and individuals vary. For some, it is a faraway prospect for some distant future when and if China democratizes.

THE CALL OF THE MOTHERLAND

This column focuses on the thinking of those in the KMT who support closer integration with China to lay the groundwork for “reunification” in the short to medium term, such as KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) and her allies in the legislature.

At the core of Chinese ethnonationalist ideology is the concept that the Han Chinese people and the Chinese nation are deeply intertwined. Both the CCP and KMT historically view all ethnic Chinese, regardless of nationality or native language, as part of the nation. In this view, for example, Taiwanese-Americans are “Chinese overseas compatriots,” not foreigners. Those who serve the interests of another nation other than their “own” (i.e., China) are viewed as traitors to both their race and their nation.

Some Chinese commentators find the concept that Han Taiwanese do not identify as Chinese and want nothing to do with the “motherland” so outlandish that they claim that Taiwan independence “separatists” must have been tainted with Japanese colonialist blood.

Both the CCP and KMT hardliners consider “Taiwan consciousness” and identity to be extremely threatening and frequently accuse the DPP of “de-sinifying” Taiwan. Many foreigners believe that the CCP’s refusal to speak with the DPP is because the DPP refuses to accept the “1992 consensus” and the “one China principle” embedded in it, but their enmity towards the DPP runs far deeper because they view them as an existential threat.

In Cheng’s comments following her meeting with CCP Secretary-General Xi Jinping (習近平) she said: “people on both sides of the Strait are all descendants of the Yan and Huang Emperors, belong to the same Chinese nation and are nurtured by the same Chinese culture — they are one family.”

This ethnic identification with the nation runs deep, and it is both a blessing and a responsibility. As a Chinese, you are the inheritor of the greatest civilization that ever existed. The Chinese term for “China” (中國) is often translated as “middle kingdom,” but “central kingdom” would be more accurate both historically and in mindset.

Throughout much of history, China was the greatest civilization technologically, economically and militarily — and whose arts and culture were some of the finest ever produced. China was at the center of their east Asian world, and the nations and peoples surrounding them were deeply influenced by China and were often tributary states bowing to the Chinese emperor.

Unlike the Western concept of history as linear, for Chinese, it comes in cycles. The opening line from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三國演義) reads: “The (Chinese) empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been” (話說天下大勢，分久必合，合久必分).

When a Chinese government falls, it has divine connotations by “losing the mandate of heaven.” Those who divide the Chinese are the villains of history; the uniters are the heroes driven with divine inspiration. As a modern Chinese, it is your duty and responsibility to strive to unite the nation in these times of division.

In this worldview, the separation of Taiwan from the “motherland” is a historical tragedy with spiritual significance to the Chinese nation and people that must be rectified.

DIVINE DESTINY

At a party training session, Cheng reportedly told attendees that she possesses a “divine destiny” (天命, also translated as “mandate of heaven”) to ensure the success of her upcoming meeting with Xi.

Cheng is frequently accused of being a pawn of the CCP, but this is highly unlikely. Cheng and her ideological allies are not working for the CCP; they are working with the CCP on shared aims and goals.

Also in her remarks after meeting with Xi, she said: “There is no denying that interactions between the KMT and [CCP] over more than a century have been marked by twists and turns. Yet, what we have consistently pursued is the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation from decline to revival.”

After delivering her remarks, an NBC reporter asked if Cheng believed that peaceful reunification across the Taiwan Strait was a shared goal of both sides.

Cheng referred to her notes and quoted Xi (translation by Think China): “Social systems and political positions may differ, but our common ancestry and the bonds of our nation cannot be severed. Differences in social systems should not serve as a pretext for division.”

She added that the CCP leadership had conveyed significant goodwill.

She also expressed the view that both sides of the strait should pragmatically face their differences while appreciating each other’s achievements, “handling matters one at a time and moving forward step by step.”

Not all KMT lawmakers are this hardline, but many are.

With this ideology, is it any wonder their wing of the party wants to do everything they can to stymie the DPP and slash defense spending?

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


Book review: What Taiwan’s partners do, not what they sayAn anthology of recent analyses shows how different nations and blocs are acting towards Taiwan — often in ways that directly contradict their official discourses and often-heard tropes

A book about Taiwan’s relevant partners, looking at what they do rather than what they say? This is exactly what anyone wishing to comment on Taiwanese geopolitics needs to have on their bedside table.

The book is a collection of texts written by academics presenting their conclusions on how a given country or region relates to Taiwan. We often see that official discourse, or the most prominent narrative, differs from what happens on the ground.

This is clear from the first chapter, which looks at the US. It explains that Washington has applied a form of dual deterrence toward both Beijing and Taipei. While attempting to stop the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from invading, the US also consistently blocked Taiwan’s independence movement.

This brings us to one of several recurring themes in the book: the re-election of Donald Trump is independently mentioned by most of the authors as seriously disrupting the turn toward Taiwan that many countries were just initiating. The rising uncertainty and the pressure they face from his administration distract them from engagement with Taipei.

This is again mentioned in one of the best chapters — about Australia — which concludes Canberra’s Taiwan strategy “will be difficult to predict as any future response will depend upon the incoming Trump administration.”

This is especially regrettable since its author meticulously describes how Australia went from “enmeshment” with China to much more Taiwan-friendly behavior.

Australia is also one of several countries that sees Taiwan’s democracy as a reason for support. It is another recurring theme: how the administration of former president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), its effective outreach to democracies and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic considerably changed a country’s despondent behavior toward Taipei into much deeper engagement and practical support.

We also see it in the chapter about the UK, appropriately titled “How the UK ‘discovered’ Taiwan.” This is an apt demonstration of how a distant country once stayed out of what was, until democratization in Taiwan, essentially the feud between two dictators — and then embraced Taipei. Again, bipartisan support came after the COVID pandemic and the rise of China’s pressure, and is now disrupted by Trump’s actions.

Tsai’s New Southbound Policy (NSP) is also named several times as a positive factor. In the excellent chapter on ASEAN, the NSP is described as successful in understanding ASEAN’s paradox: it sees unity as an ideal but knows it is out of reach.

Again, ASEAN members often speak differently from how they act. The authors say Indonesia officially follows Beijing’s one-China principle, yet is the most active ASEAN member in keeping the Americans engaged in the region. Vietnam apparently uses Taiwan as a way to assert its freedom from Chinese dominance. Along with the Philippines, they also have an interest in Taiwan due to the presence of many migrant workers, which represents an opportunity for Taipei.

Taiwan’s NSP is also mentioned as mirroring India’s Act East Policy, which allowed the two countries to cross paths. The chapter about India is one of the most important, and from the first paragraph, the author reiterates that India will never be pro or anti-West.

But again, words and actions do not always match. The author reminds us that the India-China border is the longest contested border in the world, and writes that this border is as central to India as Taiwan is to China.

South Korea does not get a flattering portrait in its own chapter. Although the authors note that South Korea started talking more about Taiwan in 2021, they see this as a way to please the US more than genuine commitment. Seoul is intensely focused on its own issues with North Korea, and actually fears that Taiwan diverts American resources South Korea needs.

This differs significantly from the chapter on Japan, which reads as a love letter. It includes interesting data supporting what many have observed: the mutual affection between Japan and Taiwan. Former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) gets credit for this relationship, which traces back much further than that of any other country.

Japan is also described as shifting its defense focus from Hokkaido, against Russian threats, to its southernmost islands near Taiwan.

Finally, the EU chapter sees a savage trouncing of tropes.

Contradicting Europhobic Trumpist narratives, we get a thorough description of how the EU used many mechanisms to counter Chinese influence. We are treated to a list of EU-Taiwan cooperation efforts that may not be glamorous enough for headlines, but display depth. Again, there is a sharp contrast between what we hear and what is done.

This is the only chapter that mentions disinformation and political warfare at all. The EU appears to be the only place in the world that understands and values Taiwan’s expertise in countering Chinese information warfare and psychological attacks — and the only one that reached out to cooperate on this matter. The two sides appear committed to resilience, a concept now central to Taiwan and absent in every other country treated in the book.

And once more, in the EU chapter, Tsai-era communication, COVID responses and Trump’s disruption of the resulting progress are echoed.

A book co-signed by such a wide collection of authors will be uneven by nature. The chapter on Canada can be entirely overlooked, as the author makes factual mistakes. In general, however, it is remarkably astute, and finds a great balance between academic rigour and accessibility.

In any case, it will take you far beyond the usual platitudes — and that’s all we are asking.


The commencement speech graduates don’t want to hear

As AI anxiety spreads across campuses, speakers touting the technology are being met with boos from students facing an uncertain future

As artificial intelligence casts a shadow over career prospects, it is becoming an unwelcome subject at this season’s college commencements. At several campuses, graduates have interrupted speakers with stadium-wide boos when the topic turned to AI.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt faced repeated jeers over the weekend during his keynote address to about 10,000 University of Arizona graduates on the rise of AI.

“It will touch every profession, every classroom, every hospital, every laboratory, every person and every relationship you have,” Schmidt said, as booing began to build in the audience.

Former CEO of Google, Eric Schmidt in October 2024 speaks during the International Investment Summit in London. Schmidt is one of many tech executives who has been booed over the past few months due to his comments about AI.  Photo: AP

“I know what many of you are feeling about that. I can hear you,” Schmidt responded as the boos continued. “There is a fear in your generation that the future has already been written, that the machines are coming, that the jobs are evaporating … and I understand that fear.”

To students the topic felt tone deaf, said Olivia Malone, a 22-year-old University of Arizona graduate bound for law school.

“His speech was incredibly disrespectful to students,” said Malone. “We as students are discouraged from using it and penalized for using it. And then to have our speaker be the champion of AI is just like, OK? Why?”

Similar responses to keynote speakers who touched on AI at other universities highlight a pervasive sense of anxiety among today’s college students.

GROWING CONCERN

Across campuses and in a multitude of recent surveys, students say they are trying to figure out which skills, majors and jobs won’t be rendered useless by AI.

About 70 percent of college students see AI as a threat to their job prospects, according to a poll last year by the Institute of Politics at the Harvard Kennedy School.

A recent Gallup poll of Generation Z youth and adults, between ages 14 and 29, found increasingly negative attitudes toward AI. About half of Gen Z teens and adults say they use AI daily or weekly. But anger about the technology has increased since a year ago, while excitement and hopefulness about AI is declining.

Another speaker, real estate executive Gloria Caulfield, also faced boos when she highlighted the advent of artificial intelligence during a keynote this month at the University of Central Florida.

“The rise of artificial intelligence is the next industrial revolution,” Caulfield said, as boos erupted, to her surprise. She turned around to ask those behind her, “What happened?”

“OK, I struck a chord. May I finish?” said Caulfield, who is vice president of strategic alliances at the Tavistock Development Company in Orlando.

“Only a few years ago, AI was not a factor in our lives,” she said, prompting cheers. “And now, AI capabilities are in the palm of our hand,” she said to more jeering.

SPEAKERS STRESS POSITIVES

A similar response met music executive Scott Borchetta when he spoke to the graduating class of Middle Tennessee State University about how AI is shaping the music industry.

“AI is rewriting production as we sit here,” said Borchetta, the CEO of Big Machine Records, as the students in caps and gowns booed. “I know it. Deal with it … Do something about it. It’s a tool. Make it work for you.”

Schmidt offered a similar message to graduates: Their fear is rational, but they have the power to shape how AI develops.

The advice didn’t land well with students like Malone, who said the former Google executive’s speech was more self-serving than inspirational.

“It felt like a big advertisement. It felt like the longest Gemini ad ever,” said Malone, noting that the choice of Schmidt as keynote speaker had also been controversial because his name appears in a tranche of files on millionaire financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. “Everybody I was sitting by was really hooting and hollering about that, yelling, ‘Epstein files! Epstein files!’”

Simply appearing in the Epstein files doesn’t implicate wrongdoing.

TOUCH JOB MARKET

Part of the backlash from graduating students stems from the dismal job market they’re entering. The unemployment rate for college graduates ages 22 to 27 has reached its highest level in a dozen years.

Sami Wargo just graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, where an AI expert was the undergraduate commencement speaker despite a student petition demanding that the school find someone else.

“Given how AI has become an increasing threat towards our jobs, especially for our graduating class, we thought it was a little bit tone deaf,” said Wargo, who majored in digital media and minored in advertising.

Chris Duffey, an AI evangelist at Adobe who recently used AI to “co-author” a book titled “Superhuman Innovation: Transforming Business with Artificial Intelligence,” took the stage anyway.

“Innovation,” he told the students, “will reveal what can be done, but only you can decide what should be done.”

Wargo said she joined other students around her in booing his message.

The 21-year-old has applied for around 30 jobs but hasn’t landed one yet. Many of the job descriptions say applicants must “collaborate with AI,” but “I don’t know what that means,” she said, noting that most of her classes banned her from using AI.

Having to be reminded of all the uncertainty at their graduation, she said, was another “little dent in what was supposed to be a celebratory day.”


SPEAK UP: Same-sex marriage support hits 70% on 7th anniversary (1/2) 同婚七週年支持率升至七成（上）

A: Taiwan legalized same-sex marriage on May 24, 2019, so this week marks the seventh anniversary of that milestone. By the end of 2024, a total of 32,126 LGBT couples had tied the knot.

B: How many of them got married to foreign partners?

A: In 2024, there were 504 cross-border same-sex marriages. By the end of that year, there were 130 cross-strait same-sex marriages between Taiwanese and Chinese — accounting for only about 0.4 percent of the total.

B: I’ve heard that a seven-year marriage brings the “seven-year itch.” I bet some couples regret their decisions now.

A: In 2024, there were a total of 52,425 divorces domestically, but only 926 of those breakups involved same-sex couples. The divorce rate of homosexuals was much lower than that of heterosexuals.

A: 台灣2019年5月24日通過同婚合法化，週週即將慶祝七週年，截至2024年底共32,126人登記同婚！

B: 那和外籍伴侶結婚的多不多？

A: 2024年共504對跨國同婚；截至2024年底共130對兩岸同婚—只佔總數約0.4％。

B: 俗話說結婚七年常會發生「七年之癢」，同婚後應該也有人會後悔吧？

A: 2024年共52,425對配偶離婚，其中只有926對是同志，同性戀的離婚率還遠低於異性戀呢。

（By Eddy Chang, Taipei Times／台北時報張迪）


10歲兒偷刷信用卡課金　日實況主收帳單「385萬日圓」傻眼

記者楊智仁／綜合報導

日本 YouTube 頻道「俺の課金チャンネル」實況主 dopaningen 近日分享一起誇張的「課金事件」，表示自己年僅 10 歲的兒子，在短短約一個多月內，竟偷偷使用信用卡於手機遊戲與線上平台瘋狂課金，總金額高達 385 萬 2192 日圓（約新台幣 80 多萬元），引發日本網友熱烈討論。

▼實況主兒子課金 385 萬日圓，非當事人。（示意圖／取自免費圖庫Pixabay）

根據 dopaningen 本人說法，他是在 5 月 16 日查看信用卡帳單時，發現請款金額異常龐大，進一步調查後才發現，兒子從 4 月初到 5 月 13 日期間，持續在 Roblox 與 《貓咪大戰爭》等遊戲內進行大量課金。他無奈表示，「我本來就自認是重課玩家了，沒想到 10 歲兒子比我還誇張。」由於整起事件實在太衝擊，他甚至將其命名為「385 事件」，還在兒子的房間貼上「不要忘記 385」的書法字條，當成未來的人生警惕。

事件曝光後日本網友也紛紛留言討論，有玩家表示，「385 萬日圓？我努力工作多年，結果輸給小朋友的課金能力了。」也有人指出，一般成年人課金時通常都會猶豫 1 萬日圓左右，普通上班族零用錢大概 5 萬日圓，而這次的金額相當於 80 倍以上。還有網友分析課金紀錄後發現，孩子似乎一開始只是從幾百日圓的小額消費開始，之後逐漸失控，最後演變成高額課金。

10歳息子、ソシャゲに385万円課金する。

ネタするしかないので配信でネタにしたんだけど5/16日にクレカの請求金額が妙に多い事に気付き発覚。4月頭から5/13までの1ヶ月ちょいの期間で385万。

バ課金を自認する俺より廃課金な10歳。… pic.twitter.com/gsy8wV5a34

— ドーパニンゲン (@dopaningen) May 19, 2026


▲中原大學與韓國國立全北大學正式簽訂MOU（左起：全北大學博物館館長朴庸正、中原大學人育學院院長彭妮絲、全北大學國際處交流招生組組長金印蘇）。（圖／中原大學提供，下同。）

記者楊淑媛／桃園報導

中原大學人文與教育學院積極推動國際交流與海外實習布局，結合日本職場實習資源及與韓國頂尖大學合作，為學生打造更貼近國際趨勢的跨國學習場域。近日除與韓國國立全北大學簽署合作備忘錄，同時引進日本實習媒合資源，助學生銜接國際職場。

中原大學20日表示，為深化與韓國高等教育機構的學術合作，人文與教育學院院長暨應用華語文學系教授彭妮絲日前率領應華系師生赴韓國交流，分別參訪首爾大學、延世大學及全北大學，並與全北大學完成合作備忘錄簽署，為未來學生交換、聯合研討會、教學合作及跨域研究奠定基礎。

▲中原大學人育學院深化日韓交流，拓展學生跨國實習與國際學習機會（前排中為人育學院院長彭妮絲）。

交流期間，師生除參與國際學術講座，也深入觀摩韓國華語課程，透過課堂參與、分組對談與寫作交流，了解不同國家的語言教育模式與學習文化。應華系四年級王子瑜同學表示，此行有機會與首爾大學研究所學生交流，是很難得的經驗。透過實際互動，觀察到不同背景學習者在語言使用上的差異，也更體會到跨文化溝通的重要性，讓學習變得更有深度。

此外，中原大學亦積極為學生爭取海外實習機會，人文與教育學院特地引進日本實習媒合資源，舉辦海外實習廠商說明會，協助師生了解日本職場環境、申請機制與未來就業銜接可能。廠商代表指出，日本近年面臨人力短缺問題，對於具外語能力、文化理解力與服務溝通能力的臺灣學生有高度需求；若學生在實習期間表現良好，未來有機會進一步銜接日本就業、特定技能簽證或其他職涯發展。

彭妮絲指出，海外學習不應停留在短期體驗，而應成為學生整合語言專業、文化理解與職涯能力的重要歷程。學院未來將持續整合國際合作大學、海外機構、企業實習場域與政府計畫資源，建立從課程學習、行前培訓、海外實習到職涯銜接的一貫化培育模式，讓學生在跨國移動中累積可延伸、可應用的能力。

中原大學拓展日韓交流與海外實習　強化學生國際移動力


▲桃園導入行穿線照明設備。（圖／交通局提供）

記者楊淑媛／桃園報導

為提升行人夜間通行安全，桃園市政府交通局持續盤點全市行人夜間事故件數較高，或現場光線條件相對不足之路口，並研議強化行人穿越線周邊照明環境，以提升駕駛人夜間辨識行人能力，降低人車衝突風險。

交通局20日表示，針對路口照明市府養護工程處持續推動雙色溫路燈等相關改善措施，透過路段採黃光、路口採白光之配置方式，提高路口辨識度及整體光環境品質，整體改善成效良好。然經持續檢視後，發現部分路口存在照明死角及行人穿越線亮度不足等情形，影響駕駛人夜間辨識行人能力，因此將針對這類路口於今(115)年度試辦行穿線及行人等候區新型照明設備。

交通局說明，為進一步提升行人夜間穿越安全，目前已參考其他縣市試辦經驗，並依不同道路環境及路口條件，研議於行人穿越線上方增設投射照明設備，透過燈具直接加強行人穿越線及行人等候區照明效果，增加行穿線顯明性，提高駕駛人夜間辨識行穿線上行人之能力。

相關設備預計將於近期完成設計評估，並規劃於今年下半年優先擇定部分路口試辦，後續將持續蒐集實際照明成效、用路人反應及維護管理需求，朝成本合理、效果穩定及易於推廣方向進行調整，作為後續擴大推動及精進改善之參考依據，營造更安全、友善的夜間步行環境。

桃園導入行穿線照明設備　提升夜間行人安全


北科大研究生墜樓亡招魂「4次才聖筊」　父痛哭：別再有下個傻子

▲北科大驚傳悲劇。（資料照／記者許敏溶攝）

記者許力方／台北報導

台北科技大學驚傳輕生悲劇，親友指控，24歲的吳姓碩士生畢業前夕在校內墜樓身亡，是因為指導教授長期刁難，論文題目一個月改4次仍被踢出計畫，讓他不堪壓力，家屬20日重返現場招魂，妹妹泣不成聲，父母更是崩潰相擁痛哭，擲了4次才聖筊，且直到最後一刻教授也沒有出現。

碩士生墜樓引震撼 論文反覆改釀悲劇

友人的發文指控，吳姓研究生自今年1月起，論文題目被指導教授4度更動，為此曾接受心理諮商。吳生以「實驗室血汗日常」為題自述，熬夜研究仍被踢出計畫，直到清明連假期間每天20小時趕工，壓力沉重，且向教授反應進度來不及時，還遭口頭威脅踢出名額，最後更沉痛地說「每天因為老師反反覆覆的日子可以過了，不用在嘔吐、失眠、流淚。」

父親20日下午在招魂現場受訪表示，網路流傳內容與兒子過去向家人提及的情況大致相符，「就是說什麼論文改來改去，壓力很大。」他說，兒子個性開朗，平時喜歡釣魚，也曾參與棒球活動，但大約過年前開始，情緒狀態出現變化，越說越激動，他忍不住哽咽落淚，希望「不要再有下一個傻子」，早知如此，就不要把他帶到這個世界來受這個苦難。

校方啟動調查 暫停教師指導工作

對此，北科大表示，全體師生深感哀痛與不捨，校方第一時間向家屬表達最誠摯慰問，已依相關程序全面啟動調查及通報作業，暫停該名教師在教學與非急迫性指導工作，後續懲處將依正式調查結果及法定程序辦理。

● 《》提醒您，請給自己機會：自殺防治諮詢安心專線：1925；生命線協談專線：1995


中原大學拓展日韓交流與海外實習　強化學生國際移動力


桃園導入行穿線照明設備　提升夜間行人安全


記者蘇晟彥／台北報導

遠傳電信 20日舉辦股東會，在會後聯訪被問及董事長徐旭東未出席股東會是否因為身體因素，總經理井琪表示，上週有與董事長碰面，「已經會罵人了，身體也正在康復中」。此外，針對昨日（19日）遠傳宣布與 Amazon Leo 低軌衛星服務正式簽署合作協議，井琪也回應，目前還在落地階段，主要會針對企業面的應用，針對中華也曾想要接觸Amazon Leo，也不排除可以攜手合作，創造共贏局面。

▼井琪回應董事長徐旭東「正在康復」，已經會罵人了。（圖／記者林敬旻攝）

遠東集團董事長徐旭東繼昨日（19日）東聯股東會請假後，20日遠傳電信也由副董事長、弟弟徐旭平代打，外界關心身體狀況，井琪則回應上週有投資案與徐旭東會議碰面，目前身體正在康復中，而且「已經會罵人了」，感謝外界關心。

而遠傳在昨日宣布與遠傳宣布與亞馬遜（Amazon）旗下低軌衛星網路服務「Amazon Leo」正式簽署合作協議，成為其台灣授權經銷商。遠傳將以自身厚實的網路營運經驗與資通訊整合實力，為台灣客戶提供可靠且快速的網路連線，並超越傳統網路的服務範圍。

在會後接受聯訪時，井琪指出，相對於網路服務建設成本支出，衛星的投資並不高，但從整體的網路衛星布局來看，這項投資也不是從單純「能不能回收」來看，以先前風災為例，在有助於補強既有行動網路與固網基礎，進一步提升整體通訊網路的韌性，有多個選擇就是多一層網路保護層，特別是在極端氣候或天災情境下。

但目前正在落地階段，保守估計需要將近一年的時間才能正式進入啟用階段，未來也不排除只與「Amazon Leo」合作，取決於目前廠商對市場商機的評估。但針對同業中華電信也積極進攻低軌衛星內容，是否有機會共用、租用頻譜等，遠傳持開放態度，產業應朝共創多贏方向發展，但具體合作模式仍須視各方條件，與國際合作夥伴的策略安排而定。

徐旭東連2缺席股東會…井琪曝康復中「會罵人了」


NBA近71年來最爛！　哈登東冠首戰難堪慘寫3大悲情紀錄

記者杜奕君／綜合報導

克里夫蘭騎士20日在東區決賽首戰，搞砸末節一度多達22分領先優勢，在延長賽遭紐約尼克翻盤逆轉勝。此戰騎士「大鬍子」哈登（James Harden）更是接連改寫多項負面悲慘紀錄，他也成為過去71年以來，NBA史上季後賽「最多場」單場投籃命中率低於35%的球員，就連騎士主帥布朗（Mike Brown）賽後都直言，「我們就是針對哈登這個點打，這不是什麼秘密！」

東區冠軍賽首戰，直到末節剩下7分52秒時，都還手握22分大幅領先，但尼克硬是在主場打出驚人表現，整個第4節到延長賽一波「44比11」猛烈攻勢，最終寫下隊史最大季後賽逆轉勝。

反觀騎士方面，此戰即便「蜘蛛人」米歇爾（Donovan Mitchell）米歇爾拿下29分、5籃板、3助攻、6抄截、1阻攻，但陣中另一位主力核心哈登表現再度荒腔走板，全場16投5中，包含三分球8投1中，拿下15分、4籃板、3助攻、1抄截、1阻攻，還發生6次失誤與5犯規。

哈登此戰的走樣表現，也讓他一舉寫下3大難堪紀錄，首先本場比賽投籃命中率僅31.2%，讓他成為聯盟自1955年引入24秒進攻時限以來，季後賽生涯「最多場次」單場投籃命中率低於35%的球員。

另外，此戰單場命中5球卻發生6次失誤，讓他在本季季後賽第6次單場「失誤數大於進球數」，且根據生涯數據統計，哈登在188場季後賽出賽中，就有48場比賽出現這種情況，佔比高達25.5%。

最後則是過去兩場季後賽，以三分球為主要攻擊武器的哈登，三分線外14次出手竟然僅僅命中1球，這樣的低迷表現，也讓不少美國媒體直指哈登就是此戰騎士遭到難堪逆轉的最大戰犯。

賽後尼克主帥布朗更是直接表明，在決勝第4節與延長賽，策略就是讓尼克一哥（Jalen Brunson）不斷瘋狂「點名」打點哈登，在決勝期布朗森一度從哈登防守中連拿9分，成為尼克逆轉關鍵。

更值得一提的是，連同此戰22分領先搞砸吞敗，哈登生涯5次在分區決賽首戰都以輸球收場，戰績是淒慘的「0勝5敗」，其中過去在奧克拉荷馬雷霆、休士頓火箭時期各有兩次，再來就是今天騎士首戰敗北。

▲騎士哈登寫下NBA過去71年來最慘的投籃紀錄。（圖／達志影像／美聯社）


北科大研究生墜樓亡招魂「4次才聖筊」　父痛哭：別再有下個傻子


NBA近71年來最爛！　哈登東冠首戰難堪慘寫3大悲情紀錄


突然全身水腫、喘到走不動！竟是腎臟病作怪

成大醫院腎臟科醫師余志恆指出，糖尿病、高血壓、心臟病、肝臟疾病、自體免疫疾病、藥物、癌症，都可能導致腎功能惡化。（主流傳媒記者吳敏慈／台南報導）70歲陳先生平時熱愛登山，身體一向硬朗，卻突然全身水腫、喘不過氣，體重快速增加，連走路都變得困難。他到成大醫院就醫後，檢查發現大量蛋白尿與低白蛋白血症，經腎臟切片診斷為「微小病變腎病變」。

成大醫院腎臟科余志恆醫師表示，慢性腎臟病初期常沒有明顯症狀，許多民眾到腎功能嚴重下降才發現。病患接受類固醇治療後，蛋白尿明顯改善，水腫也逐漸消退，最後順利恢復正常生活。

余志恆指出，糖尿病、高血壓、心臟病、肝臟疾病、自體免疫疾病、藥物使用甚至癌症，都可能讓腎功能惡化；若出現泡泡尿、血尿、水腫、高血壓，或健檢發現蛋白尿、腎功能異常，都應及早就醫評估。

余志恆說，慢性腎病治療近年已有進展，除控制血壓、血糖與蛋白尿外，也可使用健保給付的SGLT2抑制劑。第二型鈉—葡萄糖共同轉運蛋白抑制劑，有助延緩腎功能惡化，也能降低心血管併發症風險。

部分病人需要腎臟切片確認病因，區分免疫相關疾病、腎絲球疾病或腎臟纖維化，才能提供更精準治療，成大醫院目前提供慢性腎病整合照護，包括衛教師、營養師及藥師，協助病患建立飲食與用藥觀念。


小滿送財「5星座」迎5運高峰！ 專家：把握15天逆轉2026下半年

（本報製圖）

〔娛樂頻道／綜合報導〕今（21）日迎來24節氣中的「小滿」，在占星學上也迎來了重大的星象位移！太陽於今日正式進入雙子座，開啟了充滿變動與思維活躍的「雙子月」。緊接著在明（22）日，還將迎來「太陽合相天王星」的重磅宇宙能量。星座達人塔妮婭老師點明，這波星象不僅將為12星座帶來強烈的「顛覆與覺醒」磁場，其中有5個星座運勢更是全面大爆發，分別在財運、工作、創意、朋友圈方面，大有斬獲！

星座達人塔妮婭老師進一步分析表示，由於火星已於5月19日率先進入金牛座，這段期間大家的行動力、慾望與發脾氣的方式都會變得非常「金牛化」，從先前的急躁快速，轉為慢條斯理、一步一腳印的沉穩路線，對於個人價值觀與金錢運用也會變得格外精打細算。

【迎小滿．12星座強運王TOP5】

◎TOP5：獅子座│朋友運最強

破圈的人氣魅力：社交圈迎來新氣象，憑藉獨特的個人魅力成功打破既定圈子，吸引到更多志同道合、具備影響力的新朋友。

◎TOP4：處女座│事業運最強

前瞻性的領導風格：在職場上打破常規，展現出極具未來感與前瞻性的思維，以獨特的領導魅力帶領團隊開創新局。

◎TOP3：魔羯座│工作運最強

獨創的工作模式：告別過去死板的流程，這段期間將發展出專屬於自己、極具效率且新穎的獨創工作模式，讓人刮目相看。

◎TOP2：天蠍座│偏財運最強

突發性的大財進出：受到天王星能量的激盪，偏財運勢起伏劇烈卻充滿驚喜，容易有突發性的大筆資金或財富進出，考驗精準投資的眼光。

◎TOP1：牡羊座│表達運最強

點子新穎語出驚人：強勢榮登運勢榜首！這段期間你的思維跳脫框架、點子源源不絕，在溝通與表達上總能語出驚人、一針見血，靠著超強的言語渲染力驚豔全場。

➤風象星座：♊雙子、♎天秤、♒水瓶

聚焦於個人風格、自我表達與人生觀。這是一段展現創意與獨立自由的黃金期，3星座將迎來「重新開機」的洗禮。

➤火象星座：♈牡羊、♌獅子、♐射手

影響擴及人際關係、婚姻合作關係與朋友圈。建議用獨特且極具自我風格的方式，去與外界建立交流與連結。

➤土象星座：♉金牛、♍處女、♑摩羯

震撼將發生在物質財富、職場工作與社會成就3方面。預期將迎來突破與革新，甚至是一場戲劇化的顛覆。

➤水象星座：♋巨蟹、♏天蠍、♓雙魚

影響層面將觸動原生家庭、內在潛意識與直覺轉化。對於極度渴求變化的人來說，這會是一場命運與天賦的覺醒。

（註：可同時參考上升星座和太陽星座）

【塔妮婭老師 專家小檔案】

．專長：靈魂占星（星座）、塔羅占卜、寵物溝通、生命靈數、數字占卜、盧恩符文占卜、五感頌缽調頻、催眠療癒、七脈輪精油療癒、臼井靈氣能量療癒．經歷：美國NGH國際催眠師、美國IACT催眠治療師、臼井靈氣高階療癒師、美國NAHA國際芳療師、五感調頻頌缽音療師、潔客幫專任寵物溝通師

．命運好好玩官網：看這裡．命運好好玩FB：看這裡

☆民俗說法僅供參考☆


川普將與賴清德通話？ 外交部：總統已對外4點說明

外交部發言人蕭光偉（見圖）說，總統已對外說明，台美溝通管道向來暢通，如果有機會會反映台灣社會的心聲，並且希望對美軍購能夠持續。（資料照）

美國總統川普20日被媒體詢問是否有計畫致電台灣總統賴清德時說，「我會與他談，我會跟所有人談」。對此，我國外交部發言人蕭光偉說，總統已對外說明，台美溝通管道向來暢通，如果有機會，將反映台灣社會的心聲，並且強調希望對美軍購能夠持續進行等4點。

蕭光偉說，總統20日已對外說明，台美溝通管道向來暢通，如果有機會，他將反映台灣社會的心聲並且強調：第一，台海的和平穩定是世界安全跟繁榮的必要元素，我國政府不卑不亢、維持現狀，台灣也是台海和平穩定的守護者；第二，中國才是台海和平穩定的破壞者，中國持續在東海、南海擴軍，軍演也已經到西太平洋，使印太區域緊張情勢升高；第三，台灣有感於威脅日益嚴重，所以增加國防預算，相信只有實力可以帶來和平。而國防力量提升、對美軍事採購，是維護台灣安全，以及維護台海和平穩定的必要手段，希望這項軍購能夠持續進行。

蕭光偉也重申，中華民國台灣是主權獨立的國家，沒有任何一個國家有權利併吞台灣，且台灣人民追求民主自由的生活，民主自由也不應該被視為挑釁。因此，非常期待台美，以及台灣與民主國家能共同合作，促進台海和平穩定以及區域的和平安全。

蕭光偉說，總統也提到，台海的和平穩定是世界安全和繁榮的必要元素，非常感謝美國總統川普關心印太區域狀況，總統賴清德除了致力於維護台海的穩定現狀外，也樂於與川普討論。

中華民國 中國 台灣 美國


日本人又在中國被砍！2人上海日料店遭砍傷 身分曝光

中國上海一家日本料理店昨天發生持刀傷人事件，造成2名日本人在內共3人受傷。2名日本人已確認為森大廈集團員工，目前均無生命危險，但突如其來的攻擊引發當地日僑社群不安。

案發地點位於上海金融區、由森大廈營運的超高層商業大樓內，店內聚集不少在附近工作的日本人。根據當地警方與日本駐上海總領事館，事件發生於昨天中午用餐尖峰時段，一名59歲中國籍男子持水果刀闖入位於上海金融街商業大樓3樓的日本料理店，隨機砍傷2名日本人與1名中國人。

警方隨後將男子逮捕，並指出他語言混亂、行為怪異，且有精神疾病治療紀錄，目前尚未公布詳細犯案動機。

森大廈集團今天在社長交接記者會上證實，3名傷者中有2人是公司員工。

日本富士新聞網（FNN）報導，森大廈社長辻慎吾表示，「包括本公司2名員工在內，共有3人受傷。這是一起令人非常痛心的事件，對受害者表達誠摯慰問，衷心祈願他們早日康復。」

案發大樓為上海地標之一，樓高101層，大樓內除飯店與商業設施外，也有多家日系企業進駐。

事發時正在店內用餐的一名日本男子接受日本電視台訪問時表示，當時店內大概9成滿，日本與中國客人各約一半，他與同事在拉門隔開的包廂內用餐，突然聽到外面傳來淒厲尖叫與物品倒地聲響，才驚覺發生攻擊事件。

他表示，「我從門下方的縫隙看到外面有持刀犯人，很想立刻逃走，但嫌犯停在包廂門外附近，我們根本出不去。」

該男子回憶，當時只能與同事壓住包廂拉門、躲到桌子後方，「如果對方真的闖進來，能做的大概只有把桌子推倒」。

他說，在嫌犯被制伏之前，只能透過門縫看到對方不停抖腳，看起來相當焦躁，「看不到臉，但腳一直在晃」。

他形容凶器「看起來比水果刀大一些，但比一般菜刀小，感覺介於生魚片刀與普通菜刀之間」。

男子也目擊其中一名受傷日本人倒坐在地、按著腹部止血，並發現傷者竟是他的熟人。

他表示，「他靠著牆坐著，看到我時還微微點頭，我想他當時仍有意識，有認出我。」他觀察傷口位於腹部，「不像是長形刀傷，而像是一處刺傷」。

受訪男子也提到，嫌犯被制伏時幾乎沒有反抗，「大樓警衛拿著防暴叉過來後，他就被壓制住，警方之後才抵達」。

這名今年4月剛派駐上海的日本男子坦言，這是自己「人生中感受到最恐怖的一次」。

他說，「平常其實不覺得（上海）危險，感覺跟在日本生活差不多。雖然目前還不知道這起犯行是否針對日本人，但這次事件讓我重新意識到，這裡畢竟跟在日本生活不一樣，基本安全警覺不能鬆懈。」


蔡英文 川普 賴清德 習近平

台美領袖通話有前例 總統蔡英文致電當選人川普10多分鐘

美國總統川普日前表示，將與「目前治理台灣的人」談話，根據《彭博》報導，川普今（20日）宣布，未來將與台灣總統賴清德進行通話，直呼，「我會跟他談。我跟每個人都談」。這將是台美元首歷史性熱線。台美領袖上次通話是2016年12月，總統蔡英文致電給總統當選人川普（尚未上任），兩人交談10多分鐘。

《彭博》報導，川普今天面對媒體提問，當被問及是否規劃與賴清德通話時，他回應，「嗯，我會跟他談。我跟每個人都談，我們會努力解決，台灣問題」。不過，川普沒有進一步說明通話會在何時進行及相關細節。

川普上週才與中國國家主席習近平在北京舉行峰會，當時習近平發出警告，說若美中未能妥善處理台灣問題，這兩個全球最大經濟體可能陷入衝突。

根據美國法律，華盛頓有義務向台灣提供自衛能力，而美國共和黨和民主黨議員都敦促川普政府繼續推動對台軍售。

台美通話已是10年前的事，時任總統蔡英文在2016年12月2日晚間11時（美東時間2日上午10時），主動致電祝賀川普當選美國新任總統，全程歷時約10多分鐘。雙方針對台灣經濟、強化國防、台美關係，以及亞洲區域情勢簡要交換意見。

「川蔡通話」是1979年台美斷交後，首次有美國準總統（當選人）與台灣總統電話熱線，打破數十年外交慣例，引發中國強烈不滿。


屏東黑鮪魚文化觀光季五月正式開鑼，現在東港連平日都有許多饕客前來品嚐鮮美黑鮪魚，標下今年第一鮪的佳珍海產餐廳，今年再推出許多特色新菜，老闆蕭受發強調，第一鮪販售所得將再捐出給弱勢學子，招待他們吃好料。

東港同等於黑鮪魚的代名詞，由漁會及縣府合辦25年的「黑鮪魚文化觀光祭」行銷地方特色功不可沒，為活動揭開序幕的「第一鮪」競標，今年再由佳珍海產餐廳的創辦人蕭受發斥鉅資標下，成為他生涯第12尾「第一鮪」，堪稱活動忠實的支持者。

雖非公務機關也非漁民團體，但出身船長的蕭受發曾因海難歷劫歸來，完全同理討海人在惡劣環境下長途跋涉釣回黑鮪魚後，希望的就是高價賣出，因此今年他再以創新高的每公斤1.06萬、總價201.4萬元標下「第一鮪」，將所有錢一分不差的送至漁民手上，就是他長年參與活動的原動力。

餐廳本業他也日益精進，他笑稱「顧客越吃越精明！」，黑鮪魚肉質香氣極佳不用擔心，但菜色依舊是要不斷精進，今年就推出黑鮪魚泡飯、芒果黑鮪魚、滷黑鮪肚佐芒果青、黑鮪魚蛋及黑鮪魚膘等新料理。

蕭受發說，為支持在地農民，芒果製品都是在地新鮮的愛文芒果和土芒果為來源，且黑鮪魚意外的和芒果口味互搭，令人出乎意料，其中黑鮪魚泡飯則很費工，透過櫻花蝦壓粉與鹹蛋黃還有蝦猴熬湯後加入豐富的黑鮪魚、鮮蝦、西施舌等，煮沸後再倒入香米，整鍋香氣四溢令人食指大動，歡迎民眾前來嘗鮮。

屏東黑鮪季開跑 東港黑鮪魚名店推創意新菜饗客


金價下一個跌區在「這價位」若上行恐遭拋售阻力

市場對未來12個月升息的預期不斷升溫，推高美國公債殖利率，對黃金構成壓力。（路透）

〔財經頻道／綜合報導〕週三（20日）黃金（XAU/USD）在4500美元下方近七週低點附近盤整，截至台北時間下午5點，金價跌至4478美元。同時，美元指數（DXY）測試99.45附近的六週高點。由於擔心美伊衝突進一步升級，以及市場對美國聯準會升息的預期升溫，避險資金流入，推高了美元，並打壓了黃金。

XAU/USD 較週一（18日）高點下跌超過2.5%，短期內仍維持看跌態勢。 根據4小時技術線圖上的相對強弱指數 （RSI） 接近超賣區域，暗示價格可能進入盤整階段；而移動平均收斂/發散指標 （MACD） 柱狀圖仍處於負值區域，表明上行嘗試可能遭遇拋售阻力。

週三，金價在4450美元附近獲得支撐，下一個下跌目標位是3月30日的低點（接近4420美元）和3月26日的低點（接近4350美元）。

從上行角度來看，多頭需要突破先前4480美元至4500美元區域的支撐位（5月4日、15日和18日的低點），才能緩解下行壓力，並將焦點轉移到週一的高點4590美元附近。

隨著美國和伊朗互相發出威脅，透過談判結束戰爭的希望逐漸渺茫。同時，在美國，人們的關注點將集中在4月聯準會會議的紀要上，預計聯準會的鷹派立場有所調整。

市場對未來12個月升息的預期不斷升溫，推高美國公債殖利率，並對黃金構成壓力。

一手掌握經濟脈動 點我訂閱自由財經Youtube頻道


獨家》才因軍購案關係一度緊張 傅崐萁今晚宴請趙少康

前中廣董事長趙少康日前批黨團總召傅崐萁軍購案配合黨中央，是因為想接立法院副院長，導致2人關係一度緊張。（資料照）

首次上稿21:36更新時間22:17

國民黨日前討論軍購案，黨主席鄭麗文強調一定要支持3800億黨版，前中廣董事長趙少康批黨團總召傅崐萁配合黨中央，是因為想接立法院副院長，導致2人關係一度緊張，不過後來有私下溝通；而今晚，傅崐萁更宴請趙少康等人吃飯，趙少康表示，是黨內朋友正常的交流。

對於趙少康的說法，傅崐萁在立法院向多名立委抱怨，為什麼趙少康要一直罵他？不過趙後來透露，傅有透過人來跟他表達一些看法，2人有聯絡，有做充分的意見交換，但是細節不能講。

國防特別條例在立法院三讀通過後，行政院會今天上午也通過「115年度中央政府保衛國家安全及強化不對稱戰力計畫採購特別預算案」，將送請立法院審議。行政院長卓榮泰表示，政院以一年一期編列，擬定總經費需求約2949億9098萬元。

而今晚，傅崐萁也特地在「上海鄉村 承德本家」宴請趙少康，出席者還包括前台北市長郝龍斌、國民黨立委王鴻薇、前花蓮縣府副秘書長謝公秉和新黨副主席、前立委李勝峰。

趙少康接受本報訪問表示，吃飯沒有什麼特別的主題，就是聯誼，聊各種政治、人事八卦，「黨內朋友正常的交流」。被問到多久沒和傅崐萁吃飯，趙說，可能幾個月或1年，不記得了，大罷免時他有幫傅崐萁站台、遊街反罷免。

傅崐萁 謝公秉 李勝峰 王鴻薇 鄭麗文 卓榮泰 郝龍斌


小滿送財「5星座」迎5運高峰！ 專家：把握15天逆轉2026下半年


屏東黑鮪季開跑 東港黑鮪魚名店推創意新菜饗客


高雄驚傳百元假鈔流竄市面，高雄一間早餐店近日就收到百元假鈔，不只顏色偏淡，碰到水後甚至還會褪色，做工粗糙，偽鈔集團疑利用民眾較少檢查百元鈔的習慣犯案，雖是防不勝防，郵局仍有防偽鈔撇步，民眾須提高警覺辨識真偽。

高雄一間早餐店的老闆娘日前找零給熟客後，熟客發現百元鈔票有問題，經回收查看，這張百元鈔一碰到水就開始褪色，連手套都被染紅。早餐店老闆娘表示，假鈔外觀乍看和真鈔很像，仔細觀察仍可發覺顏色偏粉，當時早餐店忙碌，第一時間根本難以辨認。

一般店家或超商都是收到千元或五百元鈔票時，多少會特別檢查，大筆金額則透過驗鈔機檢驗，但百元鈔常常被忽視，根本不會逐張確認，尤其早餐店、超商等現金流動快速的場所。

「真鈔有凹凸感 紙質有韌性」中華郵政高雄分局儲匯部門提醒，辨識真鈔可先觀察凹版印刷，真鈔表面摸起來會有凹凸感，紙質也較有韌性；假鈔容易髒污、紙張脆弱，整體質感差異明顯。假鈔形式很多，不一定使用相同材質，只要多留意印刷與紙質細節，仍有機會提前辨識。

以往普遍認為偽造小面額鈔票不符製造成本，因而較少成為偽鈔集團製造目標，但如今連百元鈔都出現假鈔，也讓民眾得提高警覺，以免荷包失血。

百元假鈔流入高雄 遇水褪色染紅手


川普將與賴清德通話？ 外交部：總統已對外4點說明

台灣 美國 中國 中華民國


台美領袖通話有前例 總統蔡英文致電當選人川普10多分鐘

蔡英文 川普 賴清德 習近平


傅崐萁 鄭麗文 卓榮泰 謝公秉 李勝峰 王鴻薇 郝龍斌

獨家》才因軍購案關係一度緊張 傅崐萁今晚宴請趙少康


台船發出聲明，「海鯤軍艦」是可使用、具戰力的，對後續艦建造十分有信心，籲請在野黨團不要斷炊。（資料照）

無人載具預算遭刪除，國造潛艦後續艦預算被100％凍結提案，台船今（20）日夜間發出聲明，強調潛艦與無人載具都是高度不對稱作戰裝備，操雷試射成功即已證明，「海鯤軍艦」是可使用、具戰力的，對後續艦建造十分有信心，籲請在野黨團不要斷炊。

國防預算朝野攻防激烈，無人載具及潛艦後續艦都攸關台船產業命脈，台船為此發表長達近2千字聲明，全文如下：

一、潛艦與無人載具都是高度不對稱作戰裝備：

潛艦具備匿蹤與魚雷強大破壞力的特性，及水下抗電磁脈衝（EMP）威脅的能力，扮演致命伏兵角色；在反封鎖、反登陸時可用於牽制、阻滯敵整個艦隊，也能有效嚇阻、防止航母戰鬥群進入我東部海域，化解敵軍欲實施包圍的威脅。

無人載具則是利用低成本、匿蹤且數量龐大的特性，對來犯敵艦產生飽和攻擊與消耗彈藥的效果。兩者都是以極高的不對稱資源比例，阻止來犯的敵艦；潛艦是以一船拒止一整個艦隊群、無人載具則是以多架攻一船，運用的場景與時機不同，都是補強現有戰力不可或缺且不可偏廢的裝備載具，台船公司亦皆有研發、生產的能力。

二、凍結潛艦後續艦預算的影響：

IDS潛艦首艦「海鯤軍艦」已進入海試後半段，預計今年下半年交艦。我們潛艦國造面對全球最困難外在環境，及時掌握了國際局勢難得的機會之窗。在政府行政團隊與軍方的決心與精心擘劃，台船及協力廠商低調奮鬥十年，和友我的技術團隊技術指導，且未超過他國一般開發新潛艦的期程與經費下，陸續完成廠房設施建置、全新設計、製造、裝備測試，到目前的出海試車中。

本月稍早操雷試射成功即已證明，「海鯤軍艦」是可使用、具戰力的，後續測試與缺改則會確認性能可達程度與穩定性，因此我們對後續艦的建造十分有信心。

然而，未來的後續艦計畫及預算若不穩定，可能使配合廠商、外國紅區裝備供應商、國內已培養的稀有優秀人才失去信心而不願再投入；若要重啟，時間與成本恐將達數倍之多。我們真不應該再次重蹈當年空軍IDF發展的經驗與教訓！

本公司近年營收中潛艦占比約四成餘，其經費的不確定性也會對營運產生不利影響；此外，員工近三千人中有八百餘位直接參與IDS計畫，經費的刪、凍將衝擊近千個家庭的生計及其他員工的士氣。

潛艦預算的支用有海軍監造單位、會計師、審計單位層層把關，立法委員、監察委員在保密的條件下亦可隨時監督，請國人放心。況且本公司有了首艦的經驗後，從採購、運輸、施工到管理等各層面，未來的施工建造效率將可提高。

潛艦的重要裝備是須先下訂後才會開始生產的，故需要及早訂購，再依製造期程付款；因此，預算大幅的凍結或刪除將使潛艦的製造期程延宕，甚至讓裝備供應商懷疑我方未來完成或續訂的信心，甚至引發合約爭議，亦不利於未來的價格與期程。

三、發展無人載具對產業的影響：

這是以船廠為系統整合者的傳統產業 （如材料、機械）與資通半導體業結合的絕妙機會，是提升傳統產業，並擴大贏者圈的好方法。我國可以建立完整的非紅供應鏈（甚至供應網），讓台灣站穩東亞、亞太地區無人載具代工與研發、測試基地，並融入以美國為核心的自由民主軍工供應鏈中。特別是台灣更可提供整合無人機船車（空海陸）載具的最佳機會與實測場域。

作為系統整合者，會希望建立長期穩定的供應鏈；因此，若預算每年一審，變動性大、風險高，恐怕難以吸引足夠的廠商願意投入供應鏈，不易產生規模經濟。換言之，預算的重點是給出可靠的承諾與決心來綁住業界長期投入的信心。

台船公司及相關業者皆有信心可以整合國內外廠商與技術、自行設計對應任務與環境的模組化設計，也規劃分散式生產，分散風險並平衡區域發展，未來也可和國外廠商合作外銷。故國防特別預算可以提供實際練兵、快速累積經驗與疊代設計的機會，對於達成上述各項目標會有又快又大的助益。

四、烏克蘭經驗的啟發：

烏克蘭經驗啟發的兩大教訓是：第一、若無重大可嚇阻的武器裝備，容易引發侵略者的野心，但重大裝備的籌獲期程長也較昂貴。第二、雖然可以用大量、廉價、可損耗的無人艇，把艦隊逼退，但要把這套邏輯複製到台灣，最難的不是適應環境的戰術設計或研發改良，而是在被封鎖前，先將數千艘以上的無人艇生產出來並藏好，且在開戰後能持續發射出去、建造與補充。因此，這兩類裝備都剛好需要現在就開始投入資源才來得及。

目前敵對威脅日趨強大且手段多樣，我國國民體認到必須積極強化現有國防、國安力量，因而須透過編列國防特別預算的手段，落實自主防衛的責任與目標；特別是最近幾年我國整體經濟與稅收俱佳，編列國防特別預算不致於影響或排擠其他民生支出。

唯有完整的國防與國安能力，才能確保生活在海島國家的我們，賴以生存的海上生命線與自由環境的存在，也才能保障各種產業需要的自主發展環境及能源安全。台船公司自建廠以來，全體上下歷代員工向來以執行國家任務為傲為榮；值此關鍵時刻，韌性防衛台船已就位，籲請在野黨團勿斷炊！

籲請在野黨團不要斷炊 台船千字聲明：海鯤號具戰力


民眾黨前主席柯文哲涉京華城弊案，一審遭求處17年有期徒刑，並裁定7000萬交保和限制出境、出海與科技監控8月，柯文哲今日被合議庭以逃亡風險上升為由，裁定再延長境管8個月，他對此怒嗆總統賴清德「不要臉」，放話要把「賴清德」3字刻在電子腳鐐上；柯文哲妻子陳佩琪也在臉書發文大罵賴清德，她還爆料，去年民眾黨主席黃國昌去新竹柯家拜年時，曾告訴她：「阿北會被民進黨一直關押到死。」

陳佩琪今日在臉書發文表示，自柯文哲回家和她一起生活，已經過了8個月。之所以清楚是已經過了8個月，是因為電子腳鐐監控時間到了，「法院還假惺惺來一張函、問你有沒有需要申請解除的。」她諷刺，「北院竟膽敢在520賴皇發表他那初一、十五不一樣的台獨觀點時，放出這個阿北要繼續電子腳鐐監控的消息，今天放消息，你們不怕壓過賴皇的演說討論度嗎？你們不怕賴皇會不高興嗎？」

陳佩琪接著提到去年大罷免表示，大家都說，若不是「32:0」，柯文哲就不會被放出來。有個退休律師就對她說，在「32:0」之後，法官口氣都不同了。她還爆料，黃國昌過年時曾到她的新竹婆家拜年，並對她說「阿北會被民進黨一直關押到死，唯一希望就是人民2028年讓賴清德下台，阿北才有救」。

陳佩琪不滿指出，關於申請解除科技監控，合議庭是在12日裁定、15日寄出結果，他們是16日早上收到，卻在今天公布結果。她批評，只要賴清德沒下台，這種「人為刀俎，我為魚肉」的司法壓迫，他們只能屈辱地任人擺布和羞辱。她還說，要是法律可以判死刑，「他們早就給你判下去了，根本沒在跟你客氣的」。

柯文哲再延境管8個月 陳佩琪爆黃國昌曾說「柯會被民進黨關到死」


黃雨警告仍生效　新界北區有大暴雨或出現嚴重水浸

黃色暴雨警告信號、雷暴警告和新界北部水浸特別報告生效。

天文台發出局部地區大雨提示，指新界北區有大暴雨，每小時雨量預料或已經超過100毫米，可能出現嚴重水浸，呼籲市民高度戒備，採取適當預防措施，減少大雨和水浸帶來的風險。

大雨亦可能引致山洪暴發，市民應遠離河道，駕駛人士應注意道路可能出現嚴重水浸及交通擠塞。

編輯：許敬軒


俄羅斯總統普京結束對中國的國事訪問，昨晚10時許乘坐專機離開北京。

國家主席習近平在普京離開前，與對方在人民大會堂茶敘。習近平指出，兩人共同引領中俄新時代全面戰略協作夥伴關係持續走深走實，推動兩國睦鄰友好更深入人心，開創了相互尊重、公平正義、合作共贏的新型大國關係範式，為變亂交織的世界持續注入寶貴的穩定性。雙方今次又就推進中俄全面戰略協作夥伴關係達成新的重要共識，相信中俄關係一定會延續高質量發展態勢。

新華社報道，普京表示，俄方期待繼續與中方密切溝通，加強戰略協調，以俄中關係的確定性和穩定性，為世界和平繁榮作出新貢獻。

兩國元首亦就烏克蘭危機等問題交換意見。

編輯：許敬軒

普京結束訪華行程離開　習近平：中俄關係定會延續高質量發展態勢


三星電子勞資雙方達成臨時協議　工會決定暫緩大罷工

韓國三星電子勞資雙方在工會發動大罷工前最後一刻，就薪酬方案達成臨時協議，工會宣布暫緩原定星期四開始的工業行動，讓全體工會成員就協議投票。

三星電子勞資雙方自星期一起在僱傭勞動部旗下中央勞動委員會協調下，進行第二輪談判，但在各部門績效獎金分配方式等核心問題上，未能縮窄分歧，一度宣告談判破裂，但在僱傭勞動部長金榮訓的斡旋下，勞資雙方星期三晚重啟談判。

金榮訓表示，勞資雙方都作出了讓步，最終找到解決方案。總統府青瓦台歡迎達成協議，並感謝勞資雙方為人民和國家作出寬宏大量的決定。

三星電子發表聲明，承諾建立建設性和成熟的勞資關係，防止類似糾紛再發生。

編輯：許敬軒


普京結束訪華行程離開　習近平：中俄關係定會延續高質量發展態勢


財經中心／廖珪如報導

本土券商最新報告指出，看好AI重塑記憶體產業供需與產能配置邏輯，南亞科（2408）可望逐步擺脫傳統景氣循環股定位，受惠伺服器相關產品比重快速提升，將迎來評價重估，維持「增加持股」評等，並將目標價上調至520元。南亞科伺服器營收占比將由2025年接近零，大幅提升至2027年超過60%。其中，公司預計於2026年第四季至2027年第二季間，量產6400Mbps與7200Mbps DDR5產品，並切入AI Server RDIMM市場。（圖／資料照）

本土券商最新報告指出，看好AI重塑記憶體產業供需與產能配置邏輯，南亞科（2408）可望逐步擺脫傳統景氣循環股定位，受惠伺服器相關產品比重快速提升，將迎來評價重估，維持「增加持股」評等，並將目標價上調至520元。

法人指出，此次改以本益比作為南亞科評價基礎，目標價係以2026至2027年平均每股純益（EPS）7倍本益比推算，參考對象為市占率略高、但伺服器產品比重低於南亞科的國際記憶體廠商。隨南亞科未來正式切入AI Server RDIMM供應鏈，並持續驗證穩定獲利成長能力，後續評價仍具進一步上修空間。

法人分析，AI應用正改變記憶體產業過去以消費性需求為主的供需模式。在高階無塵室與EUV設備資源有限情況下，記憶體原廠將優先配置產能至AI相關高附加價值產品，帶動伺服器記憶體逐步擺脫傳統Commodity屬性，成為AI基礎建設的重要資源。市場認為，未來伺服器產品組合占比較高的記憶體廠商，獲利能力可望明顯優於以消費性產品為主的業者，而南亞科正是台廠中轉型速度較快的代表之一。

2027年伺服器營收占比衝破60%：量產7200Mbps高階DDR5，全面切入AI伺服器RDIMM市場

根據法人預估，南亞科伺服器營收占比將由2025年接近零，大幅提升至2027年超過60%。其中，公司預計於2026年第四季至2027年第二季間，量產6400Mbps與7200Mbps DDR5產品，並切入AI Server RDIMM市場；此外，DDR4 16Gb與32Gb產品亦將同步量產，主要供應SSD、BMC與Switch等資料中心應用。法人認為，上述產品將成為南亞科單片晶圓產值最高的產品線，未來公司大部分DDR5產能可望優先配置至RDIMM產品，DDR4 8Gb則優先供應SSD與Switch客戶，整體產品結構將由過去以TV、機上盒（STB）等消費性應用為主，逐步轉型為高度連動Datacenter需求的供應商。

上修2027年EPS預估至90.1元：1Bnm製程良率改善與新廠投產，帶動營收獲利躍升新週期

在獲利展望方面，法人同步上修南亞科2026年至2027年財測，預估2026年至2027年EPS分別達58.4元與90.1元。市場指出，本次調升主要反映兩大因素，包括高ASP/Gb的伺服器產品出貨比重持續提升，以及部分出貨價格反映早期報價，若僅以當季合約價估算，可能低估實際獲利能力。此外，法人亦上修南亞科2026年至2027年位元出貨量年增率至21.5%與11.6%，主因包括1Bnm製程良率改善，以及5A廠預計於2027年投產，全年平均投片量可達8,000片。在此基礎下，法人同步將南亞科2026年至2027年營收預估上修至3,169億元與4,718億元，反映AI伺服器與資料中心需求帶動下，南亞科營運結構與獲利模式正進入新一輪成長週期。

三立新聞網提醒您：

內容僅供參考，投資人於決策時應審慎評估風險，並就投資結果自行負責。

投資一定有風險，基金投資有賺有賠，申購前應詳閱公開說明書。

更多三立新聞網報導． 快申請！每人補助5000元 截止日曝光． 熱門股／海力士重資投產面板 群創等20股跟飛． 熱門股／Gemini升級 進補台股12強． 136萬股東看過來 中鋼有新目標價！

現在快點撿便宜！ 南亞科新目標價曝 - 鏡週刊 Mirror Media


Foxtron純電行旅Cavira正式亮相後，不少車迷第一眼就覺得熟悉。這是因為它沿用Luxgen n⁷平台與底盤架構，整體也能看出n⁷相似輪廓，變寬一些，也是升級輪圈輪胎的關係，不過，這次Foxtron並不只是單純換Logo而已，據說也把過去n⁷上市後的市場回饋，一次收拾進Cavira裡，讓它更像是一台「全面進化的新電動SUV」。

說起FOXTRON CAVIRA它就像是換家庭、換身分展開第二階段「車生」的升級車款。CAVIRA依舊沿用n⁷的MIH平台與底盤架構，車格同樣鎖定中型SUV級距。不過，FOXTRON說，這次真正想做的，其實是把n⁷上市後車主最在意的問題，一次重新調整。

第一個變化，取消了低續航版本。

【點擊看完整全文】更多鏡報報導Foxtron Cavira是Luxgen n⁷變貴版？ 入手門檻變高多花20萬換到這些

一瓶不到1元太狂！全聯全電商大玩「52016」諧音梗 16元箱購神價飲料連搶3天瘦瘦針停藥最怕復胖！康霈CBL-514併用兩大減重神藥 動物實驗秀能減緩復胖

Foxtron Cavira是Luxgen n⁷換殼版？ 車迷很好奇：換品牌改車名後到底新在哪？ - 鏡週刊 Mirror Media


財經中心／綜合報導

三星電子全面罷工暫時延後，勞動部長金榮訓在會後大力讚許，強調勞資雙方直到最後關頭都沒有放棄對話。（圖／資料照）

全球半導體巨頭三星電子（Samsung Electronics）的罷工危機在最後一刻迎來關鍵轉機。原定於5月21日啟動的全面罷工，在勞資雙方於前一晚達成薪資協商的暫定協議後宣布暫時延後。親自參與斡旋的韓國僱傭勞動部長金榮訓在會後大力讚許，強調勞資雙方直到最後關頭都沒有放棄對話，最終在秉持自主協商的原則下各退一步，成功為這場緊繃的勞資僵局破冰。

恐撼動全球供應鏈，2.2兆元天價危機驚動政府介入

這場罷工危機先前引發全球科技業與韓國社會的高度恐慌。根據韓聯社報導，外界評估若三星產線一旦停擺，恐將面臨高達100兆韓元（約新台幣2.2兆元）的天價經濟損失，並嚴重衝擊全球半導體生態系與供應鏈。面對國家級的經濟衝擊憂慮升高，韓國政府選擇積極介入，成為促成雙方重回談判桌的關鍵推手。

打破協調破局僵局，政府居中牽線縮小分歧

金榮訓部長指出，儘管公司在利潤分配方式上有難以讓步的原則，工會亦有其既定立場，雙方分歧一度導致第二次事後協調破局。然而，政府在探詢雙方意願後，判斷彼此仍具備充分的對話意志，因此持續居中牽線。最終，勞資雙方在考量大局下各退一步、縮小分歧，成功找到了兼顧彼此原則的解決方案。

罷工暫時延後，5月底會員投票將成落幕關鍵

三星電子工會已向成員發布公告，原定5月21日至6月7日的罷工將暫時延後，直至另行通知。工會並訂於5月22日下午2時至27日上午10時，針對此項暫定協議案舉行全體會員的贊成與反對投票。這項協議必須經投票通過後才會正式生效；若最終順利獲得工會成員支持，這場持續長達5個月的三星勞資衝突也將正式宣告落幕。

更多三立新聞網報導． 孫安佐遭羈押驚傳失聯！ 狄鶯520首度發聲：「人生短暫好好愛自己」． 狄鶯、孫鵬長期爭吵！孫安佐「家庭變調」內幕曝 親自當和事佬卻絕望． 女議員爆「曾拍成人片！」20分鐘舊作竟逆襲奪冠 本人首度回應了． 慘染4種性病！42歲人夫驚揭19歲越南辣妻「騙念書暗中接客600男」

三星罷工拆彈！勞部長：雙方皆未放棄對話 - 鏡週刊 Mirror Media


娛樂中心／綜合報導

狄鶯近期因獨子孫安佐遭羈押禁見，一度驚傳失聯，520打破沉默在臉書粉絲頁上傳影音。（圖／翻攝自狄鶯臉書）藝人狄鶯近期因 26 歲獨子孫安佐（現名孫健豪）涉及槍砲案遭羈押禁見，身心大受打擊，18 日更一度驚傳失聯，隨後被警方於淡水沙崙海邊尋獲帶回。面對外界對其精神狀況的強烈擔憂，老公孫鵬日前出面受訪報平安，透露狄鶯已回到北投住處休息，心情已逐漸平復，接下來自己會全心陪伴老婆度過難關。而狄鶯也在今（20日）打破沉默，無預警在臉書粉絲頁上傳影音。

在這支 520 上傳的短影片中，狄鶯特別放了多張自己的燦笑照。（圖／翻攝自狄鶯臉書）520大曬燦笑照！感性旁白告白自己：你是獨一無二的

在這支 520 上傳的短影片中，狄鶯特別放了多張自己的燦笑照，並選了一首相關的音樂作為背景。她用溫暖的旁白對著鏡頭感性說道：「520，自己愛自己，人生短暫好好愛自己，你再平凡也是獨一無二的，520跟自己說一聲我愛你。」

走過連日煎熬！堅強發聲引網友共鳴

這段正能量滿滿的影片，看起來像是她在經歷連日煎熬與家庭風波後，努力隔空向自己信心喊話。影片曝光後，不僅展現出她試圖調適心情、堅強面對考驗的態度，也引來不少關心她的網友熱烈討論，紛紛為她的打氣之舉點讚。

孫安佐遭羈押驚傳失聯！狄鶯520首度發聲 - 鏡週刊 Mirror Media


（中央社記者楊堯茹台北20日電）彭博報導，美國總統川普今天表示，他會與台灣總統賴清德談話。外交部發言人蕭光偉晚間表示，賴總統已說明將反映台灣社會心聲，強調台灣是台海和平的守護者，中國才是破壞者，並表達對美軍購能持續進行。

彭博報導，美國總統川普今天表示，他會與台灣總統賴清德談話。值此之際，美國政府正在考慮是否推動140億美元的對台軍售案。

對此，外交部發言人蕭光偉晚間回覆中央社提問表示，賴總統今天已經對外說明，台美溝通管道向來暢通，如果有機會，他將反映台灣社會的心聲，並做出4點說明強調，第一，台海的和平穩定是世界安全跟繁榮的必要元素，政府不卑不亢、維持現狀，台灣也是台海和平穩定的守護者。

外交部表示，第二，中國才是台海和平穩定的破壞者，中國持續在東海、南海擴軍，軍演也已經到西太平洋，使印太區域緊張情勢升高。第三，台灣有感於威脅日益嚴重，所以增加國防預算，相信只有實力可以帶來和平；而國防力量提升、對美軍事採購，是維護台灣安全，以及維護台海和平穩定的必要手段，希望這項軍購能夠持續進行。

外交部說，第四，中華民國台灣是主權獨立的國家，沒有任何一個國家有權利併吞台灣，且台灣人民追求民主自由的生活，民主自由也不應該被視為挑釁。因此，非常期待台美，以及台灣與民主國家能共同合作，促進台海和平穩定以及區域的和平安全。（編輯：林克倫）1150520

中央社記者楊堯茹台北20日電

台灣 中國 美國 中華民國

川普稱將與賴總統談話 外交部：若有機會將反映台灣心聲 | 政治


（中央社倫敦20日綜合外電報導）伊朗稱已允許20幾艘船隻通過荷莫茲海峽（Strait of Hormuz），緩解了市場對於中東戰爭難以結束的擔憂，歐洲主要股市今天收高，國際油價走低。

倫敦FTSE 100指數上揚101.79點或0.99%，收在10432.34點。

中東局勢緩解 歐股收高油價走低 | 證券


李四川胞弟李賜福涉嫌在小琉球當環保蟑螂，恐嚇取財，今天首度開庭與其他3名共犯都認罪。（資料照，擷取自四叉貓臉書）

新北市長參選人李四川胞李賜福等人假借污染地方之名，以圍船、潑漆及人身威脅為手段，恐嚇琉球鄉垃圾清運業者，勒索每噸600元「回饋金」，案經屏東地檢署偵結依恐嚇取財等罪起訴並對主嫌李賜福求處重刑後，屏東地院今天首度開庭，李賜福及其他3名共犯在法庭上全部認罪，被害業者也同意和解，法院將擇期調解。

琉球鄉2024年垃圾清運招標案因9度流標，導致垃圾堆積暴量，衝擊全島逾萬鄉民生活與觀光事業，地方怨聲載道，抨擊人謀不臧，屏東地檢署調查發現，有犯罪集團插手垃圾清運不法情事，查出以李四川胞弟李賜福為首的犯罪集團，深諳業者普遍懼怕民眾抗爭，阻礙清運進度，致使清運期程延宕，面臨逾期違約罰款的心理，同時利用地方村民嫌惡心理，遂向廠商勒索回饋金。

屏檢調查，2020年至2023年間，李賜福等人假借污染地方之名，以包圍船隻、潑漆及人身威脅作為手段，向琉球垃圾清運業者恐嚇勒索每噸600元「回饋金」，迫使先後標得垃圾清運案的3家業者分別交付240萬、150萬及186萬元，共得手576萬元。

屏東地檢署去年指揮調查局南部地區機動工作站與廉政署南部地區調查組到琉球偵辦後，認為涉案的李賜福及同夥林明男2人犯罪情節重大，向屏東地院聲押獲准，接著再查出孔姓及林姓2名共犯；屏檢今年2月偵結，分別依恐嚇取財罪及恐嚇危害安全罪起訴李賜福等人，建請法院對主嫌李賜福判處3年6個月以上有期徒刑，以示懲戒。

屏東地院今天第1次召開準備程序庭庭，李賜福在家人陪同下出庭，李賜福與其他3名共犯對於檢方起訴內容沒有意見，全都坦承犯行，向法官聲稱願和被害人和解，受害廠商也同意和解，院方將擇期安排雙方調解。

李四川胞弟李賜福當環保蟑螂恐嚇取財 在法庭上認罪了 - 社會


隨著AI浪潮持續推升科技產業成長，新竹科技業族群的購屋動能也明顯升溫。市場觀察指出，近期新竹房市除了竹北、關埔等熱門區域外，不少科技業客層開始將目光轉向具備成熟機能與生活品質的新竹市區，也帶動部分在地客群加速進場。位於新竹市中山路與牛埔路口的「閎基鑲湧」，近期便因科技業客層比例明顯增加，成為市場話題。業者表示，近期來客中，不少為竹科工程師、科技業主管與高收入自住客，其中更有許多客戶是在股市與AI產業帶動資產增值後，開始積極布局房地產。

圖：業者提供。

市區新案吸引力升高 在地客出現「提早卡位」心態房市業者分析，科技業客群向來對市場敏感度高，也更重視地段、建築品質與未來保值性，因此當科技族群開始進場某區域時，往往也會影響在地客層的購屋信心。近期便有不少新竹在地客坦言，原本仍在觀望，但看到科技業客層持續進場後，也開始擔心未來價格持續墊高，因此決定提早卡位。相較部分重劃區高單價高總價產品，市區中小坪數、具備自住品質的新案，更符合目前主流科技家庭需求。市場觀察發現，近期不少在地客層開始出現：「原本還想再看看，但現在科技業一直買，怕之後更難入手。」的心態。

圖：業者提供。

純住宅規劃、高規格建材配備 成交價格具競爭力「閎基鑲湧」基地位於新竹市中山路核心地段，約5至10分鐘即可串聯城隍廟、大遠百與巨城商圈，兼具成熟市區機能與水岸公園綠意景觀。全案規劃地上20層地標住宅，產品為26至38坪、2至3房自住型規劃，建材配備對比同區建案，屬區域高水準，安全結構採日本住友制震壁＆DRC雙核柱，廚房選用義大利CESAR頂級廚具、Rinnai三機、Bosch洗碗機、微波烤箱；衛浴配置INAX衛浴、四合一暖風機，日本YKK-AP氣密窗，比利時PERGO木地板、Busway匯流排搭配EMS管理系統。對比新竹其他區域房價普遍70-80萬，此案成交價相對親民，付款條件也彈性，相較市區其他建案更具競爭力。

圖：業者提供。

自住買盤回流 市中心進入區域發展新節奏在AI與科技產業持續帶動新竹經濟動能下，科技業客層對房市的影響力仍會持續擴大，而具備地段稀缺性與自住價值的產品，也更容易受到市場追捧。隨著科技客群逐漸進場布局，新竹市區住宅市場熱度也正持續升溫，從城市發展面來看，新竹市中心正迎來新一波更新動能。包含經國路上國泰三井800餘戶公辦都更案、亞昕集團攜手代銷龍頭海悅國際的千坪大型開發計畫。市場普遍認為，這些大型都更案逐步落實後，有望進一步帶動市中心整體街廓品質與住宅價值提升，對不少在地購屋族而言，「提早卡位」已逐漸成為近期市場的重要關鍵字。

【閎基鑲湧】城隍、遠百雙商圈・26–38 坪即刻預約｜閎基鑲湧官方網站禮賓專線｜03-5315588投資興建｜閎基建築機構－禾逸開發股份有限公司建築代銷｜海悅機構－海宇國際股份有限公司

(專輯)

熱門新訊 - 自由電子報

中山 新竹市 竹北 新竹

科技首購資金湧入新竹市區 在地居民積極跟進 中山路新案買氣升溫 - 熱門新訊


全新世代 Nissan Kicks 早已在北美市場上市，近日準備進軍日本市場並導入 e-Power 動力，同時也是台灣進口販售車型，日媒更捕獲一款偽裝測試車，車頂行李架、水箱護罩與前保桿都有改動，預計將跟進 Pathfinder、X-Trail 腳步推出 Rock Creek 越野版。

Nissan Kicks 越野版測試車現身。

根據日媒報導，大改款 Kicks 將新增 Rock Creek 車型，採用造型更加粗獷的新式樣水箱護罩與前後保險桿設計，搭配黑化風格的車頭/側面飾板、車側後視鏡蓋和越野式樣鋁圈，同時車頂行李架也有明顯改動，打造出更具有冒險精神的粗獷造型。

車頭預計導入更粗獷的水箱護罩。

新一代 Nissan Kicks 預計日本 4 月量產，將搭載單一 e-Power 油電動力，雖然跟進導入第三代 e-Power 技術，但並未和 Qashqai 一樣採 1.5 升渦輪引擎，而是搭載 1.4 升三缸自然進氣引擎作為發電機，預期能降低生產成本以實現較親民售價。

第三代 e-Power 技術，將電動馬達、發電機、逆變器、減速器和增速器整合一體，讓整體的效率更加優異，全新 Kicks 預計滿油續航里程將超過 1,200 公里，同時也會提供 e-4ORCE 四驅配置。

日媒指出，新一代 Nissan Kicks 在日本上市會有 3 個車型，屆時頂規將會針對側裙、前後保桿導入亮黑色配置，而 3 車型統一標配雙 12.3 吋螢幕，車型配備差異主要會體現在座椅、用料等方面。

台灣預計 2027 年到 2028 年間導入新一代 Kicks e-Power。

台灣市場方面，日前裕隆日產公布的新車規劃中，新一代 Kicks 將進口導入 e-Power 車型，預計上市時間落在 2027 年到 2028 年之間，屆時台灣導入 Kicks e-Power 的產地有望從泰國變成日本。

【更多試駕影片】

Nissan 新一代 Kicks 越野版本測試車曝光！台灣最快明年導入 e-Power 車型 - 自由電子報汽車頻道


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最新工作機會｜2026年5月-yes123求職網


(圖文／高雄銀行提供)

高雄銀行(2836)今(20)日舉辦法人說明會，2026年第1季稅前淨利4.67億元，較去年同期增加1.11億元，成長31.21%；稅後淨利3.71億元，較去年同期增加1.05億元，成長39.38%，成長動能依舊強勁。

自2024年3月完成50億元現金增資至今，除獲利成長亮眼並管控資產結構，資本適足率亦獲大幅改善，截至2026年第1季底，資本適足率15.16%、第一類資本比率13.00%、普通股權益比率10.91%，皆較增資前大幅成長，顯示高雄銀行積極改善財務結構，增加應對風險能力。

另外，高雄銀行已進駐「高雄資產管理專區」，致力建置專業團隊、完善商品架構及強化風險控管機制，建立完善高資產客戶服務體系，以提升高資產客戶黏著度。更選定南高雄分行做為高雄資產管理專區分行，並同步設立高資產旗艦中心，展現其從傳統金融轉向資產管理的指標意義，盼帶動非利息收入成長，降低對資本的依賴。

除佈局財富管理業務外，該行亦積極聚焦優化資產結構，逐步從傳統利差導向，轉型為兼顧財富管理與低資本耗用業務，增加低風險資產比重，以降低風險權數與提存壓力。整體來看，該行持續推動「資本轉型」、「資產負債結構轉型」及「營業費用轉型」三大策略，建構更具韌性之財務體質，讓獲利表現更穩定。

(專輯)

熱門新訊 - 自由電子報

高雄銀行首季獲利成長逾三成 正式進駐「高雄資產管理專區」 - 熱門新訊