Wednesday briefing: What you need to know about Taiwan today

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As Taiwan grapples with environmental, political, and social challenges, a diverse range of stories captured the public's attention on Wednesday (Jan. 15). From concerns about air quality and adolescent health to political negotiations and cultural engagements, these stories paint a vibrant picture of contemporary Taiwan. Here are the five news stories you need to know tonight:

Taiwan Braces for Air Quality Drop Due to China Pollutants

The Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) has warned that pollutants from China's Shandong (山東) to Shanghai (上海) regions are expected to impact Taiwan. The approaching continental cold air mass is predicted to lower air quality to an orange alert level, posing health risks for sensitive groups.

Two cold air waves have increased wind speeds in coastal areas, potentially causing dust storms that could further degrade air quality and visibility. Northern Taiwan may experience PM2.5 levels between 30 and 45 micrograms per cubic meter, with orange alerts and even short-term red alerts anticipated in certain areas. The ministry has advised the public to minimize outdoor activities and take precautionary measures.

Cross-Party Talks on Taiwan Budget See Heated Exchanges
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) led a cross-party negotiation earlier that day to address the 2025 central government budget amid rising tensions. Despite light-hearted attempts to ease the atmosphere, including jokes about losing hair, the morning's discussions failed to resolve any of the 3,296 pending amendments.

A heated debate ensued between the opposition Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) and ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) over speaking time allocations. Speaker Han emphasized the need to avoid delays, proposing additional negotiations over the weekend. The urgency to finalize the budget remains high as the Legislative Yuan prepares to adjourn next Tuesday.

Credit Card Spending in Taiwan Hits Record High in 2024
Data released by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC, 金管會) on Tuesday reveals a 5.13% year-on-year increase in credit card spending for November 2024, reaching NT$385.5 billion. Despite a monthly decline, total spending from January to November 2024 hit a record NT$4.2654 trillion, marking an 11.07% increase.

CTBC Bank led the credit card spending in November, followed closely by Cathay United Bank. As the new year unfolds, the FSC anticipates further trends in credit card usage, potentially influencing financial strategies for 2025. The number of active credit cards has also seen an increase, indicating robust consumer spending habits.

Taiwan Sees Alarming Rise in Adolescent STD Cases
The Action Alliance on Basic Education (國教行動聯盟) has raised concerns over a significant rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among Taiwanese adolescents. Statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Centers for Disease Control (CDC, 疾管署) show a sharp increase in gonorrhea cases among young people, prompting calls for immediate government intervention.

Prominent legislators and advocates stress the importance of early STD prevention and comprehensive sexual health education. They propose inter-ministerial collaboration and the involvement of influencers to address societal stigma and misconceptions. The alliance's efforts highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard adolescent health.

Hyun Bin Returns to Taiwan for Harbin Film Promotion
South Korean actor Hyun Bin (玄彬) made a highly anticipated return to Taiwan on Wednesday to promote his latest film, "Harbin" (哈爾濱). Accompanied by the film's director and producers, Hyun Bin plans to engage with fans through special screenings at Taipei's Ambassador Theaters.

In "Harbin," Hyun Bin portrays a national hero in a thrilling historical narrative. The film, which has enjoyed significant success in South Korea, is set to premiere in Taiwan on Jan. 29. Hyun Bin expressed his excitement about sharing this project with his family, marking a significant milestone in his career.