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Taipei Metro resumes after door glitch halts commute
A door malfunction on Taipei Metro’s Bannan Line disrupted over 1,100 commuters Tuesday morning. A separate harassment incident was reported but not pursued.
1天前
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Taiwan unveils sea drone with dual peacetime-wartime roles
YILAN (TVBS News) — Carbon-Based Technology Inc. (碳基科技) recently unveiled its unmanned surface vehicle (USV) in the waters off Suao (蘇澳), northern Taiwan. The sea drone aims to support an asymmetric warfare strategy currently being developed by Taiwan. Despite encountering a remote control power system issue that rendered it inoperable during performance tests, conducted under the escort of a National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST, 中科院) workboat, this incident highlights ongoing challenges for Taiwan in accelerating the development of unmanned vehicles for military use as it seeks to enhance its innovative and powerful aid forces. Professor Lin Wei-chi (林威志) from Taipei University of Marine Technology (TUMT, 台北海洋科技大學) emphasized the vessel’s innovative design, which allows it to transition between peacetime and wartime roles. The ship can transport resources to remote islands or conduct patrols in Taiwan’s waters, including port detection and environmental oversight. Regarding military applications, such a USV can deter and attack enemies and be commissioned for various missions. However, Taiwan still needs to address several issues, including geographical references in the Taiwan Strait and technical limitations. Lin noted that large waves caused water leakage during the demonstration, which may have affected electronic components on board. Vice President Li Kang-si (李康嗣) of Carbon-Based Technology confirmed that although communication power remained stable, the wave conditions hindered the vessel’s activation, leading to a delay in further tests. According to reports, the island-nation has approximately 1,000 UAVs in service, which is significantly smaller than China’s fleet, especially considering that Beijing is a leading producer of unmanned drones. The scale of the UAV industry is also restricted in Taiwan. According to the Wall Street Journal, Taiwan plans to purchase 3,200 USVs, most of which are small. On one hand, Taiwan’s civilian company is expected to deliver 3,000 drones to the authorities by the end of 2025; however, it is essential to involve larger companies in the supply chain. Amid these challenges, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) plans to enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities by proposing a special budget later this year. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng (顧立雄) underscored the significance of unmanned vehicles, including drones and vessels, in bolstering defense resilience. He also announced that the ministry will suggest a special budget to reinforce asymmetric warfare forces, following the so-called “Hellscape” coined by the Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Samuel Paparo. Uncrewed vehicles have become a prominent trend among nations, with their efficiency particularly evident during the Ukraine-Russia War. In October 2022, Ukraine deployed at least seven naval drones to attack the port of Sevastopol, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in its protected harbor. The assault resulted in damage to one frigate and several other vessels, though no warships were sunk. A month ago, Ukraine successfully employed a USV to shoot down a Russian Su-30 aircraft. This effectiveness has encouraged various nations to invest in the development of unmanned vehicles. Currently, the U.S. has over 10,000 UAVs in service, while its navy plans to expand the integration of a hybrid fleet with USVs. Regarding Taiwan, the authorities are fully committed to the effort of keeping pace in this race against time by all means. Earlier this month, Taiwan unveiled its domestically produced suicide drone developed by Thunder Tiger Group, a civilian company; another firm presented a remotely operated underwater vehicle in collaboration with the military; and Taiwan CSBC Corporation (台船) showcased its USVs capable of withstanding harsh conditions in Taiwanese waters, equipped with combat capabilities, back in March. Additionally, the Taiwan government has acquired 680 Switchblade 300 drones, 291 ALTIUS 600 M-V units from the U.S., and 4 MQ-9B drones, which are expected to arrive in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The global landscape of unmanned military vehicles has seen significant advancements, as evidenced by Ukraine’s deployment of unmanned ships during its conflict with Russia. In response to China’s military pressure, Taiwan must address the dual challenge posed by its geography and technical limitations while enhancing its development speed to achieve a flexible asymmetric warfare strategy.
2025/06/13 19:06
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Starlux head addresses pilots dismissal over safety breach
Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines has dismissed two pilots following procedural violations during a go-around maneuver on a Taipei to Clark, Philippines flight. Chairman K.W. Chang emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety and transparency, reporting the incident to Taiwan’s Civil Aviation Administration despite potential reputational damage. The violation was initially exposed by aviation social media influencer "Crazy James 787."
2025/06/13 15:00
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China Airlines faces probe over Busan landing incident
China Airlines flight from Taipei to Busan failed to follow landing instructions at Gimhae Airport, sparking an investigation. Taiwan offers support to South Korea.
2025/06/13 11:57
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Court gives 3-year sentence for TPC-3 cable damage incident
A Tainan court sentenced a Chinese captain to 3 years for damaging a submarine cable by anchoring in a restricted area. Chunghwa Telecom faces repair costs.
2025/06/13 07:00
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Taiwan president: We must preserve Tiananmen memory
President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan stresses the importance of remembering the Tiananmen Square Incident to honor history and resist authoritarianism. He criticizes Beijing’s silence and highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and transitional justice.
2025/06/04 13:00
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Taiwan urges China reforms on Tiananmen anniversary
The Mainland Affairs Council urges Beijing to respect human rights and democracy, criticizing China’s claims of democracy amid low global rankings. The council highlights the need for peace and respect for Taiwan’s democratic values.
2025/06/04 12:00
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Semiconductor giant faces backlash over workplace safety
Protesters accuse TSMC of negligence in workplace safety, citing 10 worker deaths. CEO C.C. Wei apologizes and vows to improve safety management.
2025/06/03 17:03
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Taiwan doctor gets 3 years for sexual assault in hospital ER
A National Taiwan University Hospital doctor was sentenced to three years for sexually assaulting a patient. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans disciplinary actions.
2025/05/13 22:00
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Fubon Guardians refute rumors about cheerleader withdrawal
Fubon Guardians cheerleader Lee Ju-eun reportedly withdrew from a performance due to alleged dissatisfaction with a guest. The team denies the incident.
2025/05/12 17:45
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Taiwan train bypasses stop, driver faces suspension
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. reports a train bypassed Banqiao Station due to driver error, affecting 150 passengers. The driver faces suspension and retraining.
2025/04/30 15:00
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Passengers question Cathay flight safety after repairs
Cathay Pacific addressed concerns about flight CX-531’s malfunction at Nagoya Chubu Airport. Passengers criticized the handling of the incident, citing safety and service issues.
2025/04/24 13:00
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Taiwan probes vaccine maker after lab contamination scare
Taiwan’s FDA investigates Adimmune Corp. for potential GMP violations after a lab incident. Concerns rise over vaccine safety, but officials assure thorough testing.
2025/04/23 11:00
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Endangered Taiwan bear shot after threatening village
A Formosan black bear was euthanized in Hualien after threatening residents and preying on dogs. The Forestry Agency took action for safety, sparking local rituals.
2025/04/22 21:00
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Norovirus outbreak strikes Taiwan wedding banquet
A food poisoning incident at Evergreen Plaza Hotel Tainan sent 70 wedding guests to the hospital. The hotel claims compliance with health standards and offers compensation.
2025/04/18 20:00
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Taipei mayor demands swift probe into restroom incident
Taipei’s Department of Education reports a city employee was caught filming in a restroom. Mayor Chiang demands swift action. Safety measures are in place.
2025/04/17 11:00
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Taiwan fighter jet malfunction closes Penghu runway again
An IDF jet at Magong Air Force Base faced a brake malfunction, closing the runway temporarily. This is the second incident in a week involving the same jet.
2025/04/16 14:40
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Taiwan suspends bullet train driver after doors fail to open
Taiwan High Speed Rail investigates a door malfunction on train No. 204 at Banqiao Station. The driver is suspended. Passengers receive refunds and gifts.
2025/04/15 10:00
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Taiwan bullet train offers refunds after door malfunction
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. will refund 50% of ticket prices to passengers affected by a door malfunction at Banqiao Station. The company apologizes and promises gifts.
2025/04/15 07:00
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Taiwan THSR apologizes for closed-door station mishap
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp. investigates after human error left train doors closed at Banqiao Station, causing passenger inconvenience. The company apologizes and reviews protocols.
2025/04/14 13:00
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Taiwan mall urges mental health awareness after third death
A 26-year-old woman died after falling at a Taichung mall, marking the third such incident in 47 days. The mall plans to enhance safety measures.
2025/04/11 12:00
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Moldy daifuku prompts health inspection at Lin’s Wagashi
Taipei health officials inspected Lin’s Wagashi Confectionery after a moldy daifuku complaint. They found sanitary issues and set a deadline for compliance.
2025/03/21 13:00
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Taichung mayor, Eslite apologize for shoplifting error
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and Eslite executives apologized after a mistaken shoplifting report led to a family being taken to a police station. The incident prompted calls for improved procedures and accountability.
2025/03/17 13:00
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Kim Soo-hyun’s fan meeting in Taiwan to proceed as planned
Kim Soo-hyun’s fan meeting in Kaohsiung on March 30 will proceed despite controversy over his alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron. PRADA has dropped him.
2025/03/14 14:00
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Macau toddler succumbs to injuries from Taichung blast
A 2-year-old girl from Macau has died following injuries from the Taichung Shin Kong Mitsukoshi explosion. The incident has claimed five lives. An investigation is ongoing.
2025/03/13 10:36