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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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A-mei’s Taipei concerts spark earthquake-like tremors
Taiwanese pop star A-mei’s concerts at Taipei Dome on Dec. 21-22 sparked controversy as nearby residents likened vibrations to an earthquake. Local officials and Farglory Group address safety concerns.
2024/12/23 17:48
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Taiwan prepares for chilly blast as temperatures set to drop
Taiwan is preparing for a cold wave that will bring temperatures as low as 7 degrees Celsius along the coast, according to meteorological expert Daniel Wu. The temperatures in different regions of Taiwan on Monday will vary, with northern areas dropping from 14 to 7 degrees, central areas ranging from 9 to 21 degrees, southern regions from 10 to 24 degrees, and eastern zones from 9 to 21 degrees. Snow is expected to fall in high-altitude areas such as Lala Mountain, Mount Hehuan, Qixing Mountain, and Datun Mountain. The cold front will engulf the entire island from Tuesday to Thursday morning, causing temperatures to plummet even further, potentially dipping below 5 degrees in some plains regions. Local rain is expected in areas north of the central region and the eastern half on Tuesday, with showers in the eastern section on Wednesday. Residents are advised to dress warmly. The cold wave is predicted to gradually weaken from Thursday to the following Sunday, with temperatures rising across the island. Greater Taipei will remain mostly cloudy, while areas south of Taoyuan will experience clear and stable weather, with brief local showers possible in the eastern half.
2024/01/22 12:42
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MAMAMOO’s Wheein headlines Tainan Christmas rock concert
The ’2023 Tainan Christmas Rock Concert’ in Tainan, Taiwan, will feature performances from popular artists such as Wheein from the South Korean girl group MAMAMOO, Taiwanese singers Yoga Lin, OSN, and Kasiwa, bands Accusefive and Mixer, Singaporean singer-songwriter Boon Hui Lu, and Dutch singers Martin Hurkens and Marjolein. Wheein, known for her powerful vocals and contributions to television drama soundtracks, expressed her excitement for the concert and even asked fans to recommend local Tainan delicacies for her to try during her visit. The concert took place at the western plaza of the Tainan City Government Yonghua Civic Center, inviting fans and local residents to join in the festive Christmas celebration.
2023/12/23 12:26
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DPP’s Lai promises High Speed Rail, expressways for Pingtung
Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Presidential candidate, announced at a rally in Pingtung his plans to construct a Taiwan High-Speed Rail line and two expressways in the area. Lai aims to balance Taiwan’s national development projects and bring more support and assistance to Pingtung, transforming it into a "beautiful new homeland." His promises include extending the high-speed rail to Chaozhou Township, reducing travel time from Taipei to less than two hours. Lai also intends to attract high-tech industries, introduce agricultural technology, and enhance the export competitiveness of local farm produce. Additionally, he plans to uplift tourism service quality in Pingtung, transforming Kenting into a destination similar to Bali and developing Dapeng Bay into a Hawaii-like getaway. Lai emphasized Pingtung’s importance in the implementation of the New Southbound Policy, highlighting its potential contribution to Taiwan’s development in collaboration with other southern counties and cities. He credited his past contributions to Pingtung’s development, such as the Pingtung Veterans General Hospital, to the efforts of former Pingtung County Commissioner Pan Men-an, current commissioner Chou Chun-mi, and legislators. Lai seeks local residents’ support to make Pingtung glorious again.
2023/12/22 11:00
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DPP Lai kicks off island-wide campaign to uphold democracy
Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential candidate, began a four-day campaign trip in Yilan County, emphasizing Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and opposition to authoritarianism. Lai highlighted the significance of Yilan as the birthplace of Hokkien opera, a traditional drama that has helped promote Taiwan globally. He promised increased support for local culture and discussed his policies aimed at balancing Taiwan’s national development plans and restoring pride to Yilan residents.
2023/12/21 15:38
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Central Taiwan groups rally for coal-free future
Join the rally against air pollution and global warming in Taichung, central Taiwan on December 24. Environmental organizations are demanding a coal-free central Taiwan and urging Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to take immediate action to phase out coal at the Taichung Power Plant by 2026. Central Taiwan is responsible for over 60% of the nation’s coal-fired power generation, causing long-term pollution. The International Energy Agency advises developed countries to achieve coal phase-out by 2030 to control temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius. Taiwan’s current energy policy does not align with international trends, with proposed energy-use proportion still including 14 to 20% coal by 2030. However, data from the Ministry of Economic Affairs suggests that increased generation from natural gas and renewable sources can allow for a full coal phase-out at Taichung Power Plant by 2026, a decade earlier than Taipower’s claim. Local governments in central Taiwan are criticized for insufficient efforts to reduce coal use, and residents are urged not to wait another 12 years for a healthier environment.
2023/12/19 15:28
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Orange Devils band returns to enthrall Taiwan fans
The renowned Orange Devils, Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School’s marching band, have returned to Taiwan, performing at the National Concert Hall on Dec. 14. They also performed at Taipei First Girls High School and surprised guests with a flash performance at a hotel in Xizhi District, New Taipei City. The band previously entertained crowds in Kaohsiung. The visiting students and staff were impressed by the warmth and support they received from the local Taiwanese community and Japanese residents. Their presence highlights the cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan, celebrating shared passions and friendships across borders.
2023/12/12 18:01
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Taipei councilor exposes ’red infiltration’ via China trips
Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chun has expressed concerns about stealthy trips organized by local community leaders to China, questioning whether they could be instances of "red infiltration." Chen highlighted a heavily subsidized trip advertised as a "Wuxi Community Exchange Study," which cost participants just NT$15,000 and included flights, hospitality, and lodging. She suggested that the trip seemed imbued with Chinese propaganda, as it included visits to historical towns, canal boat tours, and a Belt and Road Initiative silk factory, with a guide from the National People’s Congress Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Chen raised concerns about potential organized red infiltration, as local leaders covertly rallied groups and secretly canvassed like-minded community members to join the trip. She also questioned whether the Chinese Communist Party could be using these excursions to influence the votes of Taiwanese local residents in anticipation of Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election. Chen argued that the CCP could be engaging in a multifaceted campaign, including cognitive warfare and expansive propaganda, with the latest strategy involving ground-level infiltration to sway Taiwan’s electorate. She called for Taiwan’s national security agencies to remain vigilant and advised citizens to foster security awareness to guard against possible election meddling strategies by the CCP.
2023/11/26 18:37
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Formosan black bear released to the wild after FNCA’s care
A Formosan black bear, injured at a coffee plantation in Taiwan, has been released back into the wilderness after four months of intensive care. The bear, named "Da qu-ali" after a Bunun indigenous leader, triggered a trap in July and underwent successful surgery to recover. Weighing 101 kilograms, the bear was deemed fit for reintroduction. Major wildlife conservation organizations participated in the release, which included a divine naming ceremony led by tribe chief Ho Cheng-chung. The Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency used the incident to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and encouraged local residents to create bear-friendly environments.
2023/11/14 21:14
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Ko Wen-je plans island-wide tour to connect with locals
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je plans to embark on an island-wide tour in late November to visit industries, listen to local residents’ concerns, and hold public speaking sessions. During a press conference, Ko reiterated the principles proposed during his candidacy declaration on May 20, which include advocating for a "harmonious society, national governance," the establishment of a "united government, a united Taiwan," and "Taiwanese autonomy, cross-strait peace."
2023/11/01 10:57
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TSMC abandons fab plans in Taoyuan due to local opposition
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has decided not to proceed with its plans to establish a new chip factory in Taoyuan’s Longtan District due to strong opposition from local residents. The company initially intended to produce chips smaller than 2 nanometers at the site, but the negative public response led to the abandonment of the project. The government’s expropriation of a land area, of which 90% is private property, sparked public dissatisfaction.
2023/10/18 11:03
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Chiayi County gifts cash to elderly for Double 9th Festival
The Bureau of Social Affairs in Chiayi County is distributing cash to elderly residents in local villages, with over 100,000 beneficiaries expected. In honor of the Double Ninth Festival, the Chiayi County Government is providing monetary gifts to those aged 65 and above, with varying amounts of NT$3,000, NT$6,000, or NT$9,000.
2023/10/17 15:45
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Typhoon Bolaven to intensify, change course northward
The Central Weather Administration predicts that Typhoon Bolaven will intensify into a moderate typhoon on Monday, October 9, potentially becoming a severe typhoon as it moves northward. Heavy rain advisories have been issued for Yilan, Keelung, Taipei, and New Taipei, with a higher chance of rainfall in the northern and eastern parts of Taiwan. The typhoon, currently southeast of Guam, is expected to veer northeastward by Friday, October 13, posing no significant threat to Japan. Local authorities are urging residents in affected areas to stay updated on weather forecasts and take necessary precautions, particularly in low-lying areas where flooding and landslides are possible due to heavy rainfall.
2023/10/09 14:40
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Nanfang’ao Bridge opens to traffic 3 years after collapse
The Nanfang’ao Bridge in Yilan County officially opened to the public on Sunday (Dec. 18) to the delight of local residents who were seen taking photos as they walked on the bridge following its collapse 3 years ago.
2022/12/19 17:05
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New Taipei earns US$62K from traffic violation fines
New Taipei City has earned USD62,230 (NTD2 million) from traffic violations at three different traffic lights in 45 days, thanks to new tech equipment. The same equipment will be installed at 16 more locations across the city in December with the goal of improving the safety of local residents and detecting traffic violations more quickly, according to city authorities.
2022/11/03 19:14
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Xiaoliuqiu residents pick up waste along the coast
Gathered on the coast of Xiaoliuqiu, these are not tourists. Rather, they are volunteers, reaching into the deep crevices between rocks, picking up garbage. These coastal cleanup volunteers are local inhabitants. Bed and breakfast owners, watersport coaches, and restaurant employees, all joined together here, to help clean up around the coast.
2022/10/27 17:49