US-Iran War Is ‘Close to over,’ Donald Trump Says
President Donald Trump told reporters the U.S.–Iran war is "very close to over" and hinted an "amazing two days" could bring a resolution. The U.S. military confirmed its naval blockade of Iranian ports is fully in place, while a cease‑fire set to end next Wednesday is under diplomatic pressure. Pakistan has stepped in as a mediator, and officials say talks are focusing on Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz and war compensation. Regional actors, including Lebanon’s diplomats, are holding parallel discussions, though Hezbollah opposes any settlement.
N Korea Boosting Its Nuclear Arms Capabilities: UN
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned of a "very serious increase" in North Korea’s nuclear weapons production after confirming heightened activity at the Yongbyon reactor, its reprocessing unit, and a light‑water reactor. A newly identified enrichment facility further expands...
Middle East War Impacts Aviation, Statistics Show
Fuel prices for international flights have more than doubled since the Middle East war began, reaching US$1.2816 per litre—a 122% increase, while domestic jet fuel rose 116% to NT$44.2 (about $1.4) per litre. The surge has pushed flight cancellations to...
IMF Upgrades Outlook for Taiwan’s GDP
The International Monetary Fund lifted its 2026 real‑GDP forecast for Taiwan to 5.2%, up sharply from the 2.1% outlook in January. Taiwan’s own statistics agency, DGBAS, projected an even stronger 7.71% expansion, citing the resolution of US‑Taiwan tariff talks and...
Study Suggests Olfactory System Linked to Autism
Taiwanese researchers used a seven‑year AI‑driven brain‑mapping system to scan whole mouse brains and discovered that autism‑model mice exhibit a marked loss of projection neurons in the olfactory cortex. The deficit impairs odor discrimination and weakens connectivity to other regions,...
Cuts to Amusement Tax Advanced
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Finance Committee approved amendments to the Amusement Tax Act, eliminating the tax on films, cultural activities and competitive sports while retaining levies for dance halls and golf courses. The maximum rates are set at 50% for dance...
Eswatini Excluded From China’s Policy
China will grant tariff‑free access to goods from 53 African nations, deliberately leaving out Eswatini because it recognizes Taiwan. Deputy Minister Chen Ming‑chi said the exclusion will have a minimal economic effect, though it may carry a psychological signal. Taiwan...
Iran Used Chinese Spy Satellite to Target US Bases, ‘Financial Times’ Reports
According to the Financial Times, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps acquired China’s TEE‑01B spy satellite, launched by Earth Eye Co, in late 2024. The IRGC used the satellite’s imaging capability to monitor U.S. military installations across the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air...
China Bridge Carries Security Risks: PCC
Taiwan's Public Construction Commission warned that a China‑built bridge linking Kinmen and Xiamen carries significant national‑security risks. Beijing unveiled the bridge as part of its “New Four Infrastructure Links,” alongside plans for water, electricity and gas connectivity. While the project...
Foundation Says It Found Evidence of Misconduct
The Ma Ying‑jeou Foundation announced it has uncovered material evidence of suspected financial misconduct by former chief executive Hsiao Hsu‑tsen and former deputy chief executive Wang Kuang‑tzu. An internal audit revealed undocumented overseas “donations” with no corresponding inflows, suggesting possible misappropriation. The foundation...
CCP Using ‘Carrot and Stick’ Strategy: Experts
Chinese military activity around Taiwan surged to a peak on the day KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li‑wun met President Xi, underscoring Beijing’s “carrot and stick” approach that blends diplomatic overtures with coercive pressure. The Chinese government announced ten preferential measures for Taiwan,...
KMT Urges Lai to Show China ‘Goodwill’
The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) urged President William Lai to respond in kind to Beijing’s newly unveiled ten‑point incentive package for Taiwan, framing it as a goodwill gesture. The measures were announced after KMT chairwoman Cheng Li‑wun met President Xi...
Three Cities Rack up Big Fines for Illegal Rentals
In Taiwan's first quarter of 2026, Tainan, Taipei and New Taipei City each levied fines exceeding NT$7 million (about US$220,000) for illegal accommodations, the highest penalties nationwide. Taipei recorded the most illegal short‑term rental units at 410, while total unregistered properties rose...
Han Kuang Exercises to Include US-Style Methods
Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military drills are incorporating four U.S.-style rehearsal methods—Combined Arms Rehearsal, backbriefs, support rehearsals, and battle‑drill SOPs—to boost coordination and decision‑making. The exercises begin with tabletop war games running through April 24, followed by a live‑fire segment expected to...
Taipei Wary of New Beijing ‘Incentives’
Taiwan’s presidential office warned that China’s newly announced ten incentive measures—ranging from resumed travel and direct flights to infrastructure links and market access—are likely a repeat of past economic coercion tactics. The measures were unveiled after President Xi Jinping met...
