Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

A journalist traveling to Taiwan is using a test passport and has acquired luggage that was never collected by its owners. This experimental journey involves using these unclaimed bags as part of the travel process, with the journalist expressing curiosity about their contents. Partial easing has been implemented for Taiwanese passports, allowing them to be used as identification under specific circumstances after a three-step setup.

Questions are being raised about the political career trajectory of a former Taiwanese official, who was reportedly promoted by Guo Wengui through various electoral positions, including legislator and county magistrate. A commentator questioned who the Taiwanese national army is fighting for, referencing the Republic of China.

Defense expert Shih Hsiao-wei criticized the current legislative procurement process for lacking sufficient evaluation of supply chain risks and actual combat effectiveness. Despite facing daily criticism, the politician remains unfazed, drawing on past experience in public office. Lee Chen-Hsiu has been expelled from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) effective April 13, 2026, for violating party discipline. A special budget proposal, which would require borrowing, is being scrutinized. A commentator on BCC News Taiwan criticized the Democratic Progressive Party for prioritizing election strategies over economic development, questioning if this benefits Taiwan. They argue that a severe shortage of soldiers, not just weapons, will undermine combat readiness.

Taiwanese government officials are questioning US demands for zero-tariff access for American agricultural products, specifically mentioning strawberries and potatoes. Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-jai stated that agriculture is not a political tool and farmers are not easily incited. His comments follow reports that the government might relax imports of sprouted potatoes following the US-Taiwan trade agreement. He alleged the government is using 500 billion TWD in investments to exchange for tariff concessions. Chao claimed this process has already led to the opening of markets for US potatoes and peanuts. He further suggested that US pork and beef might also be included in future agreements. He noted that US peanuts cost less than 50 TWD per kilogram compared to over 100 TWD for Taiwanese peanuts.

Candidate Huang Kuo-chang has expressed a desire to have the New Taipei City election results finalized by the end of April. He noted that the current political climate allows for more time for opposing camps to coordinate and exchange opinions. This timeline is intended to facilitate a smoother transition or coordination mechanism between political parties.

The Legislative Yuan has reached a decision between ruling and opposition caucuses to proceed with a roll-call vote regarding the impeachment of Lai. Opposition parties are pushing for the impeachment based on alleged illegal or unconstitutional actions. The Blue Party is pushing for the impeachment, citing alleged violations of law or the constitution. The Legislative Yuan in Taipei convened a plenary committee hearing today regarding a proposed impeachment motion against the President. Scholars criticized President Lai's direct impeachment and dismissal of legislative members, viewing it as a subversion of constitutional order. The hearing aimed to present the case to the public, but it appears to have garnered limited attention amidst a high volume of daily news. Taiwan's legislature has scheduled a roll-call vote concerning the impeachment of Lai Ching-te.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) increased its 2026 gross domestic product growth forecast to 7.56% on Friday. The adjustment comes as analysts reassess regional productivity and trade trends. Taiwan's first quarter economic growth reached 13.69 percent, according to data released by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. Taiwan's GDP reached $80.2 billion as shipments rose 62% year-on-year, nearly doubling previous estimates. The growth is largely attributed to TSMC, which recorded a 35% jump in quarterly revenue on a year-on-year basis. TSMC's performance helped propel the Taiwan stock market to 6th place globally, overtaking the UK and Canada in the last three weeks. This represents the fastest pace of growth for the economy in almost 40 years. The report indicates economic expansion during the period.

The Control Yuan is considering legislative amendments to the Political Donations Act that would prohibit the use of cryptocurrency and online crowdfunding for political contributions. The Taipei City Police Department has launched investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and workplace bullying. Taiwanese authorities are investigating allegations of collective corruption involving high-ranking Navy officials and a French arms dealer. The Ministry of Transportation is investigating a security incident involving Taiwan's High Speed Rail. Officials are examining whether the issue stems from internal failures, external control, or password theft. The investigation aims to determine if an unauthorized person could trigger emergency signals to force trains to stop. The Ministry described the case as an internal matter currently undergoing clarification.

The Taiwan benchmark index experienced extreme volatility on Thursday, swinging more than 1,700 points during trading. Despite the massive intraday movement, the index ultimately closed lower amid significant profit-taking by investors. This volatility follows a period of record turnover in the local market. The UK stock market fell 15 points to close at 10,363. The Taipei stock market closed the year with a gain of 684 points, reaching a level of 39,616 points. Foreign investors sold 39.29 billion TWD worth of shares, offsetting domestic buying from investment trusts and self-operated firms. The decline was driven by heavy selling of TSMC shares. Market participants are monitoring potential shifts in AI computing power procurement following reports regarding OpenAI's profitability.

The High Court in Taiwan ordered former Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Lee De-wei to pay NT$1.2 million for defamation. The ruling follows legal proceedings regarding statements made against a former official. This decision underscores the legal consequences for political figures regarding defamatory speech in the region. A court ruling regarding a former member of the Taiwan People's Party may require the restoration of their party membership.