Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council stated that while residents from Shanghai can travel to Kinmen and Matsu via 'Little Three Links,' tourism to the main island of Taiwan remains subject to discussions through the Cross-Strait Tourism Agreement.

Taiwanese garlic imports are primarily sourced from Argentina and Egypt, while US imports account for less than 1% of the total. Taiwan Garlic Farmers Association Chairman Lin Chun-fu stated that the US is not a major garlic production source for the region.

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture reported that eight specific products will be impacted by SSG measures. Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture identified eight products protected by SSG measures, including peanuts, garlic, pork offal, and red beans.

Xu Yazhu, a political commentator and deputy director for Kaohsiung City Councilor Qiu Yuxuan's office, announced her departure from the Kuomintang. She has accepted an inquiry from the Taiwan People's Party to run for Kaohsiung City Councilor.

Taiwan's Ministry of Education announced that seven out of 193 audited overseas study abroad agencies failed to upload required information.

A multi-vehicle pileup occurred on the Wuyang Viaduct during the evening.

A court has sentenced Ko Wen-je to 17 years in prison. Prosecutors had previously sought a sentence of 28 years and 6 months.

Democratic Progressive Party members Fan Xiaoyun and Liang Wenjie expressed regret regarding reports that the Kuomintang is cooperating with Chinese authorities.

Taiwan's high-speed rail service plans to introduce new trains based on Japan's N700S model by the second half of 2027. The N700C trains will weigh approximately 13 tonnes less than current models and improve overall efficiency by about 7%. The design features a streamlined shape to reduce wind resistance, noise, and sonic booms when entering tunnels. Additionally, the new trains aim to reduce noise by 3 decibels and shorten emergency braking distances by approximately 20%. The announcement was made by reporter Chang Po-tsung in Taipei. New rolling stock for the Taiwan High Speed Rail is scheduled to enter official operation in the second half of 2027. This upgrade aims to enhance the existing rail network. Taiwan is enhancing its drone industry by strengthening cross-ministry coordination and leveraging the domestic market to drive commercial and military drone development.

Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh noted that policies allowing mainland enterprises to invest in Taiwan were intended to facilitate families bringing adult children for care. Education Minister Cheng Ying is expected to address dormitory management, noting that not all universities enforce curfews. National Development Council official Yeh Chun-hsien indicated that the presidential and executive offices are preparing major announcements regarding state-supported childcare. The proposed measures may cover children from ages 0 to 6 and potentially up to 18. Specific policy directions mentioned include expanding male parental leave benefits. The announcement is expected to be coordinated by the next presidential administration's executive team. The proposed policies aim to support children from ages 0 to 18 through a 'state-supported upbringing' framework.