Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Political figures in Taiwan are focusing on performance metrics to secure future electoral success. The party's strategy follows a visit to mainland China by the Legislative Yuan President. KMT leadership noted that Donald Trump is expected to visit mainland China next month, which may influence the year-end election landscape. The source stated that to win the mayoral election, a candidate must gain support from swing voters. The focus should shift from 'anti-China, protect Taiwan' rhetoric to municipal construction and citizens' livelihoods. The source also mentioned that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government, under Lai Ching-te, has repeatedly violated the constitution in the past two years.

A political party group in Taiwan has decided to implement a paid review process for a specific legislative matter. A political party group in Taiwan has moved toward allowing party caucuses to operate autonomously without central party interference.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 53 kilometers east of Taipei and 40 kilometers southeast of Keelung. Localized rainfall is reported across the region. Temperatures in Antikythera reached 16 degrees Celsius, while Thessaloniki recorded 14 degrees Celsius. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Taiwan on Friday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences. The tremor occurred at a depth of 96 kilometers. There are currently no reports of casualties or damage from the earthquake. No information regarding casualties or damage has been reported at this time. A magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred at a depth of 7.276 km near Ute Park, New Mexico. No new specific data provided in current feed to update magnitude or location.

A miniature horse was spotted wandering near Daye Road in the Beitou District of Taipei.

Clinician Chen Xinmei reported that some patients in outpatient clinics show oxalate levels significantly exceeding standard ranges. A patient in Taiwan was found to have high levels of the plasticizer DEHP.

Taiwan's public debt-to-GDP ratio has reached 100.2 percent, entering an era where debt exceeds income. If this upward trend continues, the ratio is projected to surpass the post-World War II record of 106 percent by 2030.

Teachers in Taiwan participated in May Day rallies following the passage of a new law. The legislation grants teachers the first of May as a national holiday for the first time. The law recognizes teachers as workers within the holiday framework. The law designates May 1st as a national holiday for teachers for the first time to recognize them as workers. The report was provided by Grace Chin.

The Kuomintang (KMT) central committee released a press release on Facebook addressing a controversy involving party-level military procurement. Zeng also commented on President Lai Ching-te's diplomatic travels, expressing a desire for the President's safe return while noting the ongoing challenges in Taiwan's diplomacy. Kuomintang Chairman Zeng Liwen stated that military procurement issues do not have a direct relationship with the upcoming year-end elections. A disagreement has emerged within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regarding the military budget. Some legislators disagree with the proposed NT$380 billion figure. Party members are urged to be braver in supporting defense, with concerns raised about potential 'agents' influencing decisions. Legislator Fan Yun urged dissenting members to be braver and not let party leaders dictate the final decision.

A previous ruling sentenced him to 13.5 years, which prevents him from running for president. A court sentence of 13.5 years was mentioned in relation to preventing a presidential run.

Legislators are questioning the composition of Taiwan's 1.25 trillion TWD defense budget. The case involves figures as high as French officials and a sum of 1.25 trillion. Taiwanese courts have returned a case regarding defense procurement to the military due to a lack of progress in a 2025 international investigation. Legislators are questioning the classification of certain defense-related procurement and private sector support funds. Taiwan's defense spending includes both government-to-government military purchases from the United States and commercial transactions. Department of Defense, State Department, and Congress. Local arms dealers in Taipei are reportedly active in the commercial sector of these acquisitions. There are serious divisions within the ruling party regarding the defense budget, with some legislators disagreeing with the proposed 380 billion figure.