Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Media stock prices reached new highs following gains in London. Micron and Sendex shares also experienced substantial increases. The market movement appears to be driven by ongoing interest in artificial intelligence. Micron and S&P 500 indices also saw increases, though the S&P 500 experienced a slight pullback after 18 consecutive days of gains. The market trend remains centered on AI-related developments.

The proposal follows remarks by Navy Major Lyu Li regarding national strength that sparked public debate. The changes include increasing the types of offenses, increasing penalties, and adding clauses regarding intermediaries. Six major hospital unions, including Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Chen Da Hospital, Starlight Hospital, and Zhenxing Hospital, issued a rare joint statement. The unions are protesting Minister Shi Jung-liang's indication that a two-to-three-year buffer period will delay the implementation of the nursing staffing law until 2029. The unions described the proposed delay as a failure to fulfill previous commitments. Legislator Lai Yue-long addressed the financial challenges facing Taiwan's National Health Insurance system, which has been in operation for 31 years.

Agriculture Ministry Deputy Minister Hu Chung-yi stated that US peanut imports are minimal and Taiwan's domestic peanut market share remains at 75%. The politician calls for gratitude towards the armed forces for liberating Taiwan from colonialism and returning it to the Republic of China, said self-governance and the right to elect leaders. The politician states their commitment to serving the public from the grassroots level, rejecting the title of legislator. The politician also questioned the DPP's ability to break through mainland China's influence, contrasting it with the Communist Party's success. The politician also highlighted a shortage of over 50,000 soldiers, questioning recruitment efforts at high schools and universities.

The Control Yuan released April polling data showing President Lai Ching-te has a 46.2% trust rating. President Lai Ching-te's trust rating reached 46.2% according to the latest April political poll from Liberty Times. President Lai Ching-te's job satisfaction rating reached 44.5%, representing a 0.7 percentage point increase from the previous month. According to the Formosa Monthly poll for April, 46.2% of citizens express trust in President Lai, while 43.8% express distrust. Additionally, 47.5% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with his administration. A survey indicates 46.2% trust Lai Ching-te, down 0.9% from last month, while distrust rose to 43.8%. Politician Cheng Li-wen stated in an interview that the Chinese Communist Party is currently showing its greatest hostility toward Lai Ching-te. Cheng noted that the party is showing more goodwill toward her political path.

The Control Yuan released the latest asset declaration for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei City mayoral candidate Lee Sichuan. The Control Yuan released Lee Sichuan's asset disclosure report from November of last year, including New Taiwan Dollar deposits and Hsinchu Trust holdings.

A five-day telephone poll conducted by two political parties shows Kuomintang candidate Li Sichuan leading the race for New Taipei Mayor. Latest polls show Li Sichuan leading over Taiwan People's Party candidate Huang Kuo-chang. Li Sichuan said the victory marks the beginning of his responsibility to implement cooperation between the two parties. The candidate expressed commitment to implementing agreements between political parties and noted successful integration of candidates in New Taipei City. The Kuomintang party is seeking voters to choose candidates focused on urban progress. Political competition is expected to accelerate as the election cycle progresses. Jiang Yi-zhen, a former broadcaster, described the survey as the most rigorous in local election history. The poll utilized age-based sampling and mobile phone data to better capture younger demographics.

Taiwan will continue border surveillance and inspections of dried chili from mainland China until April 22 of next year.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an announced a long-term stable exchange mechanism between Taipei and Tokyo. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wen-an announced that the Taipei City Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government have established a long-term cooperation framework for AI city governance. This marks the first time Taipei has entered into such a specific AI governance partnership with Tokyo. The Taipei City Information Department signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to establish a long-term digital cooperation and exchange mechanism.

Shen characterized the current Twin City Forum as a potential vulnerability for infiltration.

President Lai addressed challenges posed by increased gray-zone activities and cross-strait harassment from China this year. He pledged to expand the Coast Guard's capabilities by deploying more drones, radar systems, and infrared/thermal imaging technology. These measures aim to strengthen maritime enforcement against recent provocations. The planned upgrades include drones, radar systems, infrared, and thermal imaging technology. President Lai Ching-te pledged to expand high-tech equipment including drones, radar, and thermal imaging to counter increased gray-zone harassment from across the strait. Taiwan is pursuing a comprehensive transformation of its Coast Guard to build integrated sea and air monitoring capabilities. The agency is working to secure critical infrastructure, including undersea cables, against harassment from the Chinese Coast Guard.