Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Labor and occupational injury groups demonstrated outside the Executive Yuan in Taipei to demand more social housing and higher labor pension contributions.

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration detected 0.5 mg of arsenic in chilled sea urchin imported from Canada by Zhengxian Co., Ltd. Canadian chilled sea urchin soft meat was found to contain 0.5 milligrams of mercury per unit. Testing revealed heavy metal levels of 0.5 mg/kg in chilled sea urchin from Zheng Xian Co. Testing revealed mercury levels of 0.5 mg, exceeding the safety limit of 0.3 mg. The agency has increased inspection rates for the company to between 20% and 50% at the border. Additionally, a batch of dried chili peppers from mainland China was found to contain Sudan Red dye. The report was released on April 28 by the food inspection authority. The Taiwan Food Authority issued a list of non-compliant food products identified during border inspections.

The Taiwan Railways Administration aims for an annual revenue target exceeding 5 billion TWD for the commercial space. Starry 3 (Breeze Plaza Industrial Co., Ltd.) has been selected as the preferred applicant for the Taipei Station mall management rights. The preferred bidder is identified as Feng Guang Plaza Industrial Co., Ltd. Starlight 3 won the ROT tender for the Taipei Station shopping mall, defeating the long-term operator Breeze Plaza by a margin of one point. Wei Feng Group Deputy General Manager Gao Ming-ding held a press conference this afternoon regarding the selection results.

Premier Cho Wen-tai stated that individuals violating nationality laws must face clearer legal regulations. He noted that certain cases involve simultaneous violations of the Nationality Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The Premier highlighted that individuals holding Chinese nationality may be subject to obligations under Chinese constitutional, national security, and intelligence laws, which could facilitate intelligence collection against Taiwan. He argued that the government should focus more on economic development rather than ideological issues. Taiwan's Premier, Chou Rong-chao, called for clearer legal regulations regarding dual nationality cases. He noted that individuals holding Chinese nationality may be obligated to comply with the Chinese Constitution, National Security Law, and Intelligence Law.

A member of the Taiwan legislature questioned the recent screening of the mainland Chinese film "800" within the Army's 153rd Brigade. The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense stated that a battalion commander's decision to screen the mainland Chinese film '800' was a cognitive error. The commander reportedly did not realize the film was considered a propaganda tool. Opposition politician Chen Yu-chen criticized the focus on ideology, suggesting lawmakers prioritize economic issues instead. Kuomintang legislator Chen Yu-chen suggested that Democratic Progressive Party lawmakers should focus on economic issues rather than ideological concerns regarding a military film. Legislator Chou Yung-lung argued that using nationality laws to handle political rights is.

Chou stated that Lu's remarks violate a soldier's duty of loyalty to the nation. The comments are described as a breach of professional ethics for retired military officers. Chief of Staff Chuang Jui-hsiung condemned former Navy Major Lu Li-shi for making inappropriate defeatist comments on social media.

Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture has prepared a 30 billion TWD agricultural security fund to promote industry upgrades and establish automated equipment. The Democratic Progressive Party government is discussing a 1.25 trillion defense budget that includes military procurement, maintenance, and commercial purchases. Critics are questioning the discrepancy between the 1.25 trillion figure and an 800 billion figure. The opposition is calling for transparency regarding whether the purchases meet actual defense needs. There are concerns about whether the focus is solely on military hardware for the next eight years. They questioned if the budget is being used to benefit specific political interests following previous solar energy projects. Opposition politician Chou Yu-chieh questioned the use of a special budget for defense spending in Taiwan.

Taiwanese peanut prices may drop to approximately 40% of current levels due to US peanut imports benefiting from zero tariffs and special defense measure exemptions. US peanuts may enter the Taiwan market at low prices due to the US-Taiwan Reciprocal Trade Agreement. Kuomintang legislator Lai Shih-pao questioned Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun in the Legislative Yuan regarding the timing of US peanut imports. Lai expressed concerns that zero-tariff imports under the US-Taiwan Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) could impact the domestic peanut industry. The minister stated they are waiting for US confirmation regarding the ART negotiations before the matter is sent to the legislature. The current value of peanut crop conversion in Taiwan is 13,500 units, according to the source.

Global demand for weaponry is causing delivery delays of 30 to 40 months. Currently, 18 countries are waiting in line for Patriot missile systems. This supply constraint affects both Taiwan and the international market. The issue is described as a political topic rather than a purely defense-related one. Global weapon procurement faces delays, with delivery timelines extending to 30-40 months. The shortage affects international buyers including Taiwan and the United States. Analysts suggest these procurement timelines have transitioned from a defense issue into a political topic. Approximately 18 countries are currently waiting in queue for Patriot missiles. Logistics issues have caused delivery times to potentially double previously recorded durations.

The clarification aimed to address public perception regarding the selection of candidates. Taiwanese officials have clarified the nomination process for candidates.