Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

Legislator Li Chen-hsiu has been expelled from the Taiwan People's Party, causing her to lose her at-large legislative seat. The party central has stated there will not be an 8,000 New Taiwan Dollar version of a stimulus, only a 3,800 New Taiwan Dollar version. The politician believes the essence of the 3,800 and 8,000 dollar versions is the same, differing only in the timing of distribution. The politician also commented on the F-35 fighter jet, noting it is what the Ministry of National Defense most wants to purchase, but the US does not sell it to Taiwan. They cautioned against equating higher spending with greater patriotism. A Taiwanese politician is returning to Taiwan, described as being under pressure and facing difficulties. A Taiwanese politician is returning to Taiwan, described as a relatively low-key arrival compared to past high-profile returns.

The Central Election Commission reports that the failure to appoint new personnel for the Executive Yuan may impact upcoming nine-in-one elections. Political negotiations regarding a specific project concluded after 30 minutes without reaching a consensus. Speaker Han Kuo-yu announced a follow-up meeting scheduled for May 6 at 3:00 PM. The project's budget requires formal approval from the party caucus before a final decision can be made. All party groups had previously stated their positions prior to the session. Cross-party negotiations in Taiwan concluded without reaching a consensus on key issues.

Kuomintang legislator Lai Shih-pao criticized Democratic Progressive Party candidate Shen Boyang regarding his campaign tactics in Taipei. Chuang also mentioned using AI to analyze the impact of his own recent hairstyle change on public discussion. Kuomintang legislator Chen Yu-chen criticized Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Ting-yu regarding the focus on a military-themed film. DPP legislator Chen Zhihan criticized opposition figures for questioning the 'White Crane' initiative, accusing them of hindering progress. The legislator noted that while the party once had ideals to improve lives, current strategies focus on winning at any cost. The speaker addressed allegations regarding Li Tzu-chun's land trusts, stating the land was ancestral inheritance managed through transparent trusts.

The Taiwan Veterans Association issued a formal statement condemning legislator Lyu Li-shih for attending a Chinese Communist Party event. The Veterans Affairs Council in Taiwan issued a formal press release condemning Legislator Lu Li-shih for attending activities organized by the Chinese Communist Party. The Council stated that the legislator's actions betray the nation, the military, and the people. They expressed support for legislative amendments to protect national dignity and the honor of active and retired service members. The organization said that the majority of veterans maintain firm patriotic beliefs to ensure national security. The Council plans to continue conducting patriotic education seminars across different regions. They also called on veterans to resist United Front tactics and support the strengthening of national defense.

Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wen stated that the success of the recent peace summit exceeded expectations. Cheng noted that the summit aims to halt an escalating spiral of malice and bring peace back to Taiwan. national interests rather than a pro-China stance and noted high demand for interviews from international media. Kuomintang member Cheng Li-wen stated that China will not accept a Taiwanese leader who advocates for Taiwan independence or a 'two-state theory.' She noted that President Lai Ching-te's refusal to accept the 1992 Consensus makes diplomatic change unlikely.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) ADR saw a increase, closing at $402.46. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company ADR rose more than 5 percent to close at 402.46 USD last Friday. United Microelectronics Corporation ADR rose 9.35 percent following positive financial results and real-time share buybacks. TSMC ADRs rose by $160 million to close at $397.67.

The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) has outlined its political objectives leading into the 2026 elections. The party intends to visit the United States to discuss military and security issues to ensure regional harmony. The Kuomintang (KMT) aims to balance relations between the United States and China to facilitate cross-strait exchanges. This strategy is intended to improve the party's standing with voters during the upcoming elections. The party suggests that the 2026 elections could be framed as a choice between war and peace regarding cross-strait exchanges.

Taiwanese Defense Minister Wellington Koo addressed the controversy regarding a retired Navy Major who appeared on a Chinese military vessel. Political parties are currently coordinating on specific details and defense items to ensure public transparency. Taiwan People's Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang stated that negotiations must reach a conclusion that can be explained to the citizens. The legislative process aims to allow party groups to exercise autonomy in professional coordination regarding these defense measures. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus has committed to supporting the procurement of advanced weaponry to defend Taiwan. Kuomintang (KMT) officials are engaged in negotiations to secure advanced weaponry for Taiwan's defense. Kuomintang member Chuang Jui-hsiung stated that military procurement regulations are currently drawing international attention.

Tokyo Electron Taiwan has been fined 150 million TWD in the first case involving a corporate entity under the National Security Act. The defendant, Chen Limin, is a former TSMC engineer who worked in the marketing department of the equipment supplier.

Taiwanese drone exports increased from 3,000 units in 2024 to 136,000 shipments within the first three months of 2026. Poland is identified as one of the primary importers of these technologies. Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs reported that 267 companies are involved in drone system integration and key component manufacturing. Taiwan plans to strengthen cross-ministerial coordination and leverage the domestic market to drive the development of commercial and military drones. The goal is to promote mass production, technological maturity, and expand into international markets. The government plans to integrate policy and industrial resources to enhance competitiveness and establish Taiwan as the Asia-Pacific center for drone supply chains. Taiwan High Speed Rail's new train fleet is set to launch in the second half of 2027.