Stories from Taiwan

Taiwan's economy grew at its fastest pace in almost four decades driven by the AI and tech boom. Manufacturers in the region forecast a 0.7% decline in output for the current month. A government survey indicates consumer confidence fell in April as households face higher living costs. The economy remains sensitive to inflation and import reliance. Taiwan's GDP for the quarter ending reached $80.2 billion. Shipments rose 62% year-on-year, nearly doubling previous estimates. The growth is largely attributed to TSMC, which recorded a 35% jump in quarterly revenue year-on-year. Taiwan's stock market rose to 6th place globally, overtaking the UK and Canada in the last three weeks. The Economic Daily reported on its front page that the rescue is a 'resurrection,' with Taiwan's chip industry expected to recover.

A sea cable near Dohing has completely snapped, cutting the main connection to the island. Taiwan immediately switched to a backup system using microwave signals to prevent a full outage.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation of Japanese lawmakers to discuss economic partnership agreements.

A new book has been developed to categorize Taipei's cultural landmarks, natural landscapes, historical sites, and lifestyle aspects into 48 distinct themes.

The Immigration Bureau responded to protests from civil groups regarding the lack of political asylum for Myanmar nationals in 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.