Stories from Taiwan

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.

Kaohsiung Police Chief Zhao Ruihua stated on Tuesday that the department will not protect any officers involved in misconduct. An officer with a two-star, three-stripe rank is accused of sexually harassing a female officer in October 2025. The officer has been transferred to a non-supervisory position in a different district. Zhao said that the investigation will continue without leniency. The measures include administrative restructuring, holding relevant personnel accountable, and reassigning individuals to non-managerial roles. The entire case is being transferred to the disciplinary court. The officer involved, who was scheduled to retire on July 16, will no longer be able to apply for early retirement in June. Authorities have decided to adjust the officer's role to a non-managerial position.

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

Taiwanese authorities seized 26.4 kilograms of Canadian refrigerated sea urchin found to have heavy metal levels exceeding safety standards. Taiwanese authorities seized 26.4 kilograms of chilled sea urchin from Canada imported by Zhen Xian Co., Ltd. Additionally, 1,000 kilograms of dried chili powder from mainland China, imported by Magic First Co., Ltd., was found to contain Sudan dye No. The Food and Drug Administration has increased inspection rates for Zhen Xian to between 20% and 50%. The contaminated goods must be returned or destroyed at the border. Authorities will implement 100% testing for Sudan Red in chili powder from mainland China until April 22 next year. Authorities also identified 26.4 kilograms of refrigerated sea urchin imported from Canada by Magic Xiansi Co., Ltd. Sampling rates for certain products at the border have been adjusted to between 20% and 50%.

The Taichung chili water incident has triggered a political controversy in Taiwan. Taichung City Council members are questioning the handling of a recent chili water spraying incident involving a police chief. Democratic Progressive Party Councilor Chou Yung-hung suggested Mayor Lu Shi-yen may have known the truth about the chief's actions while releasing information to create a political smokescreen. Kuomintang Councilor Yang Ta-hung further alleged that Mayor Lu is shifting blame for the incident. The investigation into the police chief's conduct remains ongoing. Taichung City Council members are questioning Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's transparency regarding the precinct chief's involvement in the chili water incident. Police officials stated that disciplinary actions follow National Police Agency regulations and that investigations into other potential suspects are ongoing.

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.