Stories from Taiwan

The possibility of the Trump administration using Taiwan as a bargaining chip in negotiations with China has increased, according to analyst Feng Cun. During a meeting in Washington D.C. A report indicates the US may use the Taiwan issue as a lever in leadership talks with China to strengthen its negotiating position. This follows discussions between officials in Washington D.C. and Taiwanese representatives regarding historical US-China negotiations. Tensions between Japan and China at the UN Security Council may influence US-China leadership talks, with potential for the US to use the Taiwan issue as a negotiation lever. Taiwan Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu has scheduled a fourth round of negotiations for Wednesday, May 6.

The Hualien County government held evacuation drills with three local townships on Thursday. The exercises were designed to prepare residents for potential barrier lake disasters.

Tainan City may need to take on debt due to a shortage of local government revenue.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office filed an appeal on the final day of the deadline regarding the sentencing of former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je. The Taipei District Prosecutors' Office appealed the 17-year prison sentence handed to Taiwan People's Party founder Ko Wen-je. Prosecutors are seeking a heavier sentence following the initial verdict. Prosecutors had previously sought a sentence of 28 years and 6 months. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office stated they needed to study the reasoning behind the first-instance judgment before filing. The appeal comes amid public criticism from Chen Pei-chi, who compared the case to President Lai Ching-te's pet dog. Investigators had originally sought a sentence of 28 years and six months.

The criticism follows comments by Zhao Xin-ze, who stated he works 24 hours a day and claimed there is no such thing as a 'rainbow line' regarding work-life balance.

Starlux Airlines announced a partnership for its second-quarter in-flight catering services.

Political tension has emerged within Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party regarding voting protocols and recent remarks by legislator Ji Ling-lien.

A police officer in Kaohsiung has not been suspended despite allegations of harassing a female subordinate.

Conflict erupted during a review meeting for the Shizidao development project in Taipei. Residents claim 615 families' petitions were refused acceptance and protested restrictions on speaking during the development project review. More than 6,000 people marched through the streets of Taipei to demand reform policies. Protesters expressed concerns regarding Taiwan's aging population. Labour groups also called for equal treatment for foreign workers. Mews stated the gatherings demonstrate efforts toward respect and mutual growth.

Taiwanese legislative leader Han Kuo-yu held his third round of consultations regarding a special military construction bill. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng stated that specific details regarding the US arms sales letter cannot be disclosed due to security classifications. The Taiwan Legislative Yuan has postponed consultations regarding military legislation, according to reports from Taiwanese media.