Stories from Taiwan

A female passenger accidentally deployed pepper spray on a Taipei Metro train around 2:00 PM today. The passenger reportedly carried the spray for self-defense. Three train carriages were urgently evacuated from the Taipei Metro at approximately 2:00 PM today. The evacuation occurred after passengers traveling through Zhubei reported smelling a pungent odor. Three metro carriages were evacuated following a pepper spray incident in Taipei on Wednesday afternoon. Passengers reported a pungent odor during the transit. The individual was taken to a police station and is being investigated for violating the Social Order Maintenance Act. The case was referred to the Shilin District Court for violations of the Social Order Maintenance Act. The incident occurred amid rising public concerns regarding personal safety.

Authorities have issued weather warnings for Longjing District in Taichung City and Lukang Town and Shengang Township in Changhua County.

The Taichung Social Affairs Bureau announced that the former Taichung Shelter has been repurposed into a public childcare and family center.

The Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau announced that the Meicun Service Area will open in the third quarter of this year. The site was previously the Lianqing Taichung Guest House, which had been vacant for several years.

Peach picking prices in Taiwan are currently set between 180 and 250 TWD per unit depending on size.

Fruit harvesting in the Alishan region is expected to begin in May, following a delay of 10 to 15 days compared to previous years. Peach and plum harvests in the Alishan region are maturing 10 to 15 days later than usual due to insufficient rainfall. Owner Fang Jin-can of Miyata Tourist Orchard in the Alishan mountains is using mountain spring water to irrigate peach trees to mitigate low rainfall. Owner Zeng Jincan of Miyata Tourist Orchard in the Alishan mountains reported that fruit quality and yield are at risk due to low rainfall.

A social worker identified as Chen Xi has been dismissed immediately following the confirmation of criminal facts.

Hsinchu Deputy Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan is actively campaigning at the grassroots level in Zhubei. Councilor Qiu Jingya has announced her candidacy for the Zhubei mayoral election.

Hsinchu City Deputy Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan is actively campaigning at the grassroots level in Zhubei.

Taiwanese legislator Bing Lin stated during a Legislative Yuan report that the nation will defend its sovereignty and maintain its presence in the Spratly Islands. Kuan noted that rescue missions have been conducted in the area 54 times in recent years.