Stories from Taiwan

The Kuomintang legislative caucus held a meeting to discuss the National Defense Special Budget Act. This proposal follows claims regarding a 1.25 trillion TWD budget that allegedly lacked specific content or projects. The party maintains that it has historically led efforts in supporting military procurement. The party stated the decision was made to ensure a unified stance on national defense. KMT representatives stated they would immediately initiate legislative review procedures for a potential 14 billion USD second-phase military procurement. The party expressed skepticism regarding the timing and transparency of previously discussed 14 billion USD arms deals. The party questioned the urgency of previous reports regarding imminent 14 billion USD arms purchases that have not yet materialized.

Secretary Michael Wong stated the government does not rule out reclaiming units at Wong Chi House through legislative means. This follows homeowners refusing to accept the government's buyout offer for the only block at the site not destroyed in a deadly fire last November.

The Taichung Meicun Comprehensive Service Park is hosting a photo contest featuring 50 selected historical images. Fifty winners will receive 1,000 TWD in PX Mart gift vouchers and may have photos exhibited at the Meicun Integrated Service Park.

Taipei officials report insufficient momentum in transitioning to electric scooters, with only 31 new units planned for the 115th year despite an average annual need for over 100.

Mayor Gao stated that more families are required to support children as existing foster homes face aging populations or temporary suspensions. Mayor Gao Ang stated that more families are needed to meet the increasing demand for child placement services.

The ruling pertains to decisions made during the first believers' assembly held in 2018.

The Nantou County Government issued a statement confirming that an investigation was launched immediately following the incident and that the criminal facts were verified.

Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua announced that the county's 'Sheng Sheng You Ping Ban' tablet policy has fully met its targets. Nantou County has reached its goal for the tablet distribution policy in primary and secondary schools.

Taiwan Coast Guard Administration Chairperson Kan Pi-ling defended her recent visit to Taiping Island to preside over the Nanyuan No. Taiwanese Ocean Affairs Council Chairperson Kan Pi-ling defended the country's sovereignty following Vietnamese protests over recent maritime exercises. Taiwan stated it will maintain its position regarding sovereignty over islands such as Taiping Island and Zhongzhou Reef. Taiwan administration sources stated that emergency plans must be implemented to defend against a potential Chinese invasion. The sources indicated that a situation involving missile escorts could take up to six years to develop. The report noted the necessity of preparing for such a scenario in the short term. French commentators stated that the Chinese narrative claiming Taiwan is part of China is false. They asserted that Taiwan has never been part of China.

A 72-year-old woman and a local community leader were injured during an incident involving an 18-year-old high school student. The student was reportedly being stalked by a man and called her grandmother for help.