Reported 11 months ago
On June 25, 2024, the Youth Daily reported that Japan and the Philippines are set to hold a diplomatic and defense '2+2' meeting in July, expected to sign the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA). Following the RAA's effect, Japan plans to involve its Self-Defense Forces in the annual 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder' joint exercises with the US and Philippines. The meeting follows the agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Marcos last year to initiate RAA negotiations. Japan had been participating as an observer in these exercises; with the RAA soon to be signed, the Self-Defense Forces are likely to formally participate. Japan has already signed RAA with the UK and Australia. The July 8 '2+2' meeting between Japan and the Philippines will further discuss defense equipment exports and logistic support issues following the first meeting in Tokyo in April 2022.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The Youth Daily reported on June 25, 2024, that the Yemeni rebel group, the Youth Movement, carried out another attack on ships in the Red Sea, indicating a broader military threat to the region. Despite the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group moving to the eastern Mediterranean, the US military presence in the Red Sea ensures safe navigation. The attack, the farthest in the group's history, took place in the eastern part of the Red Sea near Yemen's Nishtun, highlighting their ongoing disruptive actions in the region.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The 15th 'Authentic Chinese Music Night' will take place on June 29, with a lineup of 15 DJs including popular bands like Cosmos People, Lin Mao Wang, and Flesh Juicer. The event will feature 600 Chinese songs at 3 major music venues in Taipei - 'FRANK Taipei,' 'Legacy Taipei,' and 'Cao Chang,' breaking the norms of traditional music parties. Celebrating its 15th anniversary with the theme 'Fifteen Years! Fifteen Limited DJs!,' the night will kick off at 5 PM at 'FRANK Taipei,' followed by 'Legacy Taipei' and 'Cao Chang,' offering a full night of celebration. Ticket holders from Taipei can also enter the Taichung event on July 6 at 'Legacy Taichung' for free.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan recently warned of a scam where fraudulent groups are using the Consular Affairs Bureau's 'Passport Photo Upload System' to confirm appointment emails in order to deceive users into providing personal information. They advise people to confirm recent passport-related activities, avoid clicking on email links, refrain from entering ID information, and note that all consulate emails contain cautionary notes. If in doubt, individuals can contact the anti-fraud consultation hotline at 165 for assistance.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The U.S. FDA has issued a national ice cream recall involving 67 products from 13 brands like Friendly’s, Hershey’s, and Jeni's due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised to return the recalled products for a refund. The affected products, including ice cream cakes, cones, sandwiches, and pints, were distributed nationwide. Listeria can cause severe infections, especially in vulnerable individuals.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
Since the implementation of the New Taipei City and Anping District (New Green Housing) loan policy, there has been a surge in applications, leading to concerns over speculative activities like utilizing others to secure loans and subleasing. The government aims to address these issues and prevent market speculation. The policy has contributed to a significant number of loan recipients, coupled with a strong stock market and ample funds, resulting in record-high property transactions and prices nationwide. Authorities acknowledge the need to eliminate psychological influences to stabilize the market. Various government departments are working together to identify loopholes and collaborate on preventive measures.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
As the summer heat kicks in, water parks across Taiwan are announcing their opening with various exciting water play facilities like 'giant waves' that can reach 3 meters high, 'water battles' for both kids and adults, and thrilling slides. For example, the 'Jian Lake Mountain World-Wei's Pirate Village' will be open for 72 days with popular water attractions like the 'Screaming Abyss' and the 'Turbulent Whirlwind'. 'Liu Fu Village-Water Paradise' offers discounted tickets for visitors wearing bikinis/trunks or showing off 4-6 pack abs. The 'Marawan' water park, the largest in Taiwan, features attractions suitable for all ages like water mazes and the 'Aqua Bounce', offering a fun and cool retreat from the summer heat.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
Italy's aircraft carrier 'Cavour' (CVH 550) strike group began a 5-month Indo-Pacific cruise mission earlier this month, arrived in Singapore on the 24th, and is expected to sail again after short logistical replenishment, demonstrating Italy's determination to expand its involvement in Indo-Pacific affairs and maintain regional security and stability. The deployment aims to project power, deter potential threats, and enhance interoperability with allies, including joint naval exercises with the US, Japan, and Australia. This action is part of a broader effort by European democratic countries to strengthen cooperation with Indo-Pacific allies and send a clear deterrence signal to China amid its increasing activities in the region.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
On June 24, the European Union approved using frozen Russian assets to provide interest aid to Ukraine, with a maximum of releasing 14 billion euros (approximately 487 billion New Taiwan dollars), expected to be announced next week. The EU will utilize the frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine, with the initial amount to be disclosed next week.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
On June 25, 2024, the Youth Daily reported that the International Judo Federation (IJF) officially notified the Chinese Judo Association that Taiwan's judo player Yang Yongwei, with a total score of 6510 points, ranked first in the Olympic points standings. He will advance to the Paris Olympics as the top seed in the men's 60-kilogram category. Yang Yongwei expressed his intention to continue analyzing the capabilities of players from various countries with his team, maintain his original intentions, keep a challenger mentality, and aim for the desired Olympic gold medal while having his family bear witness, hoping to showcase Taiwan's judo strength to the world. (Photo courtesy of National Training Center)
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
According to a report from French news website 'France 24,' the European Union announced on the 24th that it would impose sanctions on 19 Mainland Chinese companies for assisting the Russian defense industry in continuing its aggressive war in Ukraine. The companies include several based in Hong Kong and two satellite manufacturers, suspected of selling satellite imaging products to the Russian mercenary group Wagner. These sanctioned enterprises will face strict control measures for selling 'dual-use goods and technologies' that could enhance Russia's defense and security sectors. This marks the 14th round of EU sanctions against Russia, bringing the total entities supporting the Russian military-industrial complex in the Ukraine-Russia war to 675 companies, with 61 new additions including Chinese, Turkish, Kyrgyz, Indian, Kazakh, and UAE companies.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The 3-week Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) joint exercise between the US Marine Corps and the Philippine Navy Marine Corps concluded, focusing on real-life scenarios such as live-fire exercises, missile defense, and close air support, enhancing interoperability and effectively addressing threats in the Indo-Pacific region. This exercise involved various military branches and assets, with a scenario of defending against and countering a mock invasion. Additionally, a leadership seminar for female officers from both countries was held to strengthen camaraderie. US and Philippine forces showcased their precision targeting capabilities through F-35B aircraft and laser-guided bombs. The exercise emphasized the importance of communication and coordination between the two forces.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
According to the report from the 'Stars and Stripes' on June 23, the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard has received its first HH-60W 'happy green giant 2' search and rescue helicopter for upgrading its mission efficiency. The new HH-60W features advanced avionics systems, armor upgrades, integrated countermeasure systems, weapons, and tactical data receivers, enhancing situational awareness and survivability for the aircraft and crew during combat search and rescue missions in high-risk environments. The 106th Rescue Wing's acquisition of the HH-60W greatly improves mission effectiveness. (Source: DVIDS)
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
In May, the US and China held their first meeting on the risks and management of artificial intelligence (AI) in Geneva, Switzerland. Concerns were raised over China's extensive use of AI for surveillance, tracking individuals through chat apps and phones, which poses significant human rights and privacy concerns. The US is shifting its tech diplomacy policy from emphasizing 'digital sovereignty' to 'digital unity' to combat China's digital expansion and global digital security threats. This strategic shift involves building an open, inclusive, secure, and resilient digital ecosystem, coordinating with international partners, strengthening national responsibilities in cyberspace, and enhancing global capabilities in digital and network technology. The policy aims to include telecom networks, undersea cables, cloud computing, data centers, satellite networks, IoT, AI, and other emerging technologies in its digital ecosystem, with public-private partnerships playing a significant role. At the G7 summit in June, a digital infrastructure plan for the Asia-Pacific region was proposed, including collaborations on cloud and AI centers in various countries and establishing an undersea cable connecting Pacific Island nations to address security concerns raised by Huawei's cancelled cable project in 2020. Taiwan's crucial role in global server supply chains for high-speed computing and data centers was highlighted at a computer expo in June, emphasizing the need for Taiwan to expand its participation in US tech diplomacy to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, enhance regional security, and broaden diplomatic engagement with Asia-Pacific countries.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The Ministry of Culture's 'Zhuangtou Theater' concluded the first half of the year with the Paper Windmill Theater Troupe leading six performance groups in a lively event at the Dali Sports Park in Chiayi County on the 29th. The event featured street performers, a creative market, and continuous activities from 2 pm to 8:30 pm, providing a rich cultural and artistic experience. The highlight was the Paper Windmill Theater Troupe's 'The Adventures of Don Quixote - Silver Galaxy Pegasus' exclusive performance, showcasing a 25-meter-wide, 20-meter-long flying dragon. The event also included performances by five other groups, such as the Chiayi County Kanmu Dance Theater and Chu Lu Performing Arts Troupe, presenting cultural tales and unique performances.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The Palace Museum's Nan Yuan is holding the regular exhibition 'Literati Space,' with the theme 'The Elegant Leisure Life of Literati,' showcasing 25 sets of exquisite paintings and calligraphy, including the 'Shi Shi Garden Picture Album' depicting the private garden built by the retired Ming Dynasty prime minister Shen Shixing, running until September 17. Visitors are invited to enjoy the exhibition and appreciate the classical beauty of ancient paintings. Notable pieces include works from the Ming and Republican periods, offering insights into the cultural richness and artistic techniques of the time.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
On June 25, 2024, the Youth Daily reported that to encourage people to stay in accommodations while traveling domestically, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau invited 60 lodging operators to provide weekday accommodation discounts. They have set up a 'Special Accommodation Zone' on the Taiwan Lodging Website, which offers over 1,000 discount packages, including special offers in Hualien and various activities. The Bureau emphasized the industry's shift towards diversified services targeting different market segments like leisure, business, and budget options, with both well-known chain brands and local hotels offering varying market positions. This initiative aims to alleviate peak holiday travel and promote weekday exploration, with special deals aligned with local events like the 'Midsummer Festival Fun Tour' from June to September and promotions to revive tourism in Hualien post-earthquake. Travelers can find detailed information on accommodation deals on the Taiwan Lodging Website's 'Special Accommodation Zone'.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
President Lai Qingde met with a visiting delegation from the United States Congress on June 25, 2024, emphasizing that enhancing Taiwan's security is synonymous with fortifying regional security and promoting world peace and prosperity. President Lai highlighted Taiwan's commitment to upholding the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region, urging the international community not to allow China to arbitrarily draw red lines. He expressed gratitude for U.S. efforts to enhance Taiwan-U.S. cooperation through legislative actions like the Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, aiming to bolster Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and regional stability in the Taiwan Strait area. President Lai also thanked the U.S. for support in strengthening economic security through the Taiwan-U.S. 21st Century Trade Initiative, fostering deeper ties and enhancing global supply chain security.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The Central Weather Bureau forecasts a slightly below-average number of typhoons near Taiwan in the second half of the year, approximately 2 to 4 storms. The anti-El Niño effect could lead to hotter summers in Taiwan, with typhoons forming closer to the island but potentially with lower intensity if they approach, resulting in fewer super typhoons. As of now, only 2 typhoons have formed in the northwestern Pacific, below the average of 4.3; typically, there are 21 to 25 typhoons in the region between June and December, with Taiwan usually affected by 3 to 5 of them. Overall, the anti-El Niño effect is contributing to a slightly reduced number of typhoons both in the region and near Taiwan compared to a normal year.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
According to a report by the US Navy, the new generation air cushion landing craft (LCAC), also known as the Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC), is set to complete deployment preparations in September after a 4-year delay due to technical issues. The SSC, manufactured by Textron, features improved engines, advanced cockpit, and upgraded command, control, communication, digital, and navigation systems, enhancing amphibious operational capabilities for various mission requirements. The next-gen LCAC is expected to address both traditional and non-traditional security needs.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The Chinese Coast Guard vessels intruded into restricted waters of Taiwan, and the Coast Guard Administration immediately dispatched three patrol boats from the Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu Division to drive them away. The Coast Guard Administration emphasized that such actions by China do not benefit cross-strait exchanges on equal footing, and they will continue to defend the country's maritime rights firmly. The Chinese vessels were monitored and driven away by the Coast Guard Administration to maintain territorial integrity.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an often overlooked cost in mortgage payments, serving to protect lenders in case homebuyers default on their loans. While PMI is typically automatically canceled when reaching a 78% loan-to-value ratio, homebuyers can take steps to cancel it early by getting a new appraisal, refinancing, or increasing mortgage payments. This insightful video from Yahoo Finance provides expert advice on navigating PMI costs and maximizing savings.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
The New Taipei City Government held the Mayor's Awards and Career Skills Navigation Awards ceremony for the 112th academic year over three days, with Mayor Hou Youyi personally presenting awards to high school and elementary school student representatives from Banqiao and Tucheng districts, encouraging them to create their own path. This year's ceremony featured the integration of Career Skills Navigation Awards, recognizing outstanding students in various fields and promoting adaptive education. The event aimed to encourage students to use their skills to carve out their futures, with many award recipients choosing to study in New Taipei schools. Talented students studying in New Taipei schools were also awarded cash prizes to further support their education.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
Billie Eilish has achieved significant success at a young age, with hits like 'Ocean Eyes,' her debut EP 'Don't Smile at Me,' and her album 'When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?' garnering critical acclaim and multiple awards. Her historic achievements include sweeping the top four Grammy categories in one year and being the youngest artist to win the top album prize. The list ranks her top songs, with 'Bad Guy' topping the charts, showcasing her impressive discography and promising future in the music industry.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 11 months ago
On June 25, 2024, the Uni-President Lions defeated the Rakuten Monkeys 11-4, securing the first-half championship. Lin An-Ko, who had struggled in May, expressed gratitude towards the coaching staff for trusting him and allowing him to adjust his performance on the field during tough times. After hitting 9 home runs and 28 RBIs in April, Lin encountered a slump in May with a batting average of less than .200. He emphasized the importance of self-belief and teamwork in contributing to the team's success, currently leading the league in RBIs with 56 points. Lin's focus remains on delivering when there are runners on base.
Source: YAHOO