🔥 Top Stories
The Ministry of Agriculture completed the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Irrigation System Connection Project with a total budget of 3.6 billion NT dollars. The project features a cable-stayed aqueduct spanning 465 meters across the Beigang River at the Yunlin-Chiayi border, costing 1.1 billion NT dollars. It connects Taiwan's largest reservoir (Tsengwen-Wushantou) with the longest river (Zhuoshui River), enabling bidirectional water transfer. President Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony.
The military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its third week. President Trump and Iranian authorities continue diplomatic tensions. Following the outbreak of conflict, international oil prices have surged 40%. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average has remained relatively stable with only minor declines. Market participants are closely monitoring fluctuations in oil prices and interest rate changes for economic implications.
Iranian officials organized a pro-government rally in Tehran today, during which multiple explosions were reported in the city. As the United States and Israel escalate military operations against Iran, Iranian authorities announced plans for coordinated action with Lebanon-based Hezbollah against Israel. The development reflects heightened tensions in the Middle East region, with military confrontation escalating among multiple parties.
The United States rapidly depleted critical missiles originally planned for multi-year use following escalated conflict in the Middle East. Persian Gulf oil-producing nations lost approximately 15.1 billion dollars in energy revenue due to disruptions in the Hormuz Strait. The incident demonstrates the significant impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy markets.
As Middle East tensions continue, the Trump administration issued a 30-day special permit allowing countries to purchase Russian oil at sea. The government is also considering temporarily allowing foreign vessels to transport energy and agricultural products between US ports. Following an Indian tanker's safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices declined, with Brent and WTI crude futures falling over 2%, and Brent crude dropping below 100 dollars per barrel.
🏛 Politics
Middle East tensions continue to rise following US President Trump's announcement that American forces have destroyed military targets on Iran's Kharg Island. In response, Iran's military issued a strong warning, threatening to strike all oil facilities in the region cooperating with the United States. The escalating confrontation between the two nations raises international concerns about regional stability.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine warned President Trump before military action against Iran that such measures could prompt Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the risk but proceeded with the decision, marking one of the most significant foreign policy decisions of his two presidential terms.
On the 13th, Wall Street traders and analysts warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to Iran's major oil export facilities could drive up oil prices. Analysts indicated the situation may affect global fuel supply for transportation, with broader economic implications. Markets express concern over potential energy shortages and disruptions to related product supplies.
The U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Kingsley Wilson stated on the 13th that more than 50,000 military personnel are engaged in supporting military operations that began on February 28th. According to the weekly situation report, U.S. forces have conducted multiple strikes against relevant targets. The operation involves large-scale military deployment, with further operational details provided by the Department of Defense.
The Ministry of Agriculture completed the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Irrigation System Connection Project with a total budget of 3.6 billion NT dollars. The project features a cable-stayed aqueduct spanning 465 meters across the Beigang River at the Yunlin-Chiayi border, costing 1.1 billion NT dollars. It connects Taiwan's largest reservoir (Tsengwen-Wushantou) with the longest river (Zhuoshui River), enabling bidirectional water transfer. President Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony.
The military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its third week. President Trump and Iranian authorities continue diplomatic tensions. Following the outbreak of conflict, international oil prices have surged 40%. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average has remained relatively stable with only minor declines. Market participants are closely monitoring fluctuations in oil prices and interest rate changes for economic implications.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during the conflict. Since Israeli airstrikes began, Mojtaba has not made public appearances or released any video or audio statements. An early Israeli airstrike resulted in multiple family members' deaths, including his father, the former Supreme Leader, and his wife. Hegseth questioned whether Mojtaba possesses actual governing capacity amid the current military situation. U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran have continued for nearly two weeks.
Iranian officials organized a pro-government rally in Tehran today, during which multiple explosions were reported in the city. As the United States and Israel escalate military operations against Iran, Iranian authorities announced plans for coordinated action with Lebanon-based Hezbollah against Israel. The development reflects heightened tensions in the Middle East region, with military confrontation escalating among multiple parties.
The United States rapidly depleted critical missiles originally planned for multi-year use following escalated conflict in the Middle East. Persian Gulf oil-producing nations lost approximately 15.1 billion dollars in energy revenue due to disruptions in the Hormuz Strait. The incident demonstrates the significant impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy markets.
As Middle East tensions continue, the Trump administration issued a 30-day special permit allowing countries to purchase Russian oil at sea. The government is also considering temporarily allowing foreign vessels to transport energy and agricultural products between US ports. Following an Indian tanker's safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices declined, with Brent and WTI crude futures falling over 2%, and Brent crude dropping below 100 dollars per barrel.
💰 Finance
Escalating tensions in Iran have caused significant disruptions to Strait of Hormuz traffic and attacks on Kharg Island. Major investment banks including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs warn of global energy supply risks. Brent crude has risen approximately 40% over three weeks, surpassing USD 100 per barrel. Multiple institutions assess potential widening crude supply gaps amid growing market concerns over energy price increases.
The Federal Reserve's closely monitored core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index increased to 3.2% year-over-year in January, up from 3% in December, indicating persistent inflationary pressure. Simultaneously, US GDP growth has shown signs of deceleration. These economic indicators present challenges for the Fed in balancing inflation control with economic growth promotion, affecting market expectations regarding near-term interest rate cuts.
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis released data on March 12 showing that the US trade deficit narrowed in January due to increased exports. Taiwan emerged as the second-largest source of US trade deficit among major trading partners. The data reflects the significance of US-Taiwan trade relations and the importance of Taiwanese products in US import structures.
Taipei District Prosecutors Office indicted Zhang Yuanting, Zhang Hanlin, and Liu Yusen for allegedly using their "Bijing Virtual Currency Exchange" to launder money. Prosecutors allege the group used the legitimate exchange as cover to process 120 million yuan in illicit funds for fraud syndicates, with total laundering reaching 150 million yuan. Zhang Hanlin served as CEO and supervisor, Zhang Yuanting as COO, and Liu Yusen as actual operator.
The Federal Reserve announced on the 12th that it will reduce capital ratio requirements for large U.S. banks to encourage increased lending. The measure will affect major institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. By lowering capital requirements, the Fed aims to free up funds available for lending and promote credit flow throughout the economy.
Ongoing crude oil supply disruptions have kept international oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel, with no resolution in sight. The elevated oil prices contributed to European stock market declines today. The uncertainty surrounding crude oil supply continues to exert pressure on global energy markets and subsequently impacts equity market performance.
Two weeks into the Middle East conflict, financial markets are preparing for the possibility that the crisis could extend beyond spring. As traditional hedging strategies prove less effective, investors are seeking new safe-haven assets including US dollars, Australian dollars, and Chinese equities, while also increasing allocations to commodities such as aluminum and soybean oil to manage geopolitical risks.
Global aviation faces mounting pressure as Middle East tensions and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict restrict safe airspace and elevate fuel costs. Multiple international airlines have announced ticket price adjustments, with Taiwan-based carriers including China Airlines and EVA Air expected to modify fuel surcharges on international routes. Airlines plan to implement changes as early as April. Experts recommend travelers book flights promptly to avoid potential fare increases of up to 30 percent.
Middle East tensions have caused Qatar's liquefied natural gas processing facilities to halt operations, disrupting helium production as a byproduct. Helium is essential for semiconductor manufacturing and medical imaging applications. Market participants are competing to secure supplies amid the shortage. Industry experts estimate helium prices have doubled over the past two weeks, creating cost pressures for dependent industries.
US inflation data for January shows personal consumption expenditures (PCE) remained stable, with core PCE increasing 3.1% year-over-year. Rising gasoline and diesel prices due to Middle East tensions are adding inflationary pressure. Analysts expect this development may delay the Federal Reserve's first rate cut this year and reduce the full-year rate cut magnitude to 25 basis points.
💻 Technology
According to Reuters, Meta is reportedly planning a large-scale layoff affecting approximately 20% of its workforce to support substantial AI investments and capitalize on efficiency gains. This reflects the technology industry's broader trend of restructuring human resources in response to AI advancement. Meta has not confirmed the report, stating it remains speculative.
Meta is planning a new round of large-scale layoffs that could affect 20% or more of its workforce. The company aims to offset portions of its artificial intelligence infrastructure spending through these reductions. Meta has not yet determined the specific timing or final number of affected employees. The layoffs represent a strategic adjustment to optimize cost structure and balance technology investments.
ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott warns that widespread AI adoption by enterprises may significantly impact employment prospects for recent college graduates. He predicts unemployment rates among new graduates could exceed 30% in coming years as AI agents handle many entry-level positions. Current data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York shows unemployment at 5.7% and underemployment at 42.5% as of end-2025, the highest since 2020. Companies are increasingly using AI tools to reduce costs and workforce.
According to Reuters, Meta is planning significant layoffs that could affect over 20% of its workforce. The company aims to offset substantial investments in AI infrastructure through workforce reduction. Three sources familiar with the matter disclosed the plan to Reuters, reflecting Meta's strategic response to financial pressures from AI technology development.
Musk stated on X platform that xAI "was not built correctly initially and must be rebuilt from the ground up." Less than six weeks after the SpaceX-xAI merger valued at under 1.25 trillion dollars, the company faces multiple departures. Zihang Dai and Guodong Zhang left this week, following earlier exits by Jimmy Ba, Tony Wu, and Toby Pohlen. The departures signal organizational challenges at the AI startup.
According to Reuters, Meta Platforms is preparing a major workforce reduction of at least 20%, affecting approximately 16,000 employees. The move aims to improve internal efficiency while managing AI infrastructure spending projected at 600 billion dollars through 2028. Meta has committed billions to data center construction and strategic acquisitions, including the AI agent platform Moltbook and a 2 billion dollar equity investment in Chinese startup Manus.
Nvidia's annual developer conference GTC is set to commence with CEO Jensen Huang delivering a keynote address in Silicon Valley. The four-day event showcases the company's latest AI technologies and partnerships. Analysts expect Huang to update the AI product roadmap, spanning from current Rubin architecture to future Feynman chips, while emphasizing inference capabilities. Investors are keen to understand how Nvidia maintains its competitive edge in the increasingly competitive AI chip market.
Apple's iPhone 17e began sales in Taiwan on March 11 with an official starting price of 21,900 TWD. Within days of launch, retail channels have adjusted prices, with some telecommunications retailers offering discounts exceeding 1,000 TWD. Industry sources indicate rising component costs and unstable supply chains may limit sustained promotional pricing beyond three months.
Medical and healthcare sectors are making significant progress in disease prevention and treatment. Regenerative medicine technologies including iPS cells and viral therapy applications for cancer treatment continue to advance. The preventive healthcare field is gaining attention, with a breath testing service scheduled to launch in 2026. Users will simply breathe into a specialized device to analyze breath composition, enabling early detection of liver disease and other health indicators for improved disease prevention and diagnosis.
Nikkei TRENDY magazine launches a future prediction series examining healthcare trends. The report highlights the practical application of non-invasive medical technologies and iPS cell regenerative medicine as key development areas. Within the next 25 years, the medical system will face three significant crises that will transform patient care approaches and healthcare delivery models. Cost-effectiveness remains the critical factor for advancing iPS cell regenerative medicine adoption.
🎬 Entertainment
In the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, the Dominican Republic dominated South Korea with a 10-0 victory, ending the game in the seventh inning and securing a spot in the semifinals. The Dominican Republic also clinched a berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In the other quarterfinal, the United States defeated Canada 5-3 to advance. The Dominican Republic will face the United States in the semifinal round.
The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival attracted massive crowds on its second-to-last day of operation. Visitor numbers reached over 60,000 by noon and exceeded 100,000 by 4 p.m. The Osaka Expo Taiwan Pavilion's TECH WORLD exhibition emerged as the most popular attraction, with long queues forming throughout the day. The festival cannot be extended, prompting visitors to make final visits.
Taiwanese actor Chiang Hung-en paused his acting role due to sleep disorder issues. Medical professionals warned that inadequate sleep can lead to serious health consequences. Lin Hsin Hospital identified six assessment methods for sleep quality, recommending early medical intervention when multiple sleep disorder symptoms appear. Experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing sleep health and seeking timely medical consultation.
Underground air raid shelters in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, have been converted into a tourist destination showcasing Cold War history. These bunkers preserve architectural features and historical artifacts from the communist era, serving as an important educational venue for visitors to understand Czech history during that period. The site offers guided tours that provide insights into the social environment and defensive infrastructure of the time.
The Prague International Hotel was originally constructed to accommodate Soviet military officers during the Communist era in Czechoslovakia. Following the political transformation, the hotel underwent a significant transition, evolving into a prominent landmark in modern Prague. This architectural structure represents a tangible connection to Czech history, documenting the nation's shift from Communist rule to democratic governance while serving contemporary urban development and tourism.
Taiwan's women's football team competed against China in the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal in Perth, Australia on the afternoon of the 14th. A victory would secure a World Cup qualification spot. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared preventive and contingency measures to safeguard national interests and protect athletes' rights.
In the 2026 WBC quarterfinal playoff held in Miami, the Dominican Republic defeated South Korea 10-0 in seven innings to advance to the semifinals. Despite deploying nine pitchers, South Korea could not contain the Dominican offensive onslaught. Led by key players including Gleyber Torres and Juan Soto, the Dominican Republic dominated the game. Starting pitcher Ranger Suarez was instrumental to the victory, pitching five scoreless innings with eight strikeouts.
South Korea faced Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinal, trailing after the seventh inning. Former KBO closer High Woo-seok entered as a relief pitcher and delivered a scoreless inning. After two years in Major League Baseball without appearing on the mound, High achieved a significant career milestone. He emotionally thanked his teammates following the game.
Veteran Japanese voice actress Ikeda Masako passed away on the 3rd of this month due to a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 87. Ikeda had contributed her voice to numerous renowned anime productions, including the classic series Galaxy Express 999. Her agency has officially confirmed her passing. The news has prompted widespread mourning and tributes from fans and industry colleagues.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic's round-of-eight bracket arrangement has attracted media attention. The WBC features a fixed seeding rule that ensures if the United States and Japan both advance to the quarterfinals, they will be placed in predetermined bracket positions regardless of their group stage rankings, preventing them from meeting before the finals. This special arrangement has sparked discussion.
🌏 International
Lebanon confronts a severe humanitarian crisis following mass displacement from armed conflict. After Israeli evacuation orders, hundreds of thousands fled their homes. Families like Fatima Nazha's, unable to access government shelters or afford accommodation, resorted to tent camps in stadiums or sought refuge with relatives in southern regions. Over 800,000 people were displaced within 10 days. Aid organizations warn of critical shortages in housing, food, and medical services, urging urgent international humanitarian assistance.
The Ministry of Agriculture completed the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan Irrigation System Connection Project with a total budget of 3.6 billion NT dollars. The project features a cable-stayed aqueduct spanning 465 meters across the Beigang River at the Yunlin-Chiayi border, costing 1.1 billion NT dollars. It connects Taiwan's largest reservoir (Tsengwen-Wushantou) with the longest river (Zhuoshui River), enabling bidirectional water transfer. President Lai Ching-te attended the completion ceremony.
The military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered its third week. President Trump and Iranian authorities continue diplomatic tensions. Following the outbreak of conflict, international oil prices have surged 40%. The US Dow Jones Industrial Average has remained relatively stable with only minor declines. Market participants are closely monitoring fluctuations in oil prices and interest rate changes for economic implications.
Iranian officials organized a pro-government rally in Tehran today, during which multiple explosions were reported in the city. As the United States and Israel escalate military operations against Iran, Iranian authorities announced plans for coordinated action with Lebanon-based Hezbollah against Israel. The development reflects heightened tensions in the Middle East region, with military confrontation escalating among multiple parties.
The United States rapidly depleted critical missiles originally planned for multi-year use following escalated conflict in the Middle East. Persian Gulf oil-producing nations lost approximately 15.1 billion dollars in energy revenue due to disruptions in the Hormuz Strait. The incident demonstrates the significant impact of geopolitical tensions on global energy markets.
As Middle East tensions continue, the Trump administration issued a 30-day special permit allowing countries to purchase Russian oil at sea. The government is also considering temporarily allowing foreign vessels to transport energy and agricultural products between US ports. Following an Indian tanker's safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, international oil prices declined, with Brent and WTI crude futures falling over 2%, and Brent crude dropping below 100 dollars per barrel.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during the conflict. Since Israeli airstrikes began, Mojtaba has not made public appearances or released any video or audio statements. An early Israeli airstrike resulted in multiple family members' deaths, including his father, the former Supreme Leader, and his wife. Hegseth questioned whether Mojtaba possesses actual governing capacity amid the current military situation. U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran have continued for nearly two weeks.
Middle East tensions continue to rise following US President Trump's announcement that American forces have destroyed military targets on Iran's Kharg Island. In response, Iran's military issued a strong warning, threatening to strike all oil facilities in the region cooperating with the United States. The escalating confrontation between the two nations raises international concerns about regional stability.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine warned President Trump before military action against Iran that such measures could prompt Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. Trump acknowledged the risk but proceeded with the decision, marking one of the most significant foreign policy decisions of his two presidential terms.
On the 13th, Wall Street traders and analysts warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threats to Iran's major oil export facilities could drive up oil prices. Analysts indicated the situation may affect global fuel supply for transportation, with broader economic implications. Markets express concern over potential energy shortages and disruptions to related product supplies.
The U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson Kingsley Wilson stated on the 13th that more than 50,000 military personnel are engaged in supporting military operations that began on February 28th. According to the weekly situation report, U.S. forces have conducted multiple strikes against relevant targets. The operation involves large-scale military deployment, with further operational details provided by the Department of Defense.
President Trump announced on the 13th that US military forces attacked military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub in the Persian Gulf. The strikes destroyed military facilities on the island, which handles 90% of Iran's oil exports. Trump warned that if Iran further disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will consider targeting energy assets on the island. The operation did not directly target oil export infrastructure.
According to Axios, Russian President Putin proposed during a call with US President Trump this week to transfer Iranian enriched uranium to Russia as a condition for US-Iran ceasefire negotiations. The proposal aims to create diplomatic space by having a third party safeguard nuclear material. Trump did not agree to the proposal. The plan involves Iran's nuclear program and Middle East geopolitics, reflecting Russia's attempt to play a mediation role in US-Iran relations.
US defense officials announced the deployment of 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East region. This represents the largest military deployment since tensions escalated nearly two weeks ago. The naval vessel will transit near Taiwan. The deployment aims to strengthen US military presence in the Middle East and respond to regional developments.
President Trump announced that US military forces conducted bombing operations against military targets on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub. Trump warned that further strikes against oil infrastructure on the island remain a possibility. The action has drawn international attention amid escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
📰 Other
A fatal incident occurred in Fengyuan District, Taichung on the 13th involving a 62-year-old man and his 20-years-younger female partner. Family violence prevention experts emphasize that intimate partner violence frequently occurs during relationship dissolution or breakup negotiations. They advise recognizing warning signs such as excessive control and threats, and recommend seeking professional help while maintaining distance from dangerous situations.
On the 14th, an unregistered truck in Nantou County refused police inspection in Puli and fled at high speed, ramming police vehicles multiple times and causing collisions with other vehicles. The driver escaped from National Highway 6 to surface roads, then onto National Highway 3, where the truck lost control after ramming a patrol car in the Wuqi-Fengshan section of Taichung. The driver was apprehended by police.
The Central Weather Administration forecasts continued radiative cooling effects tomorrow, with temperatures potentially dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in parts of Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli counties in the early morning. Significant temperature differences between morning and evening are expected nationwide. Easterly winds are predicted for Monday and Tuesday next week, bringing occasional light rain to windward areas. Dense fog is anticipated on Friday next week, which may affect flight operations. Residents are advised to dress warmly and monitor weather updates.
Weather forecasts indicate stable conditions throughout the coming week with clear and dry skies across Taiwan. Daytime temperatures will rise over the next two days, but nighttime and early morning lows will remain near 10 degrees Celsius in some areas due to radiative cooling, creating significant daily temperature fluctuations. From the 16th onward, temperatures are expected to gradually increase daily while weather conditions remain stable.
The Central Weather Administration has issued low temperature alerts for 14 counties and cities, including New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou, Yunlin, Chiayi County, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Yilan, Hualien, and Kinmen. Temperatures are expected to drop significantly from tonight through tomorrow morning, with some areas potentially falling below 10 degrees Celsius. Residents are advised to take precautions against the cold weather.
An online video shows an Indonesian woman experiencing severe complications following an illegal medical procedure at a Taichung hotel. The footage depicts heavy bleeding, contaminated bedding, and an infant remains. The video concludes with Indonesian text stating the remains were discarded in a garbage truck. The incident has drawn public attention, and authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
A woman surnamed Chan in Taichung was indicted on charges of unlawful confinement resulting in death after confining and abusing her second daughter for over 900 days. The victim, who was severely malnourished, resorted to stealing food and scavenging leftovers. Chan wrote the character for "thief" on the child's face and sent her to school, triggering child protection reports. Chan recently filed a bail request as case details continue to emerge.
Recent online reports claimed motorcycles parked with sidestand could face fines of 600 to 1,200 NT dollars if the mirror extends beyond parking lines or tires are over 30 centimeters from the curb. Taiwan Fact Check Center clarified that traffic regulations do not mandate parking methods, but recommend using center stands to minimize impact on others.
Sunday (15th) will be mostly clear to cloudy nationwide. Early morning temperatures in the Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli region may drop below 10 degrees due to radiative cooling, with temperatures rising during the day. Weather will be stable from Monday to Thursday next week, with central and southern regions reaching highs near 30 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will see cooler and wetter conditions in northern and eastern areas as a cold front and northeast monsoon approach.
A white female Dobinscher dog, aged one year, went missing in early February in Changhua City. After 38 days of searching, the dog's remains were discovered in a coastal grass area. The body showed signs of trauma including a fractured skull and missing teeth. Animal welfare advocates brought the remains to the owner's residence to seek answers, but the owner did not respond to their visit.