🔥 Top Stories
Four bipartisan US senators, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shabot, sent letters to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu and Vice Speaker Chiang Chi-chen, urging swift passage of the special defense budget. The senators, who visited Taiwan last month, expressed concern about delays in budget review and contacted committee members to emphasize the importance of defense spending for Taiwan's security.
Reuters reported that Chinese state media is employing a "using Taiwan against Taiwan" strategy to amplify opposition voices and manipulate information against the Democratic Progressive Party government. According to five Taiwan security officials and the Taiwan Information and Environment Research Center, Beijing posts videos of opposition figures criticizing the government on Douyin, which then rapidly spread to Facebook and YouTube. The videos are re-edited, repackaged, or have their sources obscured before being redistributed.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law expanding preventive detention provisions. The new scope includes unsafe driving offenses (drunk driving, drug driving, fatigue driving), infanticide, image-based sexual abuse, and provisions related to child sexual exploitation, fraud, and organized crime. The amendment aims to strengthen preventive measures against defendants accused of serious crimes and protect public safety.
US President Trump told AFP that a peace agreement with Iran has resolved major sticking points and is very close to completion. Iran announced measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz, while Lebanon ceasefire negotiations also advanced. Trump emphasized the agreement is nearly finalized, indicating potential de-escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.
Iran announced on the 17th that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open to commercial vessels for ten days, signaling a potential de-escalation in tensions with the United States and Israel. Following the announcement, international crude oil and European natural gas prices dropped over 10%, while the Dow Jones index surged more than 1,000 points, gold prices rose, and U.S. Treasury yields declined.
🏛 Politics
Four bipartisan US senators, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shabot, sent letters to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu and Vice Speaker Chiang Chi-chen, urging swift passage of the special defense budget. The senators, who visited Taiwan last month, expressed concern about delays in budget review and contacted committee members to emphasize the importance of defense spending for Taiwan's security.
Reuters reported that Chinese state media is employing a "using Taiwan against Taiwan" strategy to amplify opposition voices and manipulate information against the Democratic Progressive Party government. According to five Taiwan security officials and the Taiwan Information and Environment Research Center, Beijing posts videos of opposition figures criticizing the government on Douyin, which then rapidly spread to Facebook and YouTube. The videos are re-edited, repackaged, or have their sources obscured before being redistributed.
Iran announced on the 17th that it will fully open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping during the ceasefire period, following the implementation and initial maintenance of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement. The announcement immediately triggered a significant drop in international oil prices. On the 16th, U.S. President Trump released positive signals regarding U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, stating that Tehran is "very close" to reaching an agreement and has agreed to discuss sensitive issues including highly enriched uranium.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law expanding preventive detention provisions. The new scope includes unsafe driving offenses (drunk driving, drug driving, fatigue driving), infanticide, image-based sexual abuse, and provisions related to child sexual exploitation, fraud, and organized crime. The amendment aims to strengthen preventive measures against defendants accused of serious crimes and protect public safety.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Kaminari transited the Taiwan Strait on the 17th, marking the fourth such operation by Japan's naval forces. This is the first transit under Prime Minister Takayaki Kihara's administration. The destroyer will proceed to the South China Sea to participate in joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines.
US President Trump told AFP that a peace agreement with Iran has resolved major sticking points and is very close to completion. Iran announced measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz, while Lebanon ceasefire negotiations also advanced. Trump emphasized the agreement is nearly finalized, indicating potential de-escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.
With the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf facing potential blockade due to Iran-US tensions, the strategic importance of the Malacca Strait has drawn increased attention. The strait handles approximately 40% of global trade, particularly oil shipments from the Middle East to major Asian economies including China, Japan, and South Korea. Changes in the strait's security situation could significantly impact global energy supply and trade flows.
Iran announced on the 17th that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open to commercial vessels for ten days, signaling a potential de-escalation in tensions with the United States and Israel. Following the announcement, international crude oil and European natural gas prices dropped over 10%, while the Dow Jones index surged more than 1,000 points, gold prices rose, and U.S. Treasury yields declined.
US President Trump stated on the 16th that the Iran conflict should end quickly, and the ceasefire agreement expiring next week may not require extension. According to Reuters citing Iranian sources, the US and Iran have adjusted their negotiation objectives, seeking to first reach a temporary ceasefire memorandum before finalizing details to prevent further escalation. A second round of talks between the two sides may occur this weekend.
Iran announced it will fully open the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period. US President Trump stated that Iran has committed not to close the strategic waterway again in the future. US military forces are currently assisting Iran with minesweeping operations to restore safe passage through the strait.
💰 Finance
UMC officially notified customers of a wafer foundry price adjustment effective July 1, with increases of approximately 10%. The company stated the adjustment reflects changing supply-demand dynamics and continued investments to support customer growth. Price adjustments will vary based on product mix strategy, capacity agreements, and long-term partnerships, expected to improve gross margins.
Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a decline in global oil prices and a significant rally in US equities. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 indices both reached historic highs following the announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 868.71 points, representing a gain of approximately 1.7%.
The New Youth Housing Policy, launched in 2023 with a planned three-year duration ending in July, sparked a surge in home purchases among young people. As the first grace period expires, borrowers face monthly payment increases from approximately 10,000 to 40,000 Taiwan dollars, raising concerns about repayment capacity. The government's decision on policy renewal remains uncertain.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran-related conflicts have redirected significant shipping traffic to the Panama Canal, creating unprecedented congestion. Vessels now face average waiting times of approximately three and a half days to transit the canal, marking the worst congestion in over two years. An LPG carrier reportedly paid USD 4 million for priority passage, substantially higher than the less than USD 1 million charged in early March when the conflict began.
The United States and Philippines signed an agreement on the 16th to establish a large-scale US high-tech manufacturing zone in Luzon. The facility aims to supply critical minerals and essential electronic components needed by American companies, reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. This represents the latest effort by the US to diminish China's dominant role in global supply chains.
Netflix released its financial report after market close on March 16, with guidance falling short of market expectations. Founder and Chairman Reed Hastings announced his departure from the company he co-founded in 1997. The news triggered investor concerns, causing the stock to plunge nearly 10% in early trading on March 17, reflecting market anxiety over the leadership transition.
Iran-related tensions have tightened crude oil supply, driving up petroleum product prices. According to Argus Media data, European biodiesel prices fell below conventional diesel for the first time in late March, while Asian palm oil futures dropped below diesel prices in early April. With biofuel costs becoming more competitive, Asian fuel suppliers are actively purchasing biofuels to reduce expenses.
Indian refiners are reportedly using the Indian Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation (ICICI) to purchase Iranian crude oil in Chinese yuan, addressing payment difficulties caused by long-standing sanctions. This occurs during a temporary US exemption on Iranian oil, though the US states the sanctions waiver expiring on the 19th will not be extended.
Over six weeks into the Iran conflict, disruptions to Middle Eastern crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments are prompting Asian nations to reassess their energy strategies. Countries are reducing reliance on LNG, diversifying energy sources through increased renewable energy and coal usage, and expanding purchases of American crude oil to mitigate geopolitical risks.
Iran announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz on the 17th, easing global energy supply concerns. Following this announcement, US stock markets rallied sharply, with the Dow Jones index gaining over 1,000 points during intraday trading. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) also rose, reflecting market optimism about the easing of geopolitical risks.
💻 Technology
AI chip startup Cerebras Systems is reportedly set to submit its IPO application to regulators as early as Friday. The company has shifted from selling AI chips to operating its own data centers and providing cloud computing services. In January 2025, Cerebras announced a partnership with OpenAI valued at over $10 billion, planning to deliver up to 750 megawatts of computing power by 2028, with sources indicating the collaboration has expanded to over $20 billion.
According to Axios, AI startup Anthropic and the U.S. Department of Defense are showing signs of resolving their dispute. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is expected to meet with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, marking a potential breakthrough in AI collaboration discussions. The meeting comes as the Trump administration evaluates Anthropic's new AI model Mythos, which features advanced cybersecurity capabilities, raising both strategic value and risk considerations.
Starlink's latest report shows that global active users and app downloads more than doubled compared to the same period last year. The satellite internet service continues to attract users in the United States and emerging markets such as South America, providing strong performance support for parent company SpaceX's planned public listing this summer.
Latest data shows that despite rising memory chip prices increasing costs and causing overall smartphone shipments in mainland China to decline last quarter, Apple iPhone shipments in the region grew 20%, outperforming all other major manufacturers.
According to The Information, OpenAI will pay over $20 billion to California-based startup Cerebras over the next three years to purchase servers powered by Cerebras chips and potentially acquire equity stake in the company. The commitment doubles the amount from their previous agreement, reflecting OpenAI's confidence in the chip technology.
A recent large-scale systematic review from the UK highlights that both smoking and cannabis use cause considerable damage to the brain. While modern individuals often turn to these substances for stress relief, addiction to either can result in significant neurological impacts. Experts warn the public about the serious neuroscience risks associated with these addictive substances.
🌏 International
US President Trump told AFP that a peace agreement with Iran has resolved major sticking points and is very close to completion. Iran announced measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz, while Lebanon ceasefire negotiations also advanced. Trump emphasized the agreement is nearly finalized, indicating potential de-escalation in Middle Eastern tensions.
Iran announced on the 17th that the Strait of Hormuz would be completely open to commercial vessels for ten days, signaling a potential de-escalation in tensions with the United States and Israel. Following the announcement, international crude oil and European natural gas prices dropped over 10%, while the Dow Jones index surged more than 1,000 points, gold prices rose, and U.S. Treasury yields declined.
Four bipartisan US senators, including Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Shabot, sent letters to Taiwan's Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu and Vice Speaker Chiang Chi-chen, urging swift passage of the special defense budget. The senators, who visited Taiwan last month, expressed concern about delays in budget review and contacted committee members to emphasize the importance of defense spending for Taiwan's security.
Reuters reported that Chinese state media is employing a "using Taiwan against Taiwan" strategy to amplify opposition voices and manipulate information against the Democratic Progressive Party government. According to five Taiwan security officials and the Taiwan Information and Environment Research Center, Beijing posts videos of opposition figures criticizing the government on Douyin, which then rapidly spread to Facebook and YouTube. The videos are re-edited, repackaged, or have their sources obscured before being redistributed.
Iran announced on the 17th that it will fully open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping during the ceasefire period, following the implementation and initial maintenance of the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire agreement. The announcement immediately triggered a significant drop in international oil prices. On the 16th, U.S. President Trump released positive signals regarding U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, stating that Tehran is "very close" to reaching an agreement and has agreed to discuss sensitive issues including highly enriched uranium.
Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law expanding preventive detention provisions. The new scope includes unsafe driving offenses (drunk driving, drug driving, fatigue driving), infanticide, image-based sexual abuse, and provisions related to child sexual exploitation, fraud, and organized crime. The amendment aims to strengthen preventive measures against defendants accused of serious crimes and protect public safety.
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to Iran-related conflicts have redirected significant shipping traffic to the Panama Canal, creating unprecedented congestion. Vessels now face average waiting times of approximately three and a half days to transit the canal, marking the worst congestion in over two years. An LPG carrier reportedly paid USD 4 million for priority passage, substantially higher than the less than USD 1 million charged in early March when the conflict began.
The United States and Philippines signed an agreement on the 16th to establish a large-scale US high-tech manufacturing zone in Luzon. The facility aims to supply critical minerals and essential electronic components needed by American companies, reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. This represents the latest effort by the US to diminish China's dominant role in global supply chains.
With the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf facing potential blockade due to Iran-US tensions, the strategic importance of the Malacca Strait has drawn increased attention. The strait handles approximately 40% of global trade, particularly oil shipments from the Middle East to major Asian economies including China, Japan, and South Korea. Changes in the strait's security situation could significantly impact global energy supply and trade flows.
US President Trump stated on the 16th that the Iran conflict should end quickly, and the ceasefire agreement expiring next week may not require extension. According to Reuters citing Iranian sources, the US and Iran have adjusted their negotiation objectives, seeking to first reach a temporary ceasefire memorandum before finalizing details to prevent further escalation. A second round of talks between the two sides may occur this weekend.
Iran announced it will fully open the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire period. US President Trump stated that Iran has committed not to close the strategic waterway again in the future. US military forces are currently assisting Iran with minesweeping operations to restore safe passage through the strait.
Global buyers are increasingly purchasing US crude oil as tensions in Iran create supply constraints in the Middle East. This shift reflects market concerns about geopolitical risks in the region and the need for stable energy supplies. US crude exports are gaining attention as an alternative source of energy supply.
France and Britain announced they would lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the initiative during joint international talks in Paris, emphasizing the force would be entirely defensive and deployed only after lasting regional peace is achieved, aiming to maintain free trade through this critical shipping corridor.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Kaminari transited the Taiwan Strait on the 17th, marking the fourth such operation by Japan's naval forces. This is the first transit under Prime Minister Takayaki Kihara's administration. The destroyer will proceed to the South China Sea to participate in joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines.
UMC officially notified customers of a wafer foundry price adjustment effective July 1, with increases of approximately 10%. The company stated the adjustment reflects changing supply-demand dynamics and continued investments to support customer growth. Price adjustments will vary based on product mix strategy, capacity agreements, and long-term partnerships, expected to improve gross margins.