The US NASA revealed that 39-year-old Chinese engineer Song Wu, employed by China Aviation Industry Corporation, impersonated a renowned American aerospace scholar over nearly five years to deceive US government employees and university researchers into providing sensitive defense software related to advanced missile and weapons system development. The FBI has issued a warrant for his arrest.
President Trump stated in a phone interview with Axios that he will not lift the maritime blockade on Iran unless the country agrees to a deal addressing U.S. concerns about its nuclear program. Iran has proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz as a preliminary step.
US President Trump spoke with Russian President Putin on the 29th. Trump stated that Putin expressed willingness to assist with US-Iran tensions, but Trump prioritizes ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump proposed a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to seek a peaceful resolution.
Global agricultural commodity prices have reached a two-year peak due to prolonged Hormuz Strait closures and extreme weather conditions. Fertilizer supply shortages and potential harvest reductions are intensifying food inflation risks, posing significant challenges to global food security.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained interest rates unchanged at its latest policy meeting, marking the third consecutive hold. The decision comes amid elevated global energy prices driven by Middle East regional tensions. The Fed continues to balance inflation pressures against economic growth concerns, keeping rates steady as markets navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and their impact on commodity markets.
As US President Trump prepares for an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, two US federal senators have introduced a bipartisan bill to prohibit imports of Chinese-made vehicles and auto components. The proposal reflects American concerns about competition from China's automotive industry and is expected to become a significant issue in bilateral trade negotiations.
The US NASA revealed that 39-year-old Chinese engineer Song Wu, employed by China Aviation Industry Corporation, impersonated a renowned American aerospace scholar over nearly five years to deceive US government employees and university researchers into providing sensitive defense software related to advanced missile and weapons system development. The FBI has issued a warrant for his arrest.
Legislator Chiu Yi-ying revealed that many Chinese agricultural products are being transshipped through Vietnam to disguise their origin before entering Taiwan. Importers can obtain Vietnamese official certificates of origin for as little as NT$13,000, with profit margins reaching NT$500,000 per container. Concerned about food safety risks, the legislator urged the Ministry of Agriculture to require importers to provide third-party isotope analysis certificates to verify the true origin of imported agricultural products.
Legislative Yuan Speaker Han Kuo-yu has repeatedly urged expedited handling of the National Defense Special Conditions bill and privately supports an 800 billion NT dollar military procurement package. Vice Chairman Chi Lin-lien of the KMT publicly criticized Han at a Central Standing Committee meeting, suggesting his party expulsion if he betrayed party interests. Han responded with a poetic statement, asserting his actions are consistent with national interests.
A man with documented disability in New Taipei City's Luzhou District stalked a female high school student and assaulted her grandmother and neighborhood chief Guo Tengfang who came to help. Since 2023, the man has accumulated eight cases of sexual harassment and stalking. Public concerns about his potential early release have prompted the health bureau to evaluate the feasibility of involuntary hospitalization to protect community safety.
The United States has set specific conditions for paying its outstanding UN dues worth billions of dollars, including demands for UN spending cuts, pension system reforms, and measures to counter China's expanding influence within the organization. The move aims to drive UN reforms while balancing China's growing role in international institutions.
A 41-year-old repeat sexual harassment and stalking offender in Luzhou District, New Taipei City, followed an 18-year-old female high school student for two years. On the 28th, he again tailed her to her residential community. When the girl called for help, her 72-year-old grandmother and neighborhood chief Guo Tengfang intervened but were severely beaten. The prosecutor requested preventive detention.
President Trump stated in a phone interview with Axios that he will not lift the maritime blockade on Iran unless the country agrees to a deal addressing U.S. concerns about its nuclear program. Iran has proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz as a preliminary step.
US President Trump spoke with Russian President Putin on the 29th. Trump stated that Putin expressed willingness to assist with US-Iran tensions, but Trump prioritizes ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump proposed a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to seek a peaceful resolution.
As US-Iran military conflict approaches 60 days, the US Department of Defense reported on the 29th that military operations in Iran have cost an estimated 25 billion dollars. Defense Secretary Hesselis defended the military action, questioning how much Congress would be willing to spend to ensure Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, emphasizing the strategic importance of preventing nuclear proliferation.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to maintain interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, as markets anticipated. Fed Chair Jerome Powell confirmed his intention to continue serving as the central bank's leader during the press conference. The decision covered five key points including interest rate policy, economic outlook, and monetary policy direction, providing clear guidance to financial markets.
Alphabet released its Q1 earnings on April 29, reporting revenue of $109.9 billion, exceeding market expectations of $107.2 billion with 20% year-over-year growth, the fastest pace since 2022. Earnings per share reached $5.11 with net income surging 81%. Google Cloud generated $20.02 billion in revenue, surpassing the expected $18.05 billion with 63% year-over-year growth, driven by increased enterprise AI solutions and infrastructure demand. The stock surged approximately 6% in after-hours trading.
The Federal Reserve's April 29 meeting statement indicates the economy is expanding at a solid pace. Employment growth remains modest on average, while the unemployment rate has shown little change in recent months. Inflation remains elevated, partly reflecting recent increases in global energy prices.
International oil prices surged on the 29th amid Middle East supply concerns. Brent crude June futures closed up $6.77 to $118.03 per barrel, marking an eighth consecutive trading day gain and briefly touching $120, the highest since June 2022. WTI crude also rose $6.95 to $106.88. Market concerns over potential supply disruptions intensified as US-Iran negotiations stalled and investors anticipated prolonged supply tightness.
The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates unchanged at today's policy meeting. Chair Powell announced this was his final press conference as Fed chairman and stated his intention to remain as a Federal Reserve board member after his chairmanship ends. Powell is set to transition smoothly from his leadership role.
Global agricultural commodity prices have reached a two-year peak due to prolonged Hormuz Strait closures and extreme weather conditions. Fertilizer supply shortages and potential harvest reductions are intensifying food inflation risks, posing significant challenges to global food security.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a comprehensive ban on Chinese-made replacement airbag inflators linked to fatal accidents. Since May 2023, at least 12 incidents have resulted in 10 deaths or serious injuries. The defective inflators, manufactured by DTN in Jilin Province, rupture during collisions and spray metal fragments at drivers' chests, necks, and faces. All fatalities occurred in General Motors and Hyundai vehicles.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained interest rates unchanged at its latest policy meeting, marking the third consecutive hold. The decision comes amid elevated global energy prices driven by Middle East regional tensions. The Fed continues to balance inflation pressures against economic growth concerns, keeping rates steady as markets navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and their impact on commodity markets.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.5%-3.75% on December 29, marking Chair Jerome Powell's final rate decision before his term ends. This represents the third consecutive rate hold. Four committee members dissented from the decision, reflecting differing views within the Fed on monetary policy direction.
The Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate at 3.5%-3.75% for a third consecutive meeting, as expected. However, the FOMC approved the decision with an 8-4 vote, marking the highest number of dissenting votes since 1992. Four policymakers advocated for rate cuts, reflecting concerns about inflation and economic uncertainty. U.S. stocks and Treasury prices weakened following the announcement.
Strong artificial intelligence demand is prompting customers to sign multi-year contracts with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. The Financial Times reports that investors believe this AI boom will end the memory industry's cyclical volatility and usher in a period of sustained long-term growth.
According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to integrate AI more deeply into iPhone's camera application in iOS 27. The company will integrate its existing Visual Intelligence feature into the Camera app and rename it as Siri mode, positioning it as a new option alongside photo, video, and portrait modes. This move transforms AI functionality from a hidden feature to a core component of the daily photography workflow, demonstrating Apple's strategy to accelerate generative AI applications.
The US NASA revealed that 39-year-old Chinese engineer Song Wu, employed by China Aviation Industry Corporation, impersonated a renowned American aerospace scholar over nearly five years to deceive US government employees and university researchers into providing sensitive defense software related to advanced missile and weapons system development. The FBI has issued a warrant for his arrest.
US President Trump spoke with Russian President Putin on the 29th. Trump stated that Putin expressed willingness to assist with US-Iran tensions, but Trump prioritizes ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump proposed a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine to seek a peaceful resolution.
Brent crude oil rose for the eighth consecutive day, surpassing $120 per barrel, as US President Trump announced plans to maintain a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The geopolitical tensions continue to impact global energy markets, with the extended standoff potentially driving oil prices higher in the coming weeks.
Prosecutors argue that Cole Tomas Allen, charged with attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in connection with a shooting at a Washington press dinner, should remain in custody pending trial. New images show the suspect taking selfies before the incident. Authorities are seeking to maintain his detention status throughout the legal proceedings.
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 along ideological lines to restrict the use of race in drawing electoral districts. The conservative-dominated court struck down Louisiana's congressional map that created a second majority-black district, finding it constituted an unconstitutional racial gerrymander despite compliance with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The decision could reshape congressional maps nationwide and affect Republican prospects in midterm elections.
Authorities filed court documents Wednesday revealing that Cole Allen, charged with attempting to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner and kill President Trump, took a selfie in his Washington Hilton hotel room minutes before the incident. The photo showed Allen wearing black pants, a black shirt, and a red tie, equipped with an ammunition bag, shoulder gun holster, and sheathed knife.
The Pentagon's chief financial officer testified before the House Armed Services Committee that the two-month war with Iran has cost approximately US$25 billion, with the majority spent on ammunition. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a record US$1.5 trillion military budget, which faces opposition from Democrats.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Wednesday to "get smart soon" and accept Washington's demands for strict nuclear programme controls. The US naval blockade is intensifying pressure on Iran's economy. According to officials, Trump told oil executives the blockade could extend for months, following reports he rejected Iran's latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump stated in a phone interview with Axios that he will not lift the maritime blockade on Iran unless the country agrees to a deal addressing U.S. concerns about its nuclear program. Iran has proposed opening the Strait of Hormuz as a preliminary step.
Global agricultural commodity prices have reached a two-year peak due to prolonged Hormuz Strait closures and extreme weather conditions. Fertilizer supply shortages and potential harvest reductions are intensifying food inflation risks, posing significant challenges to global food security.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained interest rates unchanged at its latest policy meeting, marking the third consecutive hold. The decision comes amid elevated global energy prices driven by Middle East regional tensions. The Fed continues to balance inflation pressures against economic growth concerns, keeping rates steady as markets navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and their impact on commodity markets.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.5%-3.75% on December 29, marking Chair Jerome Powell's final rate decision before his term ends. This represents the third consecutive rate hold. Four committee members dissented from the decision, reflecting differing views within the Fed on monetary policy direction.
Alphabet released its Q1 earnings on April 29, reporting revenue of $109.9 billion, exceeding market expectations of $107.2 billion with 20% year-over-year growth, the fastest pace since 2022. Earnings per share reached $5.11 with net income surging 81%. Google Cloud generated $20.02 billion in revenue, surpassing the expected $18.05 billion with 63% year-over-year growth, driven by increased enterprise AI solutions and infrastructure demand. The stock surged approximately 6% in after-hours trading.
International oil prices surged on the 29th amid Middle East supply concerns. Brent crude June futures closed up $6.77 to $118.03 per barrel, marking an eighth consecutive trading day gain and briefly touching $120, the highest since June 2022. WTI crude also rose $6.95 to $106.88. Market concerns over potential supply disruptions intensified as US-Iran negotiations stalled and investors anticipated prolonged supply tightness.
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a comprehensive ban on Chinese-made replacement airbag inflators linked to fatal accidents. Since May 2023, at least 12 incidents have resulted in 10 deaths or serious injuries. The defective inflators, manufactured by DTN in Jilin Province, rupture during collisions and spray metal fragments at drivers' chests, necks, and faces. All fatalities occurred in General Motors and Hyundai vehicles.
A fatal traffic accident occurred in Annan District, Tainan on the morning of the 28th. A 28-year-old female police officer surnamed Zheng was hit from behind by a 20-year-old female motorcyclist while on leave, then struck by a tour bus, resulting in fatal injuries. The officer was known for anti-fraud awareness campaigns. Police shared her bright smile on social media, prompting thousands of online tributes.