Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit at the invitation of King Mswati III. The visit, originally scheduled for April 22, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances but proceeded successfully following careful diplomatic and security arrangements. Eswatini remains one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies, and the visit demonstrates Taiwan's continued diplomatic engagement.
The US Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 5,000 military personnel from NATO ally Germany. The decision appears to respond to German Chancellor Merz's recent criticism of Iran policy, highlighting disagreements between the US and European allies on security matters. Pentagon spokesman Panier issued a statement regarding the troop redeployment decision.
Two male students at a private middle school in Taichung allegedly created and distributed deepfake sexual images of female classmates, affecting nearly 20 victims. One suspect was admitted to university through the Stars Program. The school has initiated an investigation through its Gender Equality Education Committee, reported the incident to the Education Bureau, and is providing counseling and protection for affected students.
The Trump administration has authorized emergency military sales exceeding $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern partner nations including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, according to a State Department statement. The move comes as peace negotiations between the United States and Iran remain stalled, underscoring continued US military cooperation with regional allies.
A senior Iranian military official stated that renewed conflict between the US and Iran is highly likely. US President Trump earlier expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's proposed negotiation terms. The Iranian military's central command warned that stalled dialogue increases the risk of military escalation between the two nations.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit at the invitation of King Mswati III. The visit, originally scheduled for April 22, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances but proceeded successfully following careful diplomatic and security arrangements. Eswatini remains one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies, and the visit demonstrates Taiwan's continued diplomatic engagement.
The US Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 5,000 military personnel from NATO ally Germany. The decision appears to respond to German Chancellor Merz's recent criticism of Iran policy, highlighting disagreements between the US and European allies on security matters. Pentagon spokesman Panier issued a statement regarding the troop redeployment decision.
Two male students at a private middle school in Taichung allegedly created and distributed deepfake sexual images of female classmates, affecting nearly 20 victims. One suspect was admitted to university through the Stars Program. The school has initiated an investigation through its Gender Equality Education Committee, reported the incident to the Education Bureau, and is providing counseling and protection for affected students.
Iran's state media reported that the Iranian parliament is set to pass legislation limiting the types of vessels allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to Parliament Vice Speaker Ali Nikzad, the new law will regulate ships passing through this strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical global oil transportation route.
The Trump administration has authorized emergency military sales exceeding $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern partner nations including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, according to a State Department statement. The move comes as peace negotiations between the United States and Iran remain stalled, underscoring continued US military cooperation with regional allies.
A senior Iranian military official stated that renewed conflict between the US and Iran is highly likely. US President Trump earlier expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's proposed negotiation terms. The Iranian military's central command warned that stalled dialogue increases the risk of military escalation between the two nations.
A US official stated that Washington would maintain a sufficiently strong military posture to balance Beijing's power. The US plans to strengthen cooperation with allied nations to establish effective deterrence mechanisms and maintain regional stability and peace. This approach aims to prevent conflicts through demonstrating military capability.
Lawmakers from Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party express differing views on the defense budget, with members supporting various funding levels. The party lacks internal consensus on the appropriate scale of defense spending, reflecting broader disagreements over national security priorities and fiscal allocation within the opposition party.
The United States implemented new sanctions on three Iranian foreign exchange companies on the 1st, targeting Tehran's financial capabilities in the Middle East. Simultaneously, the US sanctioned a Chinese oil terminal and warned vessels that paying Iranian transit fees would face consequences. This represents a multi-pronged US strategy to restrict Iran's financing.
The Pentagon announced it will withdraw 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany. The decision comes after public disagreement between US President Trump and German Chancellor Merz over Iran war issues. The withdrawal will impact US military deployment in Europe.
US stock indices reached new highs on January 1st, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Philadelphia Semiconductor Index all closing at record levels. Despite geopolitical risks in the Persian Gulf and the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance, US stocks demonstrated resilience. Experts highlight that this week's employment data and corporate earnings reports will be crucial in determining the market's trajectory, with a strong labor market potentially alleviating investor concerns.
As the Iran conflict enters its tenth week, the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Philadelphia Semiconductor Index all reached record closing highs on the 1st. Despite geopolitical tensions, analysts have identified five key factors driving the US stock market's continued strength, including economic fundamentals and corporate earnings expectations.
Three Federal Reserve policymakers stated on the 1st that oil price increases from Iran-related tensions could fuel inflation, arguing the Fed should avoid signaling rate cuts. Officials maintain a hawkish stance until geopolitical risks clarify, seeking to prevent oil shocks from further driving up prices.
Berkshire Hathaway released its latest quarterly earnings report, marking the first financial results under new CEO Abel following Warren Buffett's transition. The company's cash position reached a record high of $397.3 billion, reflecting the scarcity of large acquisition targets. Net earnings increased 18% compared to the same period last year, demonstrating operational performance under the new leadership.
President Trump announced on the 1st that the US will increase tariffs on EU automobiles and trucks from 15% to 25% this week, citing the EU's failure to fully comply with bilateral trade agreements. Trump emphasized that vehicles produced domestically in the US are exempt from tariffs, using this measure to pressure automakers to accelerate US manufacturing operations.
Apple has increased the Mac mini desktop computer's starting price from $599 to $799, a $200 increase. In Taiwan, the price rose from NT$19,900 to NT$26,900. The company attributes the price hike to inventory shortages driven by AI demand and tight processor supply. The adjustment reflects broader supply chain pressures in the computing market.
Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), astronomers have detected heavy water molecules in the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS for the first time. The comet's heavy water content is approximately 30 times higher than that of comets in our solar system, providing crucial insights into the chemical composition and origins of interstellar comets and advancing planetary science research.
Taiwan's women's table tennis team won their opening match 3-1 against South Korea at the 2026 London World Team Championships on February 2nd. However, coach Zheng Jiaqi subsequently reported on social media that a Taiwanese player allegedly experienced inappropriate physical contact and potential sexual harassment during pre-match security screening. The coaching staff strongly protested the incident and demanded the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) conduct a thorough investigation.
During the 2026 London World Team Table Tennis Championships women's team event, Chinese Taipei's star player Cheng Yi-ching allegedly experienced improper contact from a security personnel during a pre-match security check. The Chinese Taipei Table Tennis Association has negotiated with the organizing committee, and the involved personnel has been reassigned. The association will review surveillance footage to clarify the incident. Chinese Taipei defeated South Korea 3-1 in that match.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te arrived in the Kingdom of Eswatini for a state visit at the invitation of King Mswati III. The visit, originally scheduled for April 22, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances but proceeded successfully following careful diplomatic and security arrangements. Eswatini remains one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies, and the visit demonstrates Taiwan's continued diplomatic engagement.
The US Department of Defense announced the withdrawal of 5,000 military personnel from NATO ally Germany. The decision appears to respond to German Chancellor Merz's recent criticism of Iran policy, highlighting disagreements between the US and European allies on security matters. Pentagon spokesman Panier issued a statement regarding the troop redeployment decision.
Austrian authorities arrested a man suspected of contaminating baby food with rat poison. Manufacturer HiPP discovered a jar of purée containing the poison and initiated a product recall to protect consumers and ensure public safety.
Two male students at a private middle school in Taichung allegedly created and distributed deepfake sexual images of female classmates, affecting nearly 20 victims. One suspect was admitted to university through the Stars Program. The school has initiated an investigation through its Gender Equality Education Committee, reported the incident to the Education Bureau, and is providing counseling and protection for affected students.
The Trump administration has authorized emergency military sales exceeding $8.6 billion to Middle Eastern partner nations including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait, according to a State Department statement. The move comes as peace negotiations between the United States and Iran remain stalled, underscoring continued US military cooperation with regional allies.
A senior Iranian military official stated that renewed conflict between the US and Iran is highly likely. US President Trump earlier expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's proposed negotiation terms. The Iranian military's central command warned that stalled dialogue increases the risk of military escalation between the two nations.
The United States implemented new sanctions on three Iranian foreign exchange companies on the 1st, targeting Tehran's financial capabilities in the Middle East. Simultaneously, the US sanctioned a Chinese oil terminal and warned vessels that paying Iranian transit fees would face consequences. This represents a multi-pronged US strategy to restrict Iran's financing.
President Trump announced on the 1st that the US will increase tariffs on EU automobiles and trucks from 15% to 25% this week, citing the EU's failure to fully comply with bilateral trade agreements. Trump emphasized that vehicles produced domestically in the US are exempt from tariffs, using this measure to pressure automakers to accelerate US manufacturing operations.
The Pentagon announced it will withdraw 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany. The decision comes after public disagreement between US President Trump and German Chancellor Merz over Iran war issues. The withdrawal will impact US military deployment in Europe.
The Trump administration is fast-tracking $8.6 billion in military sales to Middle East allies to strengthen regional partnerships amid Iran conflict. The move simultaneously warns Europe of potential delays in weapons shipments. This policy aims to reinforce US strategic positioning in the Middle East and ensure allied defense capabilities during the ongoing regional tensions.
The US Department of Defense announced plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany. The move is viewed as retaliation against German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's criticism of US-Israeli military operations. The disagreement centers on Iran policy and Middle East strategy, escalating tensions within the transatlantic alliance.
President Trump's decision to withdraw 5,000 US troops from Germany has prompted responses from Berlin and NATO. Germany's government states the withdrawal is foreseeable, while NATO seeks clarification on the details. Two senior US Republicans have expressed concern about the decision and its potential impact on European security.
A 41-year-old engineer in Kaohsiung's Zuoying District lost control of his vehicle while driving fatigued, striking a family of three pedestrians on Junxiao Road. The incident resulted in two deaths and one serious injury among the family members, and also affected a motorcycling mother-daughter pair and parked vehicles nearby. Authorities identified driver fatigue as the primary cause of the accident.
Iran's state media reported that the Iranian parliament is set to pass legislation limiting the types of vessels allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to Parliament Vice Speaker Ali Nikzad, the new law will regulate ships passing through this strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical global oil transportation route.
A US official stated that Washington would maintain a sufficiently strong military posture to balance Beijing's power. The US plans to strengthen cooperation with allied nations to establish effective deterrence mechanisms and maintain regional stability and peace. This approach aims to prevent conflicts through demonstrating military capability.
A 41-year-old engineer in Kaohsiung's Zuoying District lost control of his vehicle while driving fatigued, striking a family of three pedestrians on Junxiao Road. The incident resulted in two deaths and one serious injury among the family members, and also affected a motorcycling mother-daughter pair and parked vehicles nearby. Authorities identified driver fatigue as the primary cause of the accident.
In the Tataka area, a popular starting point for Yushan's main peak trail, hikers are increasingly injured by falling rocks suspected to be dislodged by deer activity. Provincial Highway 18 experiences rising vehicle collisions with sambar deer that suddenly jump onto the road. The growing deer population threatens alpine vegetation, forest structure, and wildlife. Scholars recommend population control measures to address ecological damage and safety concerns.