🔥 Top Stories
Taiwan's Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology publicly demonstrated its integrated development of robotic dogs licensed from US manufacturer Ghost Robotics. Three variants were showcased: LiDAR-equipped, reconnaissance, and firepower models. The systems successfully integrate AI autonomous patrol inspection, front-line reconnaissance, and AI multi-target fire tracking capabilities. The firepower variant features a remote-controlled gun turret and tri-spectrum system, achieving integrated reconnaissance and strike functionality.
A T-34C primary trainer aircraft from the Air Force's Gangshan base crashed during a simulated engine failure training exercise, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, Colonel Guo Junnan and Lu Jiyou. The training scenario is classified as high-risk, and the aircraft lacks ejection seats and flight data recorders. The Air Force has established an investigation team to determine the cause of the accident.
A T-34C primary trainer aircraft crashed at Kaohsiung Air Base during a simulated engine failure training mission. The aircraft fell from 500 to 1,000 feet shortly after takeoff during the fifth training circuit. Two colonel-rank pilots, Guo Junnan (46) and Lu Jiyou (41), were killed. The Ministry of National Defense has suspended related training operations for this aircraft type.
Dr. Chen Yao-li, a prominent liver transplant surgeon, was found to have illegally brokered organ transplants for nine Taiwanese patients in China while working at Changhua Christian Hospital, earning 14.66 million NT$ in brokerage fees. Changhua District Court sentenced him to two years imprisonment with five-year probation and ordered him to pay 5 million NT$ to the state treasury. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has revoked his medical license.
According to Reuters, SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, is planning a major initial public offering with a target valuation of 1.75 trillion dollars, including a greenshoe option for overallotment. This would make SpaceX one of the world's most valuable private space companies, reflecting its significant position in the commercial space industry.
🏛 Politics
Taiwan's Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology publicly demonstrated its integrated development of robotic dogs licensed from US manufacturer Ghost Robotics. Three variants were showcased: LiDAR-equipped, reconnaissance, and firepower models. The systems successfully integrate AI autonomous patrol inspection, front-line reconnaissance, and AI multi-target fire tracking capabilities. The firepower variant features a remote-controlled gun turret and tri-spectrum system, achieving integrated reconnaissance and strike functionality.
A T-34C primary trainer aircraft from the Air Force's Gangshan base crashed during a simulated engine failure training exercise, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, Colonel Guo Junnan and Lu Jiyou. The training scenario is classified as high-risk, and the aircraft lacks ejection seats and flight data recorders. The Air Force has established an investigation team to determine the cause of the accident.
A T-34C primary trainer aircraft crashed at Kaohsiung Air Base during a simulated engine failure training mission. The aircraft fell from 500 to 1,000 feet shortly after takeoff during the fifth training circuit. Two colonel-rank pilots, Guo Junnan (46) and Lu Jiyou (41), were killed. The Ministry of National Defense has suspended related training operations for this aircraft type.
Dr. Chen Yao-li, a prominent liver transplant surgeon, was found to have illegally brokered organ transplants for nine Taiwanese patients in China while working at Changhua Christian Hospital, earning 14.66 million NT$ in brokerage fees. Changhua District Court sentenced him to two years imprisonment with five-year probation and ordered him to pay 5 million NT$ to the state treasury. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has revoked his medical license.
President Lai Ching-te presented the Order of Brilliant Jade with Special Grand Cordon to Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil yesterday, recognizing his years of steadfast support for Taiwan and contributions to bilateral relations. Vystrčil visited Taiwan in 2020 despite Chinese pressure and declared "I am Taiwanese" in the Legislative Yuan, deeply moving the Taiwanese people and demonstrating his substantive commitment to Taiwan.
A woman named Ou Yu-tong and her organized crime boyfriend Wu Han-wei operated a fake capital release investment scam called "Melo Company," defrauding over 5,000 victims of approximately 15.8 billion Taiwan dollars. Police investigation led to the indictment of 157 gang members. Ou has been sentenced to 24 years, while Wu faces prosecution with a sentencing recommendation exceeding 26 years for his role as the financial backer.
An air force T-34C trainer aircraft crashed during training operations yesterday, resulting in two pilot fatalities. The Ministry of Defense allocated over one billion Taiwan dollars for the aircraft's maintenance this fiscal year, but the central government budget remains pending legislative review, delaying the implementation of maintenance funding.
Taiwan's Ministry of Justice announced a proposed amendment to the Civil Code's inheritance provisions, eliminating the inheritance rights of siblings. The reform would limit inheritance protection to spouses, direct descendants, parents, and grandparents. The proposal includes modifications to the discretionary distribution system and introduces a new mechanism for recognizing special contributions by heirs, aiming to address changes in modern family structures while respecting testamentary freedom.
US Secretary of State Rubio stated on the 2nd that the United States and China have no choice but to maintain dialogue to preserve strategic stability. He emphasized that America cannot rely on a single country for resources, implicitly addressing China's monopoly on critical minerals and supply chains. The Trump administration aims to maintain strategic stability with China over a period of time.
US Secretary of State Rubio testified before Congress that American policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged following the Trump-Xi meeting. Although China hopes the US will adjust its language, the US has made no changes. He noted that the 14 billion dollar military aid package to Taiwan is still under review.
💰 Finance
China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed that it will impose an additional 55% tariff on Australian beef imports as the import volume is approaching Beijing's annual quota limit. The measure will impact bilateral trade relations despite the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the Trump administration has determined Brazil engaged in unfair trade practices spanning digital commerce to illegal deforestation. The US proposes imposing a new round of 25% punitive tariffs on multiple Brazilian products exported to America in response to these trade disputes.
According to Reuters, SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, is planning a major initial public offering with a target valuation of 1.75 trillion dollars, including a greenshoe option for overallotment. This would make SpaceX one of the world's most valuable private space companies, reflecting its significant position in the commercial space industry.
Elon Musk's SpaceX is planning one of the largest initial public offerings in history, targeting a valuation of approximately 1.75 trillion dollars. Including the greenshoe option, the fundraising could exceed 75 billion dollars, setting a global IPO record. The IPO will consist entirely of new shares, with all proceeds flowing to the company. SpaceX has already disclosed these targets to underwriting banks during preliminary roadshow meetings.
Amid Middle East tensions, South Korea's May consumer inflation reached a two-year high, while Eurozone inflation hit a three-year peak. With persistent price pressures in both regions, markets increasingly expect the central banks of South Korea and the Eurozone to raise interest rates at their next policy meetings to curb inflation.
The White House announced a tariff reduction on certain steel and aluminum derivative products from 25% to 15%, covering specific agricultural equipment and residential HVAC systems. The measure aims to lower costs for American farmers and manufacturers, stimulate near-term investment, and rebuild the U.S. industrial base.
Driven by global artificial intelligence infrastructure investment, South Korea's stock market has surpassed India to become the world's sixth-largest stock market. Samsung Electronics' market capitalization exceeded 1.5 trillion US dollars during Seoul trading on the 2nd, surpassing Meta and briefly ranking among the world's top ten companies by market value.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, announced plans to raise up to $80 billion through equity financing to support future artificial intelligence demands. Berkshire Hathaway is participating in this financing initiative, marking a significant strategic shift for both companies.
The US Department of Labor's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey revealed that job openings unexpectedly jumped by 731,000 in April to 761.8 million, marking the highest level since May 2024 and significantly exceeding market expectations of 688 million. The job openings rate rose from 4.2% to 4.6%, while layoffs declined simultaneously, demonstrating resilience in the US labor market and dampening expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts.
According to the latest ECB report, gold has become the primary reserve asset for global central banks. As of end-2025, gold accounts for 27% of global central bank reserves, up significantly from 20% at end-2024, while US Treasury securities declined from 25% to 22%. The shift reflects increased gold purchases by central banks worldwide and gold prices nearly doubling over the past two years.
🌏 International
Taiwan's Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology publicly demonstrated its integrated development of robotic dogs licensed from US manufacturer Ghost Robotics. Three variants were showcased: LiDAR-equipped, reconnaissance, and firepower models. The systems successfully integrate AI autonomous patrol inspection, front-line reconnaissance, and AI multi-target fire tracking capabilities. The firepower variant features a remote-controlled gun turret and tri-spectrum system, achieving integrated reconnaissance and strike functionality.
A T-34C primary trainer aircraft from the Air Force's Gangshan base crashed during a simulated engine failure training exercise, resulting in the deaths of two pilots, Colonel Guo Junnan and Lu Jiyou. The training scenario is classified as high-risk, and the aircraft lacks ejection seats and flight data recorders. The Air Force has established an investigation team to determine the cause of the accident.
A T-34C primary trainer aircraft crashed at Kaohsiung Air Base during a simulated engine failure training mission. The aircraft fell from 500 to 1,000 feet shortly after takeoff during the fifth training circuit. Two colonel-rank pilots, Guo Junnan (46) and Lu Jiyou (41), were killed. The Ministry of National Defense has suspended related training operations for this aircraft type.
Japan Meteorological Agency and Wakayama Prefecture issued a Level 5 flood special warning at 6:10 AM for flooding occurring near Tsukino-se on the Koza River system flowing through Koza and Kushimoto towns. This represents the highest alert level on the five-tier warning system, requiring maximum vigilance and emergency response measures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency held a press conference at 6:30 AM to announce the issuance of a Level 5 flood special warning for the Koza River in the Koza River system. The agency emphasized that residents must immediately take action to ensure their safety. This highest-level warning indicates an extremely high risk of river flooding and requires immediate evacuation measures.
Large Typhoon No. 6 made landfall in southern Wakayama Prefecture early morning, causing flooding in the Koza River. Japan's Meteorological Agency issued the highest-level (Level 5) special flood warning. The typhoon is expected to move toward the Pacific coast of eastern Japan, with potential linear precipitation bands forming across multiple regions. Authorities urge maximum vigilance against landslides, river flooding, and inundation in low-lying areas.
Dr. Chen Yao-li, a prominent liver transplant surgeon, was found to have illegally brokered organ transplants for nine Taiwanese patients in China while working at Changhua Christian Hospital, earning 14.66 million NT$ in brokerage fees. Changhua District Court sentenced him to two years imprisonment with five-year probation and ordered him to pay 5 million NT$ to the state treasury. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has revoked his medical license.
According to Reuters, SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, is planning a major initial public offering with a target valuation of 1.75 trillion dollars, including a greenshoe option for overallotment. This would make SpaceX one of the world's most valuable private space companies, reflecting its significant position in the commercial space industry.
Alphabet, Google's parent company, announced plans to raise up to $80 billion through equity financing to support future artificial intelligence demands. Berkshire Hathaway is participating in this financing initiative, marking a significant strategic shift for both companies.
According to the latest ECB report, gold has become the primary reserve asset for global central banks. As of end-2025, gold accounts for 27% of global central bank reserves, up significantly from 20% at end-2024, while US Treasury securities declined from 25% to 22%. The shift reflects increased gold purchases by central banks worldwide and gold prices nearly doubling over the past two years.
Elon Musk's SpaceX is planning one of the largest initial public offerings in history, targeting a valuation of approximately 1.75 trillion dollars. Including the greenshoe option, the fundraising could exceed 75 billion dollars, setting a global IPO record. The IPO will consist entirely of new shares, with all proceeds flowing to the company. SpaceX has already disclosed these targets to underwriting banks during preliminary roadshow meetings.
The US Department of Labor's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey revealed that job openings unexpectedly jumped by 731,000 in April to 761.8 million, marking the highest level since May 2024 and significantly exceeding market expectations of 688 million. The job openings rate rose from 4.2% to 4.6%, while layoffs declined simultaneously, demonstrating resilience in the US labor market and dampening expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts.
US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are experiencing disagreements over how to conclude the Iran conflict. While the two leaders initially launched the conflict with unprecedented coordination, disputes over Lebanon and negotiations with Tehran are now straining their partnership.
US Secretary of State Rubio testified before Congress that American policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged following the Trump-Xi meeting. Although China hopes the US will adjust its language, the US has made no changes. He noted that the 14 billion dollar military aid package to Taiwan is still under review.
China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed that it will impose an additional 55% tariff on Australian beef imports as the import volume is approaching Beijing's annual quota limit. The measure will impact bilateral trade relations despite the existing free trade agreement between the two countries.