🔥 Top Stories
The United States and Iran have intensified their conflict, with US military conducting six consecutive nights of strikes against Iranian targets. Iran has denied President Trump's claim regarding the release of an American citizen. The week-long escalation threatens to undermine last month's ceasefire agreement, raising regional tensions significantly.
Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration announced that contaminated cooking oil from Chung Lien Oil has affected 1,322 downstream businesses. Seven batches of abnormal oil products totaling 2,584.4 tonnes have been recalled, with an additional 5,126.7 tonnes removed as a precaution. Newly affected businesses include well-known food brands such as Chou's Shrimp Rolls and Hong Rui Zhen. Authorities continue tracking the contaminated oil's distribution chain.
CoinW, Taiwan's largest virtual asset exchange, is accused of colluding with fraud rings to launder over NT$2.3 billion. Investigators found 1,544 victims defrauded of over NT$1.27 billion. The Shilin District Prosecutors Office indicted 14 people, seeking a 25-year sentence for the main suspect, Shi Qi-ren.
President Trump has ordered the resumption of airstrikes against Iran and reimposed maritime blockades on Iranian ports in recent days. A White House spokesperson stated that the military actions over the past several days were primarily in response to Iran's violations of previous agreements between the two nations. Despite the escalation, the White House indicated that Iran remains willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, with both sides hoping to reach a new accord.
Taiwan's Taichung Food Safety Division announced two additional batches of Zhonglian soybean salad oil exceeded benzopyrene limits, bringing the total to seven contaminated batches. Affected downstream businesses include major restaurant chains and retailers such as Crystal Hotel, Leofoo, Uni-President, Louis Chuang, and e-commerce platform Shopee. The FDA continues testing and tracing the contaminated oil's distribution.
🏛 Politics
The United States and Iran have intensified their conflict, with US military conducting six consecutive nights of strikes against Iranian targets. Iran has denied President Trump's claim regarding the release of an American citizen. The week-long escalation threatens to undermine last month's ceasefire agreement, raising regional tensions significantly.
Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration announced that contaminated cooking oil from Chung Lien Oil has affected 1,322 downstream businesses. Seven batches of abnormal oil products totaling 2,584.4 tonnes have been recalled, with an additional 5,126.7 tonnes removed as a precaution. Newly affected businesses include well-known food brands such as Chou's Shrimp Rolls and Hong Rui Zhen. Authorities continue tracking the contaminated oil's distribution chain.
A senior US State Department official testified before Congress that Washington does not accept China's "One-China Principle." The official called on Latin American and Caribbean allies to strengthen engagement and cooperation with Taiwan, emphasizing that these nations should not weaken or sever their partnership with Taiwan under Chinese political and diplomatic pressure.
The Keelung District Prosecutors Office investigated public works bid-rigging and collusion at Keelung City Government, conducting searches at 31 locations including the city's procurement center and questioning 24 people. Prosecutors sought detention of five suspects: KMT city councilor Tseng Chi-yen, public utilities division chief Ku Sheng-hsuan, procurement center contract employee Yang Hung-chi, construction company owner Ho Pei-shen, and accountant Hong Mei-hsiang, on charges of violating the Anti-Corruption Act.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council disclosed that two police officers were forcibly taken from their accommodation in Fujian, China in June for interrogation by Chinese security personnel. The officials examined their phones and inquired about Taiwan's critical infrastructure information. This case exemplifies ongoing incidents of Taiwanese nationals going missing or being detained in mainland China.
The general manager of Zhonglian Oil & Fat, Yu Lingchong, was arrested after the company's soybean salad oil was found to contain excessive levels of benzo(a)pyrene, a Class 1 carcinogen, violating food safety laws. Although a Taichung District Court initially approved bail of NT$20 million, prosecutors appealed. The Taichung High Court ruled the appeal valid, revoking the bail decision and finding Yu has considerable influence over co-defendants and witnesses. The case was remanded for reconsideration.
Liu Chen Zhao-ling, former speaker of Penghu County Council, and her aide Chen Shu-mei were convicted of accepting bribes totaling 1.76 million NT dollars and interfering in five personnel matters. The High Court sentenced Liu to 7 years and 6 months, and Chen to 2 years and 8 months. The Supreme Court upheld the verdict, making it final, and authorities have initiated fugitive prevention measures.
The US military launched its fifth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran on the 16th, targeting military facilities and coastal defense positions around the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated military operations will continue until Iran returns to the negotiating table. US Central Command conducted three waves of strikes throughout the day, targeting facilities including Bandar Abbas port, aimed at reducing Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. The US disclosed both sides maintain contact, indicating military escalation and diplomatic negotiations proceed simultaneously.
President Trump has ordered the resumption of airstrikes against Iran and reimposed maritime blockades on Iranian ports in recent days. A White House spokesperson stated that the military actions over the past several days were primarily in response to Iran's violations of previous agreements between the two nations. Despite the escalation, the White House indicated that Iran remains willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, with both sides hoping to reach a new accord.
Taiwan's Taichung Food Safety Division announced two additional batches of Zhonglian soybean salad oil exceeded benzopyrene limits, bringing the total to seven contaminated batches. Affected downstream businesses include major restaurant chains and retailers such as Crystal Hotel, Leofoo, Uni-President, Louis Chuang, and e-commerce platform Shopee. The FDA continues testing and tracing the contaminated oil's distribution.
💰 Finance
Lorie Logan, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, expressed support for raising interest rates to combat inflation. She signaled potential opposition to maintaining current rates at the July policy meeting, as inflation continues to miss the Fed's target.
CoinW, Taiwan's largest virtual asset exchange, is accused of colluding with fraud rings to launder over NT$2.3 billion. Investigators found 1,544 victims defrauded of over NT$1.27 billion. The Shilin District Prosecutors Office indicted 14 people, seeking a 25-year sentence for the main suspect, Shi Qi-ren.
Taiwan's Ministry of Finance unveiled the "Youth Home Loan 3.0" program with new age, income, and property price restrictions. All borrowers receive "three plus three years" interest subsidies, with rates at 1.775% for the first three years, then gradually increasing to 2.275% by year seven. Young families with children can receive up to NT$337,000 in subsidies under the enhanced loan amount provisions.
The food safety scandal involving carcinogenic oil from Chung Lien continues to escalate. The Taichung District Prosecutors Office petitioned the Taichung District Court to seize real estate properties, including land and buildings, owned by four oil companies: Chung Lien, Fukujuyo, Fukubo Oil, and Taishan. The court approved the seizure order on the 14th. Prosecutors have notified local land administration authorities to proceed with the necessary procedures.
Escalating US-Iran tensions have reignited concerns about potential disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies, pushing international crude prices to their highest level in nearly a month this week. However, prices retreated slightly today as traders locked in profits. The market remains focused on geopolitical risks in the Middle East region.
The Federal Reserve released its Beige Book on the 15th, indicating the US economy continues moderate growth with slight inflation relief. While inflation still pressures the economy, the overall trend is positive. Economic data released on the 16th aligns with this assessment, providing guidance for the Fed's policy meeting in two weeks.
SpaceX's stock price dipped to 132.15 USD intraday on the 15th, briefly falling below the 135 USD IPO price, though closing at 135.27 USD. The breach of the IPO price level indicates cooling market enthusiasm for AI and space-related stocks, signaling potential shifts in investor sentiment.
Uber announced the acquisition of Delivery Hero's operations across 50 global markets for 14.8 billion dollars at 41.5 euros per share. The deal represents a 26% premium over Uber's initial May offer. The transaction will expand Uber's presence to nearly 100 countries, establishing it as the world's largest food delivery group outside China.
Uber announced today that it has agreed to acquire Delivery Hero, the parent company of foodpanda, for 148 billion US dollars in equity value. This transaction represents a significant step in Uber's global consolidation strategy, aiming to strengthen its position in the food delivery market and integrate both companies' delivery networks and operational resources.
South Korea reversed course by suspending new single-stock leveraged ETF product listings to curb market volatility. The regulatory shift follows May's approval of leveraged ETFs tracking Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which sparked significant investment activity and raised concerns about market instability.
🌏 International
The United States and Iran have intensified their conflict, with US military conducting six consecutive nights of strikes against Iranian targets. Iran has denied President Trump's claim regarding the release of an American citizen. The week-long escalation threatens to undermine last month's ceasefire agreement, raising regional tensions significantly.
Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration announced that contaminated cooking oil from Chung Lien Oil has affected 1,322 downstream businesses. Seven batches of abnormal oil products totaling 2,584.4 tonnes have been recalled, with an additional 5,126.7 tonnes removed as a precaution. Newly affected businesses include well-known food brands such as Chou's Shrimp Rolls and Hong Rui Zhen. Authorities continue tracking the contaminated oil's distribution chain.
CoinW, Taiwan's largest virtual asset exchange, is accused of colluding with fraud rings to launder over NT$2.3 billion. Investigators found 1,544 victims defrauded of over NT$1.27 billion. The Shilin District Prosecutors Office indicted 14 people, seeking a 25-year sentence for the main suspect, Shi Qi-ren.
President Trump has ordered the resumption of airstrikes against Iran and reimposed maritime blockades on Iranian ports in recent days. A White House spokesperson stated that the military actions over the past several days were primarily in response to Iran's violations of previous agreements between the two nations. Despite the escalation, the White House indicated that Iran remains willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, with both sides hoping to reach a new accord.
Taiwan's Taichung Food Safety Division announced two additional batches of Zhonglian soybean salad oil exceeded benzopyrene limits, bringing the total to seven contaminated batches. Affected downstream businesses include major restaurant chains and retailers such as Crystal Hotel, Leofoo, Uni-President, Louis Chuang, and e-commerce platform Shopee. The FDA continues testing and tracing the contaminated oil's distribution.
The US military launched its fifth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran on the 16th, targeting military facilities and coastal defense positions around the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump stated military operations will continue until Iran returns to the negotiating table. US Central Command conducted three waves of strikes throughout the day, targeting facilities including Bandar Abbas port, aimed at reducing Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping. The US disclosed both sides maintain contact, indicating military escalation and diplomatic negotiations proceed simultaneously.
The United States has launched fresh military strikes against Iran, with the stated objective of further degrading Iranian military capabilities. Explosions were reported across Iranian territory. The escalating conflict between the two nations has now continued for six consecutive days, marking a significant intensification of regional tensions.
The UK Labour Party concluded nominations for its leadership election on the 16th. According to British media reports, Burnham, former Manchester mayor and MP, is expected to be elected unopposed as the new party leader. He will succeed Prime Minister Starmer, who announced his resignation, and is expected to be appointed by King Charles and assume office as PM by the 20th.
The US Central Command has conducted military attacks on Iran for six consecutive days starting July 11, aimed at degrading Iranian military capabilities. Reuters reports that Iran has allegedly requested Yemen's Houthi opposition group to blockade the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic confrontation between the US and Iran continues to intensify.
A senior US State Department official testified before Congress that Washington does not accept China's "One-China Principle." The official called on Latin American and Caribbean allies to strengthen engagement and cooperation with Taiwan, emphasizing that these nations should not weaken or sever their partnership with Taiwan under Chinese political and diplomatic pressure.
The Keelung District Prosecutors Office investigated public works bid-rigging and collusion at Keelung City Government, conducting searches at 31 locations including the city's procurement center and questioning 24 people. Prosecutors sought detention of five suspects: KMT city councilor Tseng Chi-yen, public utilities division chief Ku Sheng-hsuan, procurement center contract employee Yang Hung-chi, construction company owner Ho Pei-shen, and accountant Hong Mei-hsiang, on charges of violating the Anti-Corruption Act.
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council disclosed that two police officers were forcibly taken from their accommodation in Fujian, China in June for interrogation by Chinese security personnel. The officials examined their phones and inquired about Taiwan's critical infrastructure information. This case exemplifies ongoing incidents of Taiwanese nationals going missing or being detained in mainland China.
The general manager of Zhonglian Oil & Fat, Yu Lingchong, was arrested after the company's soybean salad oil was found to contain excessive levels of benzo(a)pyrene, a Class 1 carcinogen, violating food safety laws. Although a Taichung District Court initially approved bail of NT$20 million, prosecutors appealed. The Taichung High Court ruled the appeal valid, revoking the bail decision and finding Yu has considerable influence over co-defendants and witnesses. The case was remanded for reconsideration.
Uber announced the acquisition of Delivery Hero's operations across 50 global markets for 14.8 billion dollars at 41.5 euros per share. The deal represents a 26% premium over Uber's initial May offer. The transaction will expand Uber's presence to nearly 100 countries, establishing it as the world's largest food delivery group outside China.
Uber has agreed to acquire Delivery Hero in a $14.8 billion all-stock transaction that would nearly double its global footprint and establish one of the world's largest food-delivery platforms outside China. The deal significantly expands Uber's international delivery service operations.