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 UK Labour Party announced on Friday that 56-year-old Andy Burnham has been elected as the new party leader. Burnham will assume the role of Prime Minister following his appointment by King Charles III, replacing Keir Starmer. Starmer will submit his resignation to the King on the 20th. Burnham, a former Mayor of Greater Manchester, was the sole official candidate after securing support from most Labour MPs.
Following airstrikes on southern Iran's energy infrastructure, the power grid faces severe strain. Iran's Energy Ministry has urged citizens to conserve electricity to alleviate supply pressure. The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in the country's energy infrastructure and its capacity to meet demand.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced today that it launched ballistic missiles and unmanned drones in retaliation for a US nighttime airstrike, striking American military aircraft stationed in Jordan. The action marks a direct Iranian response to US military operations, escalating military tensions between the two nations.
The US-Iran ceasefire agreement lacks clear provisions for Hormuz Strait passage, leading to recent clashes where Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired on commercial vessels and the US military responded with attacks and renewed maritime blockade. President Trump proposed a 20% security fee on transiting ships and tankers but later reversed course. The incident highlights uncertainty over Hormuz Strait transit, with the Bab el-Mandeb Strait potentially becoming the next conflict flashpoint.
The UK's ruling Labour Party held a special meeting today to formally confirm senior politician Andy Burnham as party leader. Burnham is scheduled to take office as Prime Minister on the 20th, replacing current PM Keir Starmer. This leadership transition marks a significant shift in British 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.
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.
Taiwan's weighted index dropped 2,953.71 points on the 17th, marking the largest single-day point decline in history, closing at 42,671.27. Foreign investors sold a record 189 billion New Taiwan dollars in a single day. The Financial Supervisory Commission stated the decline reflects international conditions and pledged to closely monitor market movements while assessing potential stabilization measures.
Taiwan's stock market experienced a significant decline on the 17th, with the main index dropping 2,953.71 points, marking the largest single-day point loss on record, closing at 42,671.27. Foreign investors sold off NT$189 billion in shares, causing listed companies' market value to evaporate by NT$9.6 trillion. The Financial Supervisory Commission stated that the overall margin maintenance ratio remains above 183% and corporate fundamentals remain stable, while pledging close monitoring of market volatility and international financial developments.
Taiwan's stock market experienced a historic single-day decline of 2,953 points on the 17th, driven by concerns over new U.S. tariff policies affecting global financial markets. Major weighted stocks and AI-related shares fell sharply amid widespread selling pressure, reflecting market concerns about the impact of U.S. policy changes on the broader economy.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) experienced a significant stock price decline of 180 NT dollars, marking its largest single-day point drop in history, after providing weaker-than-expected gross margin guidance for the third quarter. The company's market capitalization fell below 60 trillion NT dollars, reflecting investor concerns about profitability trends.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced an additional $100 billion investment in Arizona, planning to build four new wafer fabrication plants and an advanced packaging facility. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated the investment brings significant change to the region and thanked TSMC and partners for creating this transformative moment.
Taiwan's stock market fell over 1700 points at opening today, with TSMC dropping more than 3.5% and dragging the index down to 43,866 points, approaching the seasonal support level of 43,545. Japanese stocks declined over 3.55% in early trading, while Taiwan's electronics sector fell 3.7%. Despite TSMC's announcement yesterday of raising 2026 capital expenditure to $60-64 billion, the positive news failed to support the stock price. Morning trading volume reached approximately NT$1.17 trillion.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced an additional $100 billion investment in the United States, bringing its total US investment to $265 billion. The US Department of Commerce stated the investment will fund construction of over 10 advanced facilities, expected to create substantial employment opportunities in construction and high-tech sectors.
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.
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.
Dragged down by sharp declines in US and Japanese stock markets, Taiwan's stock index fell sharply on the 17th, dropping to a low of 43,572.88 points around 10:30 AM, representing a decline of 2,052.1 points and marking the fourth largest intraday drop in history. TSMC shares fell 100 NT dollars, with the index breaking through both 45,000 and 44,000 point levels, testing support at 43,500 points.
The European Commission issued legally binding implementation rules under the Digital Markets Act requiring Google to open interoperable AI functionalities on Android and share anonymized search data with qualified third-party search services. The measure aims to promote fair competition in AI assistants and search markets, addressing Google's market dominance in mobile AI and search services.
Chinese AI company Moonshot AI unveiled its latest model, Kimi K3, on July 16. The model features a mixture-of-experts architecture with 2.8 trillion parameters and supports a context length of 1 million tokens. It achieves performance comparable to leading models like Claude Fable 5 and GPT 5.6 Sol across multiple benchmarks including code development, reasoning, and vision tasks. Kimi K3 is available through various platforms, with full model weights expected to be released on July 27.
China has established the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization headquartered in Shanghai, with 29 countries signing the founding agreement as member states. As an intergovernmental international organization, it aims to promote global cooperation in artificial intelligence development, coordinate technology standards, and facilitate policy alignment among participating nations.
Meta's Oversight Board released research indicating that mainstream AI chatbots could unintentionally replicate and spread speech restrictions across countries, particularly in authoritarian nations. The study warns that large language models may become tools for spreading censorship without deliberate design, raising concerns about AI consistency globally and implications for free speech.
SpaceX cancelled Starship's 13th test flight on Thursday evening, with the stock declining over 3% after hours. CEO Elon Musk stated that some engines failed to ignite, triggering an automatic launch abort. The company will remove and replace two Raptor engines, with the next launch attempt likely in early next week.
In a historic milestone, an AI lawyer achieved its first courtroom victory at Wandsworth County Court in England in May. Generative AI has rapidly expanded its role in the legal sector, evolving from backend support tasks like document retrieval and contract review to directly participating in litigation. This development marks a significant shift in legal technology and raises questions about the future of traditional legal practice.
Google continues to evolve its AI Mode from answering questions to directly executing tasks. The latest update integrates Canva, YouTube Music, and Instacart services, allowing users to perform design, music playback, and shopping operations directly through AI assistance. This enhancement improves user efficiency and convenience across multiple platforms.
The European Commission announced two legally binding measures against Google under the Digital Markets Act. The first requires Google to open Android AI functionalities to competitors, allowing third-party AI assistants equal access to device features alongside Gemini. The second measure mandates Google share search data with third-party search engines to enhance digital market competition and enable fair competition with Google's services.
Apple is reportedly considering acquiring a chip company to strengthen its AI server processor research and development capabilities. The company has been in discussions with multiple chip startups, and a successful acquisition could accelerate AI server development. Industry analysts believe this move could generate new orders for server manufacturers like Foxconn and Quanta Services.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang stated on the 16th that AI investment is a long-term business strategy driven by strong demand, dismissing bubble concerns. He emphasized that demand is exceptionally robust and infrastructure development requires at least a decade. NVIDIA launched Vera and Rubin chips and formed alliances with Japanese companies including Toyota, Fujitsu, Fanuc, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Yaskawa Electric to build a physical AI ecosystem.
Symantec revealed the advanced Chinese backdoor Daxin four years ago, with activities traceable to 2013. Previously targeting foreign governments and China-related organizations, it was considered the most sophisticated Chinese malware at the time. Recent reports indicate hackers are now deploying it against Taiwanese enterprises, raising cybersecurity concerns.
A July report from SANS Institute reveals that organizations integrating AI into cybersecurity strategies increased significantly from 50% in 2025 to 78% in 2026. However, only 36% have established formal AI risk management and compliance plans, up marginally from 35%, indicating governance mechanisms lag behind adoption. Among organizations already using AI, just 27% report their AI deployments have reached maturity and been integrated into daily operations.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a warning on July 16 regarding three actively exploited vulnerabilities, adding them to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list. Federal agencies must patch these flaws by July 19. Two of the vulnerabilities affect Fortinet's FortiSandbox system, posing significant security risks.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that attackers are actively exploiting multiple known SharePoint vulnerabilities. This includes CVE-2026-56164, which Microsoft patched in its July security update, and another vulnerability also being exploited. The incident demonstrates attackers' ability to rapidly weaponize newly patched security flaws for real-world attacks.
Fairlife, a dairy subsidiary of Coca-Cola, suffered a ransomware attack this week, forcing all U.S. manufacturing facilities to halt production. Fairlife specializes in enhanced dairy products using ultra-filtration technology, offering higher protein content and 50% less sugar than regular milk. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Michigan, Arizona, and New York, with an additional plant in Ontario, Canada.
Google released updates for Chrome browser on desktop and Android versions on July 16, just two days after the previous patch. The update addresses over 300 vulnerabilities in third-party components and the browser itself, including 21 critical-level flaws. The rapid update cycle highlights the urgency of security patching.
Oracle released a critical security patch in May addressing a critical vulnerability (CVE-2026-46817) in E-Business Suite (EBS). Threat intelligence firm Defused Cyber detected exploitation attempts in June, and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has confirmed the flaw is being actively exploited in real-world attacks, urging federal agencies to apply patches immediately.
A Taiwanese manufacturing company may have been compromised by Chinese backdoor malware Daxin for up to 13 years. Additionally, approximately 300 GitHub repositories impersonating major brands are distributing data-stealing software. Microsoft's patched SharePoint critical vulnerability was reportedly exploited within two days of the patch release.
Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs announced on the 17th that its online fraud reporting platform has surpassed 1 million reports, with over 500,000 fraudulent messages removed. Three major advertising associations established a trust alliance to strengthen source governance and combat online fraud.
PChome's third-party payment service Pi Wallet was breached by hacker group Settra, exposing personal data of approximately 3.5 million users, including license plate and phone numbers. The company publicly disclosed investigation findings and announced compensation of 500 TWD convenience store beverage vouchers per affected user.
A diary belonging to Liu Qingxiang, known by her stage name Pure, has surfaced after being hidden for over a century. The document was commissioned for discovery by an anonymous patron and provides invaluable firsthand records of Taiwan's popular music development during the Japanese colonial period, offering crucial historical insights into the era's cultural landscape.
Taiwan's esports player ZJZ achieved a fifth-place finish in the Garou fighting game category at the 2026 Esports World Cup held in Paris, France. The tournament marked the first time the event was held outside Saudi Arabia, attracting over 2,000 competitors from 100+ countries with total prize money exceeding 2.4 billion Taiwan dollars, a record high. Experts note the host nation's use of major sporting events for international image management.
Spain will face Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Spain demonstrates strong final-stage performance, with statistics showing the team has reached four major tournament finals in the 21st century and won all of them. Argentina showcases resilience with remarkable late-game scoring power, setting a rare World Cup record.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff will be held on June 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, featuring England under Tuchel against France coached by Deschamps. This European powerhouse clash serves as both a bronze medal battle and a farewell match for several legendary players, drawing significant attention.
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.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced an additional $100 billion investment in Arizona, planning to build four new wafer fabrication plants and an advanced packaging facility. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs stated the investment brings significant change to the region and thanked TSMC and partners for creating this transformative moment.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced an additional $100 billion investment in the United States, bringing its total US investment to $265 billion. The US Department of Commerce stated the investment will fund construction of over 10 advanced facilities, expected to create substantial employment opportunities in construction and high-tech sectors.
The UK's ruling Labour Party held a special meeting today to formally confirm senior politician Andy Burnham as party leader. Burnham is scheduled to take office as Prime Minister on the 20th, replacing current PM Keir Starmer. This leadership transition marks a significant shift in British politics.
Dragged down by sharp declines in US and Japanese stock markets, Taiwan's stock index fell sharply on the 17th, dropping to a low of 43,572.88 points around 10:30 AM, representing a decline of 2,052.1 points and marking the fourth largest intraday drop in history. TSMC shares fell 100 NT dollars, with the index breaking through both 45,000 and 44,000 point levels, testing support at 43,500 points.
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a warning on July 16 regarding three actively exploited vulnerabilities, adding them to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) list. Federal agencies must patch these flaws by July 19. Two of the vulnerabilities affect Fortinet's FortiSandbox system, posing significant security risks.
The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has warned that attackers are actively exploiting multiple known SharePoint vulnerabilities. This includes CVE-2026-56164, which Microsoft patched in its July security update, and another vulnerability also being exploited. The incident demonstrates attackers' ability to rapidly weaponize newly patched security flaws for real-world attacks.
Oracle released a critical security patch in May addressing a critical vulnerability (CVE-2026-46817) in E-Business Suite (EBS). Threat intelligence firm Defused Cyber detected exploitation attempts in June, and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has confirmed the flaw is being actively exploited in real-world attacks, urging federal agencies to apply patches immediately.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced today that it launched ballistic missiles and unmanned drones in retaliation for a US nighttime airstrike, striking American military aircraft stationed in Jordan. The action marks a direct Iranian response to US military operations, escalating military tensions between the two nations.
Taiwan's stock market experienced a historic single-day decline of 2,953 points on the 17th, driven by concerns over new U.S. tariff policies affecting global financial markets. Major weighted stocks and AI-related shares fell sharply amid widespread selling pressure, reflecting market concerns about the impact of U.S. policy changes on the broader economy.
Japan's Kanto and Tohoku regions experienced severe atmospheric instability today due to warm, moist air influx. Kanagawa, Chiba, and parts of Tokyo issued level 4 heavy rain warnings with localized flooding. Simultaneously, Hokkaido recorded temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The Japan Meteorological Agency urged residents to take precautions and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
A passenger attempted to bring a large dog onto Taipei Metro's Jiantan Station without placing it in a required pet carrier. After being advised by station staff, the passenger publicly posted the worker's photo and name on Threads, apparently attempting to incite public criticism. The post was widely condemned by netizens. Taipei Metro issued a statement on the 16th demanding removal of the post and pledged full legal support if the employee decides to pursue legal action.
During Taiwan's hot season, some elderly relatives refuse to use air conditioning to save electricity costs, resulting in children developing full-body rashes. Dr. Yu You-wu, dermatology director at Xizhi Cathay General Hospital, reports multiple recent cases where closed windows and no fans were the culprits. He warns this practice not only harms skin health but can also cause life-threatening heat stroke.