Peeping Tom caught in the act: Male suspect disguised as female apprehended in Hsinchu’s Taroko Square

In Hsinchu’s Taroko Square, Taiwan, a male suspect disguised as a woman was caught attempting to invade the privacy of women in a video voyeurism act. The incident occurred in the women’s restroom when two female victims noticed a suspicious individual closely following them. One of the victims discovered a cellphone positioned above her, prompting her to seek help. Mall security and the victim’s husband intercepted the suspect, who tried to flee and destroy evidence. The police arrived swiftly, charged the suspect with violating privacy, and conducted further inspections to prevent similar incidents.

Taiwanese chip giant TSMC says industry could have ‘stabilising’ effect

Taiwan’s TSMC, the leading semiconductor manufacturer, assures its advanced chips will be produced in Taiwan, amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and China. CEO CC Wei confirmed that 3nm, 2nm, and even the forthcoming 1.4nm chips will be primarily manufactured on the island. The move underlines TSMC’s role in stabilising global geopolitics, amidst concerns over supply disruptions in case of potential Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.

‘Unsafe’ action by China near American ship in Taiwan Strait: US

A Chinese Navy ship displayed “unsafe maneuvers” near a US destroyer in the Taiwan Strait, marking the second close encounter between American and Chinese military assets in less than 10 days. The US military criticized China’s actions and emphasized its commitment to operating safely and responsibly within international law. China, on the other hand, accused the US of provocation and interference in its sovereignty and security.

Hong Kong artists mark Tiananmen quietly or overseas

Artistic expressions commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown have dwindled in Hong Kong since the implementation of the national security law in 2020. Public events and performances that once marked the anniversary have been suppressed, and artists face uncertainty and repercussions. Some artists have relocated their works to Taiwan, where they continue to foster a connection to the memory of Tiananmen and advocate for freedom and democracy. However, concerns persist over erasure and censorship in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Taiwan tribe despairs as drought shrinks bamboo crop

Avayi Vayayana, a tribal chief of the Tsou tribe in southern Taiwan, faces the challenges of declining bamboo shoot harvests due to erratic weather patterns and a severe drought. With rain arriving late and bamboo forests dying, the tribe is struggling. Some have turned to growing coffee as a new cash crop, but even that is not immune to the effects of climate change.

Taiwan ramen restaurant astonishes the internet with bizarre “Giant Isopod Ramen”

Taipei’s Ramen Boy restaurant introduced a limited-edition “Creamy chicken broth ramen with giant isopod,” sparking public aversion. Priced at NT$1,480 (US$48) per bowl, the bizarre dish is made from isopods sourced from the ocean near Pratas Island. Despite claims of a fresh seafood aroma and unexpectedly sweet taste, food safety concerns have been raised due to the isopods’ diet of marine carcasses and potential toxin residues.

Taiwan, US to sign trade deal in Washington amidst growing pressure from China

The United States and Taiwan are set to sign a trade deal, sparking tensions with Beijing. The agreement aims to streamline customs, enhance regulatory procedures, and strengthen anticorruption measures. China strongly opposes any diplomatic relations involving Taiwan, which it considers its territory. Beijing’s military drills and aggressive rhetoric towards Taiwan have escalated in recent years. Bipartisan support for Taiwan exists in the United States, with politicians from both parties publicly engaging with Taiwanese officials.

Taiwan president vows to keep ‘status quo’ on cross-strait relations

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen reassured the nation that war is not an option in response to China’s increasing military pressure. She emphasized Taiwan’s determination to defend itself while maintaining calm and rationality. As Taiwan prepares for the next presidential election, the Democratic Progressive Party’s candidate, Vice President William Lai, advocates for independence, while the opposition party’s candidate, Mayor Hou Yu-ih, stresses the importance of dialogue and stability in the region. Beijing has warned against any move towards independence by Taiwan, threatening military action.

Taiwan’s Main Opposition Party Picks Popular Mayor As Presidential Candidate

The Beijing-friendly Kuomintang party in Taiwan nominated popular mayor Hou Yu-ih as its presidential candidate, setting the stage for a referendum on President Tsai-Ing-wen’s handling of China-Taiwan relations. Tsai rejects China’s territorial claim and has faced increased pressure, while the KMT seeks warmer ties. Hou emphasized safeguarding Taiwan and prosperity if elected, opposing Taiwan’s independence and the “one country, two systems” model. He was chosen over tech billionaire Terry Gou and will face Vice President William Lai, who supports Taiwan’s independence, in the election.

In Taiwan, UK’s ex-PM to urge West to confront ‘Cold War’ with China

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss’s visit to Taiwan is expected to ignite a clash with both China and her successor Rishi Sunak as she calls for a tougher stance against Beijing. Truss will demand that Sunak designate China as a strategic threat, close down UK-based Confucius Institutes controlled by the Chinese government, and replace them with cultural centers run by individuals from Hong Kong and Taiwan. She will argue that the West cannot avoid a “Cold War” with China and criticize attempts to cooperate with Beijing on issues like climate change. Truss’s visit has drawn criticism and accusations of performative diplomacy.