KMT, TPP to collaborate for presidential electionBy Shih Hsiao-kuang and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNALeaders of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) yesterday pledged to work together to promote a shared vision they said would benefit the public ahead of, and beyond, the 2028 presidential election. Speaking at a news conference in New Taipei City, KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) said her party and the TPP outlined issues that the two parties would tackle together, including high housing prices, low wages and the low birthrate. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, right, and Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang shake hands at a news conference in New Taipei City yesterday. Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei TimesThe parties would soon begin discussions on how to coordinate for the local elections scheduled for Nov. 28. The TPP has never forgotten Ko’s words and would continue to advance that principle, Huang added.

Taiwan Outstanding Women in Science Awards showcase female scientistsStaff writer, with CNATaiwan Outstanding Women in Science Awards held an award ceremony in Taipei yesterday, highlighting achievements by the country’s female scientists. The “Outstanding Researcher Award” was presented to Chang Zee-fen (張智芬), a chair professor at National Taiwan University (NTU) College of Medicine Institute of Molecular Medicine. Chang Zee-fen, chair professor at National Taiwan University College of Medicine Institute of Molecular Medicine, is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo: Wu Po-hsuan, Taipei TimesCo-founded by L’Oreal Taiwan and the Wu Chien- Shiung Education Foundation in 2007, Taiwan Outstanding Women in Science Awards have been called Taiwan’s Nobel Prize for women. Each year, one recipient is chosen for the Outstanding Researcher Award and two for the Young Scientist of Excellence Award.

Japan helps two stranded Taiwanese leave BahrainStaff writer, with CNATwo Taiwanese have left Bahrain on a charter flight arranged by the Japanese government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday. The move was part of ongoing efforts to help Taiwanese stranded in the Middle East return home. The two Taiwanese were on Thursday accompanied by Taipei Trade Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain personnel via land to Riyadh, the ministry in a statement. Representative to Saudi Arabia Chang Chih-ping, center, poses in Riyadh on Friday with two Taiwanese evacuated from Bahrain. It has raised travel advisories for Israel and Iran to “red” — urging Taiwanese who are still in those countries to leave immediately.

Taiwan men, women defend 600kg, 500kg world indoor tug of war titlesStaff writer, with CNATaiwan’s men’s and women’s teams successfully defended their 600-kilogram and 500-kg titles, respectively, at the 2026 World Indoor Tug of War Championships in Taipei yesterday. The eight-man squad, which secured its first-ever title in the event in 2024, clinched back-to-back championships at Taipei Arena by sweeping the Netherlands 2-0 in the final. Taiwanese players and supporters pose for a photograph in Taipei yesterday, after Taiwan defended their 600kg title at the World Indoor Tug of War Championships. Also on Saturday, Taiwan’s women’s team clinched its fourth consecutive title in the 500kg category. Taiwan’s women’s 500kg tug of war team competes at the 2026 World Indoor Tug of War Championships in Taipei yesterday.

More meat not needed, dietician saysHPA RECOMMENDATIONS: A dietician said people might have the misconception that more meat is needed if the daily protein intake recommendation increasesBy Lo Bi / Staff reporterEating more meat would not be necessary to adhere to the Health Promotion Administration’s (HPA) draft revisions to its Dietary Reference Intakes and Daily Dietary Guidelines, a dietician said yesterday. Photo courtesy of the Health Promotion AdministrationCancer Care Foundation dietician Huang Shu-hui (黃淑惠) said that people might have the misconception that they must eat more meat if the protein intake recommendation is increased. However, meat is not the only source of protein, as whole grains, dairy products and nuts also contain protein, she added. The HPA draft also reaffirms the recommendations for protein sources, with legumes (beans) being first, followed by fish, eggs and meat, with red meat last, she said. The Daily Dietary Guidelines encourage reduced intake of red meat and processed foods, she added.

Kaohsiung, Arizona, Kumamoto sign MOU on chipsStaff writer, with CNAKaohsiung on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Arizona and Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, paving the way for a three-front partnership in semiconductor development, the Kaohsiung City Government said yesterday. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁), who is leading a Taiwan-Kumamoto joint delegation to the US, inked the MOU with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura, the city government said in a statement, adding that Kimura was not part of the delegation and signed the agreement online. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, second right, is pictured with Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, center, and Kumamoto Governor Takashi Kimura, on screen, on Thursday in Arizona. Photo courtesy of the Kaohsiung City Government via CNATaiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) has set up production footholds in Kaohsiung, Arizona and Kumamoto, improving economic and technological development in three locations, the statement cited Chen as saying. Chen said TSMC’s investments have built a friendship among the three places, and the MOU would ensure a trilateral semiconductor partnership across the Indo-Pacific region, it said.

Taiwan National Security Institute board member Yang Chung-ting (楊仲庭) told the forum that China-based MG and BYD are exporting components to Taiwanese proxies who reassemble the parts into whole vehicles for sale. The forum was jointly hosted by the institute, Better Together for NextGen Taiwan and the Youth Jurist Association of Taiwan. Taiwan National Security Institute board member Yang Chung-ting, right, and National Chung Hsin University law professor Chen Hsin-an attend a forum in Taipei yesterday. National security interests, economic order and protection for domestic industries are distinct legal categories that grant significantly different powers and latitude in enforcement and implementation, he said. Taiwan National Security Institute deputy secretary-general Ho Cheng-hui (何澄輝) called on the government to exercise its authority to impose tariffs and bans, and invoke eminent domain privileges to protect the nation’s economic integrity.

EVA leads way as three airlines raise their booking feesStaff writer, with CNATaiwan’s three major international carriers are increasing booking fees, with EVA Airways having already increased the charge to US$28 per flight segment from US$25, while China Airlines (CAL) and Starlux Airlines are set to follow suit. Booking fees are charged by airlines through a global distribution system (GDS) and passed on to passengers. Aircraft operated by China Airlines Ltd, Eva Airways Corp and Starlux Airlines Co are pictured at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in an undated photograph. EVA Air began implementing its increase on March 1, while China Airlines would raise the cost by the same amount on Tuesday. However, Tigerair Taiwan’s booking fees remain unchanged at NT$400 per passenger per flight segment for peak-season flights and NT$300 for off-peak flights.

Matsu businesses struggle to find enough workersStaff writer, with CNABusinesses across Lienchiang County (Matsu), which has one of Taiwan’s lowest unemployment rates, are struggling to recruit workers as a shrinking labor pool and aging workforce leave key industries short of staff. The company offers wages starting at NT$3,000 per day, with meals and accommodation for workers relocating from Taiwan proper, but few applicants are interested due to the limited transportation and resources on the islands of Matsu, he said. Workers aged 45 to 64 made up 51.43 percent of the workforce, while those aged 25 to 44 accounted for 37.19 percent, the report said. Young workers are particularly scarce, with people aged 15 to 24 making up just 2.96 percent of the labor force, the data showed. Liu Yu-ting (劉羽庭), a director at a Matsu youth development association, said that many young people from the islands move to Taiwan proper for better opportunities.

AI agents blowing up in China, but security risks yet aboundBy Luna LIN / AFP, BEIJINGChinese entrepreneur Frank Gao used to spend long hours running his social media accounts but now outsources the chore to artificial intelligence (AI) agent tool OpenClaw, which is taking China by storm despite official warnings over cybersecurity. Some municipalities, including the eastern cities of Wuxi and Hangzhou, have pledged hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the adoption and development of OpenClaw and other AI agents. Meanwhile, a separate team of coders that made Moltbook, a Reddit-like pseudo social network where OpenClaw agents converse, are joining Meta. Top Chinese tech companies have been quick to get involved. AI companies big and small have launched their own competing agent tools, such as ByteDance’s ArkClaw, Tencent’s WorkBuddy and Zhipu AI’s AutoClaw.

Brazil revokes visa of US diplomat in Bolsonaro rowAFP, RIO DE JANEIROBrazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday banned a US diplomat who wanted to visit the jailed former far-right Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro amid fears of US meddling ahead of elections this year. Bolsonaro, sentenced for plotting a coup, was on Friday hospitalized in intensive care after developing bronchopneumonia. Photo: AFPLawyers for Bolsonaro earlier this week asked the Brazilian Supreme Court to allow Darren Beattie, the US Department of State’s new adviser on Brazil, to visit Bolsonaro in prison on Wednesday. “I banned him from coming to Brazil,” Lula said on Friday at an event in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro, 70, is serving a 27-year sentence over his failed bid to remain in power after his defeat by Lula in 2022.

It was soon identified as a remnant of the 122-year-old Gokokuzan Taichuu-ji (Taichung Temple, 護國山台中寺), which was thought to have been demolished in the 1980s. A Japanese-era postcard showing the Taichung Temple. This structure belonging to the Taichung Temple was uncovered in June of last year. That same year, Nagata began constructing the Taichung Temple, and in June 1904, a ceremony was held to enshrine the Buddha statue. In 1930, he left the Taichung Temple to lead the Soto school’s head temple in Taipei (today’s Donghe Chan Temple, 東和禪寺).

History points in one directionBy Shen Yan 沈言I often get the sense that I stand with a view of several events of historical significance. My grandfather had studied at Chang Jung Senior High School; my grandmother at Chang Jung Girl’s Senior High School. In those days, not many had the opportunity to attend high school, and Japanese education left a profound influence. The changes that took place after the war left behind very different memories within my family. And within our family, this sign has always served as a reminder that we must eventually part ways with the KMT.

Taiwan can afford the defense budget, Lai saysDEFENSE BOOST: Taiwan will use AI to establish a real-time defense system, and the budget would also aim for economic and industrial development, Lai saidBy Ben Blanchard / ReutersTaiwan can well afford a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.16 billion) special defense budget given its booming economy, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday, citing US emphasis on collective burden-sharing. “With Taiwan’s economic growth, we can absolutely afford it,” he said of the eight-year special defense spending plan. The administration of US President Donald Trump has pushed its allies to boost defense spending, something Lai has enthusiastically embraced. Taiwan would use AI to establish a real-time defense system while promoting its defense industry, Lai said. “In other words, our defense budget is not only a budget for national defense, but also a budget for economic and industrial development,” he said.

Once Taiwan’s domestically produced air defense system is fully integrated, it would be further linked through the US’ Integrated Battle Command System to coordinate with newly purchased US-made Patriot III and NASAMS air defense systems, the report said, adding that the large-scale integration aims to realize the “T-Dome” defense plan, providing multi-layered, multi-missile protection. The ministry urged the legislature to fund domestically produced air defense missiles via a proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.16 billion) special defense budget. A model of the Tien Kung IV missile is pictured in an undated photograph. The Tien Kung IV forms the outermost layer of T-Dome, the government’s proposed multi-layered air defense system deploying advanced and legacy interceptors with an integrated command system, the ministry said. Defense officials and lawmakers with knowledge of the matter confirmed on condition of anonymity that the three systems were understood to be the Sea Oryx short-range air defense missile, the Ching Tien hypersonic land-attack missile and an unknown ballistic missile.