Police to be deployed to crowded areas
The attack unfolded in the early evening on Friday around Taipei Main Station’s M7 exit and later near the Taipei MRT’s Zhongshan Station. Photo: Tu Chien-jung, Taipei TimesLai said that to protect public safety, police rapid response units would increase their counterterrorism training, and deploy in crowded spaces and at large events. The response times of law enforcement agencies at all levels are to be enhanced to facilitate rapid reaction to disturbances, he said. President William Lai listens to a briefing by the National Police Agency in Taipei yesterday. Lai also visited injured victims, met with their families and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.
Source:Taipei Times
December 20, 2025 16:10 UTC
Trump declines to rule out possibility of Venezuela war
Trump declines to rule out possibility of Venezuela warAFP, WASHINGTONUS President Donald Trump left open the possibility of war with Venezuela, as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday vowed to enforce a blockade on the country’s oil wealth. “There’s nothing that’s going to impede our ability to enforce US law when it comes to sanctions,” Rubio said. Trump aide Stephen Miller has accused Venezuela of “expropriation,” as US companies were involved in early oil exploration on sovereign Venezuelan territory. Venezuela, which has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has promised security to keep its ships sailing. The US House of Representatives, narrowly controlled by Trump’s Republicans, on Wednesday rejected a bid to restrict Trump from attacking Venezuela without congressional approval.
Source:Taipei Times
December 20, 2025 16:10 UTC
US affirms Taiwan commitments
US affirms Taiwan commitmentsREBUFFED: In response to Chinese criticism over recent arms sales, Washington urged Beijing to engage in meaningful dialogue instead of threats and intimidationBy Esme Yeh / Staff reporter, with CNAWashington’s long-term commitment to Taiwan would not change, the US Department of State said yesterday, urging Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan and engage in meaningful bilateral dialogues. The remarks came in response to a backlash from Beijing about Washington’s latest approval of arms sales to Taiwan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted with strong opposition soon after the arms sale was announced. Washington urges Beijing to refrain from imposing military, diplomatic or economic pressure on Taiwan, they said, adding that Beijing should instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan. This is the second time that the US has announced an arms sale to Taiwan since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Source:Taipei Times
December 20, 2025 16:10 UTC
EU leaders agree to provide a massive 90bn euro interest-free loan to Ukraine
EU leaders agree to provide a massive 90bn euro interest-free loan to UkraineAP, BRUSSELSEU leaders yesterday agreed to provide a massive interest-free loan to Ukraine to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years, but they failed to bridge differences with Belgium that would have allowed them to use frozen Russian assets to raise the funds. The IMF estimated that Ukraine would need 137 billion euros (US$160 billion) next year and in 2027. The plan had been to use some of the 210 billion euros of Russian assets that are frozen in Europe, mostly in Belgium. “The financial package for Ukraine has been finalized,” Merz said, adding that “Ukraine is granted a zero-interest loan.”The frozen assets would remain blocked until Russia has paid war reparations to Ukraine, he said. “For me, the reparations loan was not a good idea,” De Wever said.
Source:Taipei Times
December 20, 2025 03:42 UTC
Surrealist sculpture
Post office, driver’s license changes comingSHIPS, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES: The ministry has announced changes to varied transportation industries taking effect soon, with a number of effects for passengers Beginning next month, the post office is canceling signature upon delivery and written inquiry services for international registered small packets in accordance with the new policy of the Universal Postal Union, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said yesterday. The new policy does not apply to packets that are to be delivered to China, the ministry said. Senders of international registered small packets would receive a NT$10 rebate on postage if the packets are sent from Jan. 1 to March 31, it added. The ministry said that three other policies are also scheduled to take effect next month. International cruise ship operatorsBy Shelley Shan
Source:Taipei Times
December 20, 2025 00:43 UTC
Towering handcrafted lanterns light up Philippines’ Christmas lantern festival
Towering handcrafted lanterns light up Philippines’ Christmas lantern festivalAFP, SAN FERNANDO, PhilippinesIn Christmas-mad Philippines, thousands cheered as handcrafted lanterns towering 6m high lighted up the night sky in San Fernando. The dazzling display of lights, accompanied by religious and festive imagery, and soundtracked by Filipino rap and Christmas carols, is part of the annual Giant Lantern Festival. People watch as a giant lantern lights up during the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines, on Sunday. The giant lanterns, submitted for competition at the festival, use 12,000 50-watt bulbs synchronized by 15km of electric cables and symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. “Almost all the lanternmakers here are related to each other or are friends with the others,” said Florante Parilla, 55, who has been designing the giant lanterns for 30 years.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:59 UTC
TikTok signs deal to end US ban threat
TikTok signs deal to end US ban threatNEW ENTITY: The joint venture would be held by a consortium of new investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX, with Bytedance retaining about 20 percentAFP, WASHINGTONTikTok on Thursday said it has signed a joint venture deal with investors that would allow the company to maintain operations in the US and avoid a ban threat over its Chinese ownership. Oracle executive chairman and founder Larry Ellison is a longtime ally of US President Donald Trump. TikTok Global’s US entities would manage global product interoperability, and certain commercial activities, including e-commerce, advertising and marketing, the memo said. Chew said there is more work to be done ahead of the Jan. 22 next year closing date for the deal. “Keeping the US operation live is itself a victory” for Bytedance, technology consultancy Dolphin founder Li Chengdong (李成東) said.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:30 UTC
Seahawks edge Rams in thriller to take No. 1 spot
Seahawks edge Rams in thriller to take No. The Seattle Seahawks’ Eric Saubert, center, celebrates after making a two-point conversion during their NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field in Seattle on Thursday. Although Seattle drew first blood with a Zach Charbonnet touchdown, the Rams dominated the first half, stifling the Seahawks offense. Although the two-point attempt initially appeared incomplete, officials ruled that Charbonnet had scored after a backward pass deflected off a Rams helmet. Nacua scored the Rams’ touchdown, before Darnold slung it to Jaxon Smith-Njigba at the other end, setting up the decisive two-point attempt.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:30 UTC
Rescued lion, bear find new homes in German sanctuaries
Rescued lion, bear find new homes in German sanctuariesAP, PRISTINAA lion and bear rescued from captivity in northern Albania arrived in animal sanctuaries in Germany, after authorities in Tirana discovered they were being illegally kept as pets on a private estate. Erion, a three-year-old lion, and Flora, a two-year-old bear, are now starting a new life. Erion, a three-year-old lion, sits in its enclosure before its transportation from Tirana to Germany on Tuesday. Four Paws said it believes the lion is a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking, while the bear was likely poached from the wild. Four Paws project manager Sajmir Shehu said the law lacks a stringent framework based on which organizations like his could prevent wild animals being kept in captivity.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC
An Se-young beats Yamaguchi to top BWF Finals group
An Se-young beats Yamaguchi to top BWF Finals groupReutersSouth Korea’s An Se-young yesterday finished top of Group A in the women’s singles at badminton’s World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, after defeating world champion Akane Yamaguchi 14-21, 21-5, 21-14, while Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon beat China’s Han Yue to advance. Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen returns to Li Shifeng of China during their men’s singles match at the BWF Badminton World Tour Finals at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in China yesterday. Pornpawee Chochuwong exited due to an injury on Thursday, leaving the group to be contested by the remaining three players. Taiwan’s Hung En-tzu, left, looks on as Hsieh Pei-shan returns to South Korea’s Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee during their women’s doubles match at the BWF Badminton World Tour Finals at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in China yesterday. In Group A of the women’s doubles, Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee of South Korea defeated Taiwan’s Hsieh Pei-shan and Hung En-tzu 21-17, 21-19.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC
Researchers awarded for reduction of animal testing
Researchers awarded for reduction of animal testingBy Esme Yeh / Staff reporterThe Ministry of Agriculture yesterday awarded experts and institutions for commitment to laboratory animal welfare, as animal experimentations decreased by 9 percent nationwide over the past decade. Recently developed artificial intelligence-driven predictive toxicology platforms and replacement techniques can reduce research animal use 50 to 100 percent, it said. The ministry also recognized 22 institutions for their outstanding performance in conducting humane care of research animals and providing training for personnel. Hung in his remarks said animal testing was improved through “refinement” and “reduction” of animal use in 3Rs. Department of Animal Welfare Director Chiang Wen-chuan (江文全) said the idea of respecting life in research animal use has become well-established in Taiwan over the past 30 years, as a mechanism has been developed to design, review and conduct animal experiments with a focus on animal welfare.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC
Bank of Japan hikes benchmark rate
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda’s policy board increased the rate by 0.2 percentage points to 0.75 percent, in a unanimous decision, the bank said in a statement. The central bank cited the rising likelihood of its economic outlook being realized. Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda speaks at a news conference in Tokyo yesterday. The central bank sees the rate as roughly somewhere between 1 percent and 2.5 percent. “Maybe two rate hikes in 2026 and one more in 2027, reaching the level of 1.5 percent,” Momma added.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC
Sea to sky: new terminal honors ocean around us
The north concourse was built first because its location and layout were straightforward toTravelers wait in the newly completed north concourse of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 on Dec. 1. “Construction methods would be refined and replicated for the south concourse, allowing construction there to proceed more quickly,” he said. There are still 13 boarding gates to be completed in Terminal 3, five in the main terminal and eight in the south concourse, he said. He added that many passengers had very positive feedback during the trial operation of the north concourse, taking many photos. It’s not just the runway and planes, but the entire landscape.”Yang said that many airport-exclusive products would be sold inthe north concourse.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC
Trump signs the NDAA into law, but adds caveat
Trump signs the NDAA into law, but adds caveatStaff writer, with CNAUS President Donald Trump on Thursday signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes authorization for up to US$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. Passage of the NDAA, which authorizes the US government to spend more than US$900 billion on defense programs, does not guarantee that the funds would be appropriated. Photo: Cheng I-hwa, BloombergThe US Congress must still pass separate defense appropriation bills for the funds to be allocated. The US$1 billion authorized for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative would go toward expanding support for medical equipment, supply capabilities and battlefield casualty care, the NDAA says. The legislation also directs the Pentagon to develop a plan for enhanced joint Taiwan-US Coast Guard training, and the deployment of US personnel to Taiwan to bolster maritime security, law enforcement and deterrence.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC
Australia announces gun buyback after Bondi tragedy
Australia announces gun buyback after Bondi tragedyAFP, SYDNEYAustralia would use a sweeping buyback scheme to “get guns off our streets,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday, as hundreds plunged into the ocean to honor Bondi Beach shooting victims. People paddle and swim together at Bondi Beach in Sydney yesterday as they participate in a tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting attack last week. Australia would pay gun owners to surrender “surplus, newly banned and illegal firearms.”It would be the largest gun buyback since 1996, when Australia cracked down on firearms in the wake of a shooting that killed 35 people at Port Arthur. Police said there was no established link with the alleged Bondi gunmen and “no immediate safety risk to the community.”Many hundreds yesterday returned to the ocean off Bondi Beach in another gesture to honor the dead. Bondi locals Boris and Sofia Gurman were among the first killed as they tried to wrestle Sajid Akram to the ground.
Source:Taipei Times
December 19, 2025 17:26 UTC