Taiwan's lawmakers are back in the legislature for a new session. The opposition Kuomintang is proposing caning as a punishment for serious offenses, including sexual violence, child abuse and major fraud. But the ruling Democratic Progressive Party wants proof that harsher punishments can deter crime.
Taiwan Railway is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pokémon by decking out one of its trains with some of the franchise's most memorable characters. Rail enthusiasts and Pokémon fans can catch the train along its scheduled routes by checking the TRA website. The train makes its maiden voyage from Taiwan Main Station of Friday and is on track to run until December 13th, serving northern, central, southern and western routes. The train is a collaboration between TRA, The Pokemon Company and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi.
Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo says US arms sales to Taiwan do not include financial penalties for delayed deliveries, but compensatory measures are available. Taiwan purchased 66 F-16V fighter jets from the US for around US$7.5 billion, with deliveries scheduled to be completed before 2028. The first two jets departed the continental US in August but have yet to arrive in Taiwan.
On a visit to Guatemala, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung announced plans for deeper trade and investment cooperation between Taiwan, the US and Guatemala. With Guatemala's close proximity to the US and friendship with Taiwan, it's a convenient location for joint ventures between the three countries. Of Taiwan's 12 remaining diplomatic allies, seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean, making the region central to Taipei's links to the rest of the world. Though these allies face pressure from China to switch recognition, Latin American studies professor Yen-Pin Su from National Chengchi University says that Guatemala and Belize haven't exhibited any warning signs that they might break ties with Taipei.
Taiwan is gearing up for its 115th National Day celebrations next week with events planned across the country. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu, who heads the preparation committee, revealed this year’s official logo inspired by Taiwan's world-leading semiconductor sector. Celebrations will be split across the country: New Taipei will host the main National Day gala, while Taitung will host the annual fireworks finale. In Taipei, the Presidential Office building will serve as the backdrop for a specialized architectural light projection celebrating 30 years of direct presidential elections in Taiwan, running nightly from October 7 to October 10.
Taiwan’s AI-driven stock surge has pushed its net individual assets to fifth globally at around US$185,000 per person, according to German asset manager Allianz. Yet many locals say the gains on paper have not transformed daily life.
Taiwan's foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, has wrapped up his Central America trip and is reportedly heading to the US to attend the opening of Taiwan’s new representative office in Phoenix, according to local media which has not been confirmed by the foreign ministry as of upload time. Reports say Lin plans to visit TSMC’s Arizona plants and meet local officials. Lin previously met with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo to mark 92 years of diplomatic ties and promote cooperation among Taiwanese, US and Guatemalan companies in technology and healthcare.
Hsieh Su-wei and Liang En-shuo won gold in an all-Taiwan women’s tennis doubles final at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, defeating compatriots Chan Hao-ching and Wu Fang-hsien in three sets. The result gave Taiwan its fifth gold medal of the Games. There were also bronzes for Taiwan in team golf, taekwondo and softball. As of the latest results reported Saturday, Taiwan had notched five golds, 17 silvers and 33 bronzes for 55 medals overall at this year's Games.
