​TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) expressed hope for closer ties between Taiwan and Oklahoma during a meeting with Governor Kevin Stitt on Monday (Dec. 9).

Lai praised Stitt’s consistent support for Taiwan and highlighted the close collaboration between the two sides since establishing sister ties in 1980, per the Presidential Office. He pointed to a delegation visit in September to advance drone cooperation and the planned signing of an economic, energy, and trade cooperation agreement as examples of the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Oklahoma.

Stitt noted that the September delegation led to multiple memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on drone cooperation. He expressed pride in Oklahoma’s advancements in aerospace and its role as a hub for autonomous technologies, which he said are critical to Taiwan.

The governor also emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in drones and autonomous systems. The forthcoming agreement, he said, will expand partnerships in aerospace, drones, energy, and critical mineral supply chains. Stitt added that he looked forward to working with Taiwan to enhance trade and investment, bringing prosperity to both sides.

In July, Oklahoma received NT$1.6 billion (US$51 million) in federal funding to develop a hub in Tulsa specializing in autonomous technologies, including drones.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration said seven Chinese coast guard ships have engaged in “abnormal" maneuvers around Taiwan.

In a press release, the CGA said that since 1 a.m. on Friday, it has detected “abnormal navigational activity” by Chinese coast guard ships and activated a response center. Among them, Chinese coast guard patrol cutter Haijing 2901 circled the southern strait, while Haijing 1301 and 1302 navigated southward from waters northeast of Taiwan.

The three vessels loitered 92 to 111 km (50 to 60 nm) northeast of Green Island in east Taiwan.

In addition, four more Chinese coast guard cutters—Haijing 2203, 2302, 2304, and 2307—formed a group and sailed toward the waters to Taiwan's southwest. However, they did not enter Taiwan’s prohibited or restricted waters.

The CGA said it deployed patrol ships to respond to the Chinese coast guard ships and moved in parallel with the vessels to monitor their movements.

The CGA said these unilateral “gray zone intrusions” carried out by the Chinese coast guard in coordination with the PLA “undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, disrupt cross-strait exchanges, and escalate tensions.” It added that it has been working with the defense ministry and other national security agencies to ensure full preparedness.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung’s light rail received the Outstanding Transport Plan Award from Taiwan’s association of transport professionals on Saturday.

Taiwan’s Chinese Institute of Transportation awarded the city for the 22-kilometer, 38-station transport system that served 10.31 million passengers in October. The institute granted the award at its annual meeting when it discussed academic research on transport systems around the globe.

Kaohsiung MRT Director Wu Chia-chang (吳嘉昌) said winning the award affirms the city government and residents' efforts to create a safe and comfortable transport system. Wu said the system will continue using AI and other technologies to improve the system’s efficiency and Kaohsiung’s transport environment overall.

Wu noted that Kaohsiung’s light rail system was the first in Taiwan. He said the system does not use overhead powerlines, and the grass and overhead trees along the line create a “green tunnel” connecting the city.

​TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said Singapore and Malaysia did not oppose Taiwan joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) during the trade bloc’s meeting in late November.

Speaking at the legislature’s foreign affairs committee on Monday, Lin clarified reports about the meeting, saying information received afterward showed the two Southeast Asian nations supported creating a working group to support China joining the CPTPP but did not oppose Taiwan’s bid.

“Of course, some of the other countries support us and oppose China,” Lin said.

He also suggested that some countries would not oppose Taiwan joining the 11-member trade block as their standards are not as high as Taiwan's. CPTPP members say “high standards” are needed to join the group. 

Lin noted that the CPTPP had opened a “small door” for Taiwan to conduct preliminary discussions with its members. While Taiwan did not achieve its desired outcome at the meeting, it will continue efforts to join the group, he said.

The foreign ministry on Dec. 3 highlighted Canada’s suggestion during a May meeting to establish an “informal standing forum” for members to discuss applications. It also noted that Taiwan has held “pre-consultations” with about half of the CPTPP’s members who said Taiwan is qualified to join.

China applied to join the CPTPP one week before Taiwan in 2021 and has expressed opposition to Taiwan’s membership bid. Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia have supported China’s application.

The CPTPP’s current members include Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Peru. Last year, the bloc approved the UK's application, and a working group for Costa Rica’s application will be formed following its November meeting.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Pingtung County Fire Bureau responded to a light aircraft crash on Monday near Guangfu Bridge.

The light aircraft is believed to have suddenly stalled after takeoff, requiring an emergency landing. The fire bureau dispatched a rescue team assembled from nearby townships, as witnesses said it hit a bridge upon landing.

The two passengers were conscious and taken to Pingtung Christian Hospital. The 52-year-old flight instructor surnamed Lu (呂) suffered limb abrasions, while a female flight student surnamed Chuang (莊) suffered head lacerations and a fractured right foot.

​This was the second accident involving a light aircraft in Pingtung during the past six months. In August, a light aircraft made a similar emergency landing in a betel nut orchard in Gaoshu Township for unknown reasons which left two people injured.

Both accidents were associated with aircraft operating out of Saichia Light Aircraft Airport, a 10-acre facility established in 2009 protected by the central mountain range. The airport offers a broad field of vision and good weather conditions suitable for paragliding and light aircraft.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An old mechanical engineering building at National Taiwan University has been transformed into a museum and is now highlighting race cars, solar vehicles, and light aircraft designed by students and faculty.

The special exhibit, Here with M.E., runs through April 30 next year. It showcases innovative transportation vehicles and the building’s architectural history, according to NTU College of Engineering.

A race car developed by the NTU Racing team, solar-powered vehicles created by students and faculty, and the lightweight iPLEV electric car from 2011 are featured. Also on display is the university's self-built light aircraft, which appeared in a commercial with singer Wu Bai.

​Huang Kai-lan (黃凱蘭), the museum's executive director, said the building was constructed in 1943 during the Taipei Imperial University era, making it more than 80 years old. Taipei's cultural committee recognized it as a historical site, and it was the last building completed during that period.

After the mechanical engineering department relocated to a new facility, the original building served as a student activity space. Instead of being converted into a coffee shop, it was repurposed as the NTU Museum of Engineering.

Huang expressed hope that the exhibit would not only stir nostalgic memories but also inspire greater appreciation for engineering. By highlighting several innovations, the museum aims to make engineering more accessible and engaging to the public.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A woman was struck by an incoming High Speed Rail train on Friday (Dec. 6) at noon after falling onto the tracks.

Taiwan High Speed Rail said that a station staff member noticed the woman had fallen onto the tracks as train no. 625 was approaching Zuoying Station. The emergency stop button was pressed, halting the train, according to reporters.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene. The woman was pronounced dead despite resuscitation efforts.

The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Police are also working to confirm her identity.

An emergency response center was promptly activated, and Taiwan High Speed Rail is working with railway police on the investigation. The incident did not disrupt operations with all trains remaining on schedule.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan envoy Huang Chih-yang (黃志揚) donated wheelchairs to disabled people in Turkey on Tuesday (Dec. 3) in support of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Promoted by the United Nations, the day aims to advance the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Huang was invited to a disability-related event hosted by Erzurum City Government. The event drew over 300 participants, including Mayor Mehmet Sekmen, social welfare officials, and disadvantaged families.

Sekmen expressed gratitude for Taiwan's donations and kindness. During the event, some individuals with disabilities performed songs, dances, and dramas.

“I am honored to represent Taiwan in donating wheelchairs and assistive devices,” Huang said. “Despite Taiwan and Turkey being 8,000 kilometers apart, the two countries maintain a close relationship.”

Sekmen pledged the government will continue to improve disabled people’s lives and increase their participation in schools and workplaces.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Labor will set up a hotline to report workplace bullying after a civil servant died by suicide.

Following the suicide case last month, the ministry established a dedicated complaint channel for employees. Labor Minister Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) said the ministry is weighing the feasibility of adding a hotline and offering counseling over bullying.

Hung also said the ministry will establish a committee to review complaints. It said it seeks to educate workers on actions to take if they or others become victims of bullying and the resources available.

On Nov. 4, a civil servant of the Workforce Development Agency committed suicide at work. An investigation said the 39-year-old employee surnamed Wu (吳) died due to stress, a heavy workload, and a lack of resources. He was the only full-time staff member managing large caseloads of migrant workers in an online employment system.

In addition, the investigation uncovered allegations of bullying by the deceased employee's superior Hsieh I-jung (謝宜容). Subordinates reported the supervisor had an inappropriate management style and was prone to emotional outbursts when dissatisfied with their performance.

The ministry said its initial investigation on Nov. 19 showed the supervisor's behavior had a role in but was not the direct cause of the worker’s death. It has launched a new investigation into the incident.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police uncovered a record-breaking cannabis production facility on Monday (Dec. 2).

Yunlin County police on Wednesday described it as the “largest outdoor cannabis greenhouse site” in the country's history, per Liberty Times. Officers seized 1,766 cannabis plants and dried cannabis buds, with an estimated market value exceeding NT$1 billion (US$31 million).

In May, Yunlin County police received a tip-off that a 37-year-old man surnamed Tsai (蔡) and his accomplices were cultivating cannabis for profit. A task force was formed, and after more than six months of surveillance and evidence collection, the suspects' daily routines, farm location, and hideouts were identified.

The suspects rented land in a remote mountainous area of Tainan, built a greenhouse, surrounded it with banana plants as camouflage, and utilized nearby streams as natural barriers to deter detection.

During the investigation, the suspects were observed tending to their crops daily. To confirm the greenhouse’s contents, police crossed streams and crawled hundreds of meters during nighttime reconnaissance missions, even encountering a venomous snake on one occasion.

Initially, officers were misled, as the suspects used clips to secure the cannabis plants, making them appear like tomato vines. Only after infiltrating the greenhouse did police confirm the presence of cannabis.

After confirming the greenhouse contained cannabis plants, the task force launched a coordinated operation at 4 a.m. on Monday, targeting a remote mountainous area in Tainan’s Nansi District and a nearby residence. At the residence, police apprehended five individuals: Tsai, a 28-year-old woman surnamed Chen (陳), a 29-year-old man surnamed Lin (林), a 54-year-old man surnamed Chan (詹), and a 25-year-old man surnamed Cheng (鄭). 

Inside, they discovered finished cannabis products and processing equipment. In a nearby greenhouse, a five-minute drive away, they confiscated 1,766 cannabis plants, along with plant growth lamps, fertilizers, and agricultural equipment. Some plants had grown up to 2 meters tall.

The group demonstrated a highly specialized division of labor. Tsai was responsible for cultivation and harvesting, Lin for drug production, and the others handled planting tasks.

The greenhouse featured a steel-frame structure costing nearly NT$10 million to construct. The greenhouse was equipped with advanced smart agricultural technologies such as temperature and humidity control systems and professional plant grow lights, which operated on timers to enhance cannabis production efficiency. 

Police said the setup resembled a model smart farm. Cannabis plants could be harvested after about three months, with the processed cannabis buds valued at NT$1,300 to NT$1,800 per gram. 

Police seized instruction cards and growth journals at the site, detailing methods for pesticide and fertilizer application. 

The Yunlin District Prosecutor’s Office said the five defendants including Tsai are suspected of breaking the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act (毒品危害防制條例) and Organized Crime Prevention Act (組織犯罪條例). Yunlin District Court has ordered the detention of all five suspects without bail as they are considered a flight risk.

None of the suspects are believed to have had agricultural backgrounds, but they demonstrated expertise in utilizing smart technology for cultivation. Police suspect they have had outside guidance and are continuing to trace the operation’s origins.