Morning World: Bipartisan Agreement on General Budget Committee Review for the 21st, No Consensus on Special Military Procurement Act
The Taiwanese legislature reached a bipartisan consensus to send the general budget to a committee on the 21st. The US Customs plans to refund illegal tariffs, while Taiwan and the Philippines respond to China's coercive actions.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 16, 2026 at 08:51
- 🔍 Collected: April 16, 2026 at 09:01 (10 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 05:04 (68h 2m after Collected)
Central News Agency
The ruling and opposition party caucuses in the Legislative Yuan reached a consensus through negotiation on the 15th, agreeing to invite Premier Cho Jung-tai on the 21st to report on the formulation process of the 115th fiscal year central government general budget and take questions. After the inquiry, the budget will be submitted for review, and the Executive Yuan should propose related amendments regarding the treatment of military and police personnel within six months after the general budget is committed to the committee. The Executive Yuan thanked Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu for his coordination in ending the general budget deadlock, stating that the cabinet will continue to study and amend regulations such as the Armed Forces Treatment Act and the Police Personnel Personnel Act. As for the draft of the Special National Defense Act, the ruling and opposition caucuses have still not reached a consensus. The Foreign and National Defense Committee will schedule a special report by the Ministry of National Defense next week, and Han Kuo-yu will convene another caucus negotiation, asking the ruling and opposition caucuses to communicate in advance regarding procurement items and funding. (Read full report)
In February this year, the US Supreme Court ruled that the global tariffs imposed by President Trump last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were illegal exactions. The US Customs and Border Protection has completed the initial phase development of a refund system, which is expected to be launched on April 20, to refund up to 166 billion US dollars in tariff payments to US importers. In addition, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on the 14th that although the tariff policy hit a wall at the Supreme Court, Section 301 investigations will be initiated or executed, so the tariff policy is expected to return to its previous level before early July. The Executive Yuan's Taiwan-US Economic and Trade Working Group has submitted a written explanation in response to the US launching of Section 301 investigations, touching upon issues of structural overcapacity and forced labor that concern the US side, hoping to make every effort to maintain the negotiation outcomes Taiwan has achieved in the Taiwan-US bilateral trade agreement and investment MOU. (Read full report)
Former Philippine Army Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency that China is engaging in illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions in the South China Sea, and Taiwan is facing a similar situation. The Philippines will adhere to the principle of transparency, exposing China's actions to gain support from various countries. He also mentioned that China not only manipulates information in mainstream media but also uses cyber armies and influencers through social media in an attempt to shape the thinking patterns of the Taiwanese and Philippine people. Therefore, Taiwan and the Philippines must fight back to ensure that the public obtains correct results under proper thinking. (Read full report)
Retired military personnel Yang Chien-hui, Yang Po-chih, Wang Wen-hao, Tan Chun-ming, Chiu Han-lin, and Lu Fang-chi were involved in an espionage case where they were absorbed by China to spy on, collect, and deliver military secrets. The High Court, in its first instance, sentenced the six individuals to fixed-term imprisonment ranging from 4 years and 6 months to 8 years and 6 months, and confiscated criminal proceeds ranging from NT$80,000 to NT$500,000; the ruling can be appealed. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo stated in an interview on the 15th that he is pained by a small number of officers and soldiers violating their duty of loyalty, adding that the Ministry of National Defense will continue to strengthen security, counter-intelligence education, and security checks, and will continue to encourage officers and soldiers to report abnormal situations. (Read full report)
The British "Guardian" reported that it has become the norm for internationally renowned British museums and art galleries, such as the British Museum, the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Tate Gallery, to choose to print their catalogs in China. However, Beijing's censorship mechanism has extended to the publications printed in China by these British institutions. Once topics or images viewed as sensitive by the Beijing authorities appear, such as Taiwan, Tibet, the Tiananmen Square incident, democratic movements, and religious beliefs like Buddhism, the British side may have to make concessions to ensure the publications are printed smoothly. The relevant British institutions are apparently also willing to cooperate, complying with Chinese pressure and control, and making necessary adjustments. (Read full report)
US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper stated on the 15th that less than 36 hours after implementing a blockade on Iranian ports, the US military has completely suspended Iran's maritime economic and trade access. Despite the blockade, President Trump still believes there is hope for the US and Iran to resume talks to end the war this week. In an interview, Trump noted that a new round of talks between the US and Iran "may be held within the next two days" in Pakistan, and the war is "very close to an end," but he also emphasized that US actions are not yet over. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei pointed out at a regular press conference that after the talks broke down last weekend, exchanges with the United States continued through Pakistan; meanwhile, high-ranking officials in Washington stated that the US has not yet formally agreed to extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran. (Read full report)
According to CPC Corporation, the aviation fuel price for international routes has reached 1.2816 US dollars per liter (about NT$41), an increase of 122% compared to before the outbreak of the war in the Middle East; the aviation fuel price for domestic routes is NT$44.2 per liter, an increase of 116%, significantly increasing the operating costs for airlines. According to statistics from the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, domestic airlines averaged 3,029 flights per week during the summer schedule this year. As of April 13, an average of 7.3 flights per week were canceled in April, accounting for about 0.2% of total flights; 52.6 flights per week were canceled in May, accounting for 1.7% of total flights; and 1 flight per week was canceled in July and August respectively. (Read full report)
The new system for animal medicine originally scheduled to take effect in July this year sparked controversy due to inadequate supporting measures, and the Ministry of Agriculture recently voted to suspend its implementation. Several legislators focused on the latest processing progress and procedures. Tu Li-hwa, Director General of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed that the new system for pet medicine is currently undergoing a cancellation process, and new regulations will be formulated later. Regarding legislators' questions that the management measures for human medicine used on pets are not close enough to the actual situation of animal medical care, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang emphasized that it is not appropriate to amend the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and it should be handled by returning to the Animal Protection Act. (Read full report)
The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office investigated a draft dodging case and indicted 15 people again on the 15th according to the Armed Forces Service Act and the crime of forgery of documents under the Criminal Code. This includes the main suspect Chen Chih-ming, as well as 9 entertainers who surrendered, including former Circus member Liao Jen-shuai, former Energy member Tang Chen-kang, Danson Tang, Ada, Chiu Hao-chi, Lee Wei-feng, Tsou Han-sheng, Yang Ching-han, and dancer Lee Yi-fu, as well as 5 commoners. The prosecutors indicated that except for Chen Chih-ming, the rest voluntarily surrendered after the incident and cooperated with the investigation, requesting the court to grant them probation. (Read full report)
Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei, who plays for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball, pitched in relief on the 15th, securing the first hold of his career. The Houston Astros played against the Colorado Rockies on the 15th. Left-handed pitcher Gordon, who was promoted from Triple-A, took the role of the starting pitcher, but he was knocked for 8 hits including 2 home runs and gave up 4 runs in 3.2 innings, leaving the game early. The Astros activated a bullpen relay to cover the remaining innings. Teng Kai-wei took the mound in relief in the top of the 7th inning when his team was leading 7-5, inducing a 1-2-3 inning.
The ruling and opposition party caucuses in the Legislative Yuan reached a consensus through negotiation on the 15th, agreeing to invite Premier Cho Jung-tai on the 21st to report on the formulation process of the 115th fiscal year central government general budget and take questions. After the inquiry, the budget will be submitted for review, and the Executive Yuan should propose related amendments regarding the treatment of military and police personnel within six months after the general budget is committed to the committee. The Executive Yuan thanked Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu for his coordination in ending the general budget deadlock, stating that the cabinet will continue to study and amend regulations such as the Armed Forces Treatment Act and the Police Personnel Personnel Act. As for the draft of the Special National Defense Act, the ruling and opposition caucuses have still not reached a consensus. The Foreign and National Defense Committee will schedule a special report by the Ministry of National Defense next week, and Han Kuo-yu will convene another caucus negotiation, asking the ruling and opposition caucuses to communicate in advance regarding procurement items and funding. (Read full report)
In February this year, the US Supreme Court ruled that the global tariffs imposed by President Trump last year under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were illegal exactions. The US Customs and Border Protection has completed the initial phase development of a refund system, which is expected to be launched on April 20, to refund up to 166 billion US dollars in tariff payments to US importers. In addition, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated on the 14th that although the tariff policy hit a wall at the Supreme Court, Section 301 investigations will be initiated or executed, so the tariff policy is expected to return to its previous level before early July. The Executive Yuan's Taiwan-US Economic and Trade Working Group has submitted a written explanation in response to the US launching of Section 301 investigations, touching upon issues of structural overcapacity and forced labor that concern the US side, hoping to make every effort to maintain the negotiation outcomes Taiwan has achieved in the Taiwan-US bilateral trade agreement and investment MOU. (Read full report)
Former Philippine Army Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer stated in an exclusive interview with the Central News Agency that China is engaging in illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions in the South China Sea, and Taiwan is facing a similar situation. The Philippines will adhere to the principle of transparency, exposing China's actions to gain support from various countries. He also mentioned that China not only manipulates information in mainstream media but also uses cyber armies and influencers through social media in an attempt to shape the thinking patterns of the Taiwanese and Philippine people. Therefore, Taiwan and the Philippines must fight back to ensure that the public obtains correct results under proper thinking. (Read full report)
Retired military personnel Yang Chien-hui, Yang Po-chih, Wang Wen-hao, Tan Chun-ming, Chiu Han-lin, and Lu Fang-chi were involved in an espionage case where they were absorbed by China to spy on, collect, and deliver military secrets. The High Court, in its first instance, sentenced the six individuals to fixed-term imprisonment ranging from 4 years and 6 months to 8 years and 6 months, and confiscated criminal proceeds ranging from NT$80,000 to NT$500,000; the ruling can be appealed. Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo stated in an interview on the 15th that he is pained by a small number of officers and soldiers violating their duty of loyalty, adding that the Ministry of National Defense will continue to strengthen security, counter-intelligence education, and security checks, and will continue to encourage officers and soldiers to report abnormal situations. (Read full report)
The British "Guardian" reported that it has become the norm for internationally renowned British museums and art galleries, such as the British Museum, the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Tate Gallery, to choose to print their catalogs in China. However, Beijing's censorship mechanism has extended to the publications printed in China by these British institutions. Once topics or images viewed as sensitive by the Beijing authorities appear, such as Taiwan, Tibet, the Tiananmen Square incident, democratic movements, and religious beliefs like Buddhism, the British side may have to make concessions to ensure the publications are printed smoothly. The relevant British institutions are apparently also willing to cooperate, complying with Chinese pressure and control, and making necessary adjustments. (Read full report)
US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper stated on the 15th that less than 36 hours after implementing a blockade on Iranian ports, the US military has completely suspended Iran's maritime economic and trade access. Despite the blockade, President Trump still believes there is hope for the US and Iran to resume talks to end the war this week. In an interview, Trump noted that a new round of talks between the US and Iran "may be held within the next two days" in Pakistan, and the war is "very close to an end," but he also emphasized that US actions are not yet over. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei pointed out at a regular press conference that after the talks broke down last weekend, exchanges with the United States continued through Pakistan; meanwhile, high-ranking officials in Washington stated that the US has not yet formally agreed to extend the two-week ceasefire with Iran. (Read full report)
According to CPC Corporation, the aviation fuel price for international routes has reached 1.2816 US dollars per liter (about NT$41), an increase of 122% compared to before the outbreak of the war in the Middle East; the aviation fuel price for domestic routes is NT$44.2 per liter, an increase of 116%, significantly increasing the operating costs for airlines. According to statistics from the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, domestic airlines averaged 3,029 flights per week during the summer schedule this year. As of April 13, an average of 7.3 flights per week were canceled in April, accounting for about 0.2% of total flights; 52.6 flights per week were canceled in May, accounting for 1.7% of total flights; and 1 flight per week was canceled in July and August respectively. (Read full report)
The new system for animal medicine originally scheduled to take effect in July this year sparked controversy due to inadequate supporting measures, and the Ministry of Agriculture recently voted to suspend its implementation. Several legislators focused on the latest processing progress and procedures. Tu Li-hwa, Director General of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency under the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed that the new system for pet medicine is currently undergoing a cancellation process, and new regulations will be formulated later. Regarding legislators' questions that the management measures for human medicine used on pets are not close enough to the actual situation of animal medical care, Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang emphasized that it is not appropriate to amend the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and it should be handled by returning to the Animal Protection Act. (Read full report)
The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office investigated a draft dodging case and indicted 15 people again on the 15th according to the Armed Forces Service Act and the crime of forgery of documents under the Criminal Code. This includes the main suspect Chen Chih-ming, as well as 9 entertainers who surrendered, including former Circus member Liao Jen-shuai, former Energy member Tang Chen-kang, Danson Tang, Ada, Chiu Hao-chi, Lee Wei-feng, Tsou Han-sheng, Yang Ching-han, and dancer Lee Yi-fu, as well as 5 commoners. The prosecutors indicated that except for Chen Chih-ming, the rest voluntarily surrendered after the incident and cooperated with the investigation, requesting the court to grant them probation. (Read full report)
Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei, who plays for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball, pitched in relief on the 15th, securing the first hold of his career. The Houston Astros played against the Colorado Rockies on the 15th. Left-handed pitcher Gordon, who was promoted from Triple-A, took the role of the starting pitcher, but he was knocked for 8 hits including 2 home runs and gave up 4 runs in 3.2 innings, leaving the game early. The Astros activated a bullpen relay to cover the remaining innings. Teng Kai-wei took the mound in relief in the top of the 7th inning when his team was leading 7-5, inducing a 1-2-3 inning.