Good Morning World: Premier Cho Jung-tai States Stable Domestic Situation, 2 Million Barrels of Crude Oil En Route to Taiwan
Premier Cho Jung-tai announced that Taiwan's domestic situation is stabilizing amid Middle East conflicts, with 2 million barrels of crude oil en route. Concurrently, various news emerged, including disciplinary action against a Taichung police chief over a pepper spray incident, Taiwan's monitoring of China's aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' in the strait, and Japan's first participation in US-Philippines military drills.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 09:23
- 🔍 Collected: April 21, 2026 at 09:31 (8 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 10:57 (1h 25m after Collected)
Taichung City Police Bureau held a press conference on the afternoon of the 20th to explain the investigation results regarding the alleged pepper spray incident involving People First Party founder Ko Wen-je at Feng Chia Night Market on the 17th. Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming, while on duty, discovered a damaged pepper spray canister and sprayed it towards the ground four times, which then dispersed due to the wind. Chou Chun-ming received two demerits, was recommended for transfer to a non-supervisory position by the National Police Agency, and was referred to the prosecutor for investigation on suspicion of assault. Taichung Police Chief Wu Ching-tien offered to take disciplinary action himself and apologized to the People First Party. The National Police Agency stated that Chou Chun-ming's on-site misjudgment and improper handling led to the disciplinary action and reassignment to a non-supervisory position. (See full report)
Central News Agency
Shipping tracking agency Kpler's data shows that on April 18, more than 20 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the highest record since March 1. Among them, the very large crude carrier 'Junshan' flying the Liberian flag carried about 2 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil, destined for Mailiao Port, Taiwan. Premier Cho Jung-tai presided over a 'Special Project Meeting for Civilian Stability in Response to Middle East Conflict' on the 20th, stating that the government continues to pay attention to the civilian stability situation amidst the Middle East conflict, and the overall domestic situation has stabilized, indicating that the stability measures promoted by various ministries and agencies in the previous stage have shown concrete results in stabilizing prices. In addition, CPC Corporation and Sinopec Asphalt have sufficient inventory to supply until the end of June this year, and domestic fertilizer raw materials are sufficient to meet demand from August to December. (See full report)
The Ministry of National Defense pointed out on the afternoon of the 20th that the Chinese aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' transited the Taiwan Strait, and the national military monitored it closely. According to surveillance photos released by the Ministry of National Defense, carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters on the Liaoning's flight deck could be clearly seen. In addition, the Philippines launched its regular large-scale joint military exercise 'Balikatan' with the United States on the 20th, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces participating officially for the first time, becoming a major focus of this exercise. On the eve of the exercise, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed around 11:00 AM on the 19th, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Yokonoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, two Chinese naval vessels sailing eastward, passing between Amami Oshima and Yokonoshima Island, and heading northeast into the Pacific Ocean. (See full report)
After the merger of Taishin Securities and Yuanta Securities on April 6, system teething problems led to three incidents within half a month. On the 14th, a system anomaly occurred in the order confirmation and transaction confirmation systems. Taishin Securities completed its inventory on the 20th, with a total of approximately 9,321 erroneous transactions amounting to NT$2.011 billion. All related erroneous transactions have been reversed as per regulations, and the actual loss from erroneous transactions, approximately NT$43 million, was fully borne by Taishin Securities, without causing any impairment to customer assets. (See full report)
An intense earthquake occurred in northeastern Japan at 4:53 PM (3:53 PM Taipei time) on the 20th. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially estimated the magnitude at 7.4, later revising it to 7.7. The epicenter was off the coast of Sanriku, with an initial estimated focal depth of about 10 kilometers, later revised to 19 kilometers. An intensity of 5-strong was observed in Aomori Prefecture. The Meteorological Agency immediately issued a tsunami warning for the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture. As of 5:41 PM, observed tsunami heights were 0.8 meters at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture at 5:34 PM and 0.4 meters at Miyako in Iwate Prefecture at 5:22 PM. The warning was lifted in the evening. Hours after the earthquake, the Meteorological Agency also issued an aftershock advisory for the northern region, warning of an increased risk of earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 or higher. Additionally, President Lai Ching-te posted a Japanese message on social media platform X, expressing 'Taiwan and the people of Japan stand together,' hoping for the safety of local residents and readiness to provide necessary assistance. (See full report)
The Middle East war entered its 51st day. An Iranian-registered cargo ship on the 20th disobeyed a US warning to stop near the Strait of Hormuz, attempting to bypass a naval blockade. It was intercepted after its engine room was penetrated by naval vessels, and the US military forcibly detained the cargo ship. The cargo ship was en route from China to Iran, and the Iranian military vowed retaliation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the detained Iranian-flagged container ship 'Tuska' belongs to a subsidiary of Iran's state-owned shipping company and frequently travels between China and Iran. Additionally, Iranian parliamentarian and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Aghai stated that Iran is pushing for legislation to strengthen its control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that navigation rules for this strategic waterway will be determined by Tehran, including vessel permits. US President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on the 7th, with the ceasefire set to expire on the 21st, but the two sides have yet to reach a final peace agreement. (See full report)
President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation to visit the African ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, on the 22nd. Before his departure, in addition to the Kingdom of Eswatini, more than 40 cross-regional and cross-party political figures from 11 other African countries expressed warm welcome for President Lai's first visit to Africa through letters, social media posts, and messages. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this demonstrates the 'Taiwan model' and cooperation with Eswatini meet Africa's transformation needs; Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung pointed out that Taiwan has six representative offices in five African countries, and Somaliland has a quasi-diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. (See full report)
Czech Senate President Vystrčil plans to visit Taiwan in June, but Prime Minister Babiš did not approve providing a special plane, citing concerns about damage to Czech business interests in China. Opposition People's Democratic Party chairman Kupka called the move 'narrow-minded' and emphasized the significant importance of cooperation with Taiwan for the Czech economy; former Prime Minister Fiala even questioned whether Babiš was catering to China. (See full report)
Taichung City Police Bureau held a press conference on the afternoon of the 20th to explain the investigation results regarding the alleged pepper spray incident involving People First Party founder Ko Wen-je at Feng Chia Night Market on the 17th. Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming, while on duty, discovered a damaged pepper spray canister and sprayed it towards the ground four times, which then dispersed due to the wind. Chou Chun-ming received two demerits, was recommended for transfer to a non-supervisory position by the National Police Agency, and was referred to the prosecutor for investigation on suspicion of assault. Taichung Police Chief Wu Ching-tien offered to take disciplinary action himself and apologized to the People First Party. The National Police Agency stated that Chou Chun-ming's on-site misjudgment and improper handling led to the disciplinary action and reassignment to a non-supervisory position. (See full report)
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issued 10 measures targeting Taiwan. It is rumored that China is pressuring Taiwan's industries to take a stance. The General Chamber of Commerce.
Central News Agency
Shipping tracking agency Kpler's data shows that on April 18, more than 20 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz, the highest record since March 1. Among them, the very large crude carrier 'Junshan' flying the Liberian flag carried about 2 million barrels of Saudi Arabian crude oil, destined for Mailiao Port, Taiwan. Premier Cho Jung-tai presided over a 'Special Project Meeting for Civilian Stability in Response to Middle East Conflict' on the 20th, stating that the government continues to pay attention to the civilian stability situation amidst the Middle East conflict, and the overall domestic situation has stabilized, indicating that the stability measures promoted by various ministries and agencies in the previous stage have shown concrete results in stabilizing prices. In addition, CPC Corporation and Sinopec Asphalt have sufficient inventory to supply until the end of June this year, and domestic fertilizer raw materials are sufficient to meet demand from August to December. (See full report)
The Ministry of National Defense pointed out on the afternoon of the 20th that the Chinese aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' transited the Taiwan Strait, and the national military monitored it closely. According to surveillance photos released by the Ministry of National Defense, carrier-borne fighter jets and helicopters on the Liaoning's flight deck could be clearly seen. In addition, the Philippines launched its regular large-scale joint military exercise 'Balikatan' with the United States on the 20th, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces participating officially for the first time, becoming a major focus of this exercise. On the eve of the exercise, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force confirmed around 11:00 AM on the 19th, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Yokonoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, two Chinese naval vessels sailing eastward, passing between Amami Oshima and Yokonoshima Island, and heading northeast into the Pacific Ocean. (See full report)
After the merger of Taishin Securities and Yuanta Securities on April 6, system teething problems led to three incidents within half a month. On the 14th, a system anomaly occurred in the order confirmation and transaction confirmation systems. Taishin Securities completed its inventory on the 20th, with a total of approximately 9,321 erroneous transactions amounting to NT$2.011 billion. All related erroneous transactions have been reversed as per regulations, and the actual loss from erroneous transactions, approximately NT$43 million, was fully borne by Taishin Securities, without causing any impairment to customer assets. (See full report)
An intense earthquake occurred in northeastern Japan at 4:53 PM (3:53 PM Taipei time) on the 20th. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially estimated the magnitude at 7.4, later revising it to 7.7. The epicenter was off the coast of Sanriku, with an initial estimated focal depth of about 10 kilometers, later revised to 19 kilometers. An intensity of 5-strong was observed in Aomori Prefecture. The Meteorological Agency immediately issued a tsunami warning for the central Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the Pacific coast of Aomori Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture. As of 5:41 PM, observed tsunami heights were 0.8 meters at Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture at 5:34 PM and 0.4 meters at Miyako in Iwate Prefecture at 5:22 PM. The warning was lifted in the evening. Hours after the earthquake, the Meteorological Agency also issued an aftershock advisory for the northern region, warning of an increased risk of earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 or higher. Additionally, President Lai Ching-te posted a Japanese message on social media platform X, expressing 'Taiwan and the people of Japan stand together,' hoping for the safety of local residents and readiness to provide necessary assistance. (See full report)
The Middle East war entered its 51st day. An Iranian-registered cargo ship on the 20th disobeyed a US warning to stop near the Strait of Hormuz, attempting to bypass a naval blockade. It was intercepted after its engine room was penetrated by naval vessels, and the US military forcibly detained the cargo ship. The cargo ship was en route from China to Iran, and the Iranian military vowed retaliation. The Wall Street Journal reported that the detained Iranian-flagged container ship 'Tuska' belongs to a subsidiary of Iran's state-owned shipping company and frequently travels between China and Iran. Additionally, Iranian parliamentarian and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps official Aghai stated that Iran is pushing for legislation to strengthen its control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that navigation rules for this strategic waterway will be determined by Tehran, including vessel permits. US President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on the 7th, with the ceasefire set to expire on the 21st, but the two sides have yet to reach a final peace agreement. (See full report)
President Lai Ching-te will lead a delegation to visit the African ally, the Kingdom of Eswatini, on the 22nd. Before his departure, in addition to the Kingdom of Eswatini, more than 40 cross-regional and cross-party political figures from 11 other African countries expressed warm welcome for President Lai's first visit to Africa through letters, social media posts, and messages. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this demonstrates the 'Taiwan model' and cooperation with Eswatini meet Africa's transformation needs; Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung pointed out that Taiwan has six representative offices in five African countries, and Somaliland has a quasi-diplomatic relationship with Taiwan. (See full report)
Czech Senate President Vystrčil plans to visit Taiwan in June, but Prime Minister Babiš did not approve providing a special plane, citing concerns about damage to Czech business interests in China. Opposition People's Democratic Party chairman Kupka called the move 'narrow-minded' and emphasized the significant importance of cooperation with Taiwan for the Czech economy; former Prime Minister Fiala even questioned whether Babiš was catering to China. (See full report)
Taichung City Police Bureau held a press conference on the afternoon of the 20th to explain the investigation results regarding the alleged pepper spray incident involving People First Party founder Ko Wen-je at Feng Chia Night Market on the 17th. Sixth Precinct Chief Chou Chun-ming, while on duty, discovered a damaged pepper spray canister and sprayed it towards the ground four times, which then dispersed due to the wind. Chou Chun-ming received two demerits, was recommended for transfer to a non-supervisory position by the National Police Agency, and was referred to the prosecutor for investigation on suspicion of assault. Taichung Police Chief Wu Ching-tien offered to take disciplinary action himself and apologized to the People First Party. The National Police Agency stated that Chou Chun-ming's on-site misjudgment and improper handling led to the disciplinary action and reassignment to a non-supervisory position. (See full report)
The Taiwan Affairs Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issued 10 measures targeting Taiwan. It is rumored that China is pressuring Taiwan's industries to take a stance. The General Chamber of Commerce.