Good Morning World: Defense Special Act Negotiations Fail, HIMARS Procurement Imminent
Negotiations for the Defense Special Act failed in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, putting the procurement of the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system at risk. Separately, a CTi News reporter was indicted for receiving funds from foreign forces to produce anti-recall videos. Meanwhile, Taiwan's stock market saw a significant surge in April, with foreign capital inflows reaching a record high.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 08:54
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 09:01 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 09:28 (26 min after Collected)
The Dutch cruise ship "Hondius" experienced a Hantavirus outbreak, causing 3 deaths. Its destination, the Republic of Cape Verde, refused it entry, and on the 5th, it was allowed to dock at the Canary Islands in Spain instead. The South African Ministry of Health confirmed that Hantavirus was detected in 2 passengers, and it was the "Andes virus strain," which can be transmitted between humans. CDC Director Luo Yi-chun analyzed that this virus has never been detected in Taiwan, and Asia is not a distribution area for its rodent vectors, so the risk of impact is assessed as low. Former National Taiwan University Hospital infectious disease physician Lin Shih-pi stated that there has never been a Hantavirus epidemic in Taiwan; and the Hantavirus type detected in Taiwanese rodents is mainly the Seoul virus, which causes milder symptoms. As for whether the Andes virus strain could be transmitted to Asia or Taiwan? Professor Cheng Po-ching of Taipei Medical University said that vigilance is needed but excessive panic is not appropriate. (Read full report)
Central News Agency
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu convened cross-party negotiations on the draft National Defense Special Act on the 6th, but no consensus was reached. As the one-month negotiation cooling-off period has passed, the draft bill will be put to a vote at the Legislative Yuan's plenary session as early as the 8th, but the failure to reach a consensus is an unfavorable sign. In addition, the first installment payment for the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system, which the US had agreed to sell, was originally due on March 30th. Due to the Legislative Yuan's failure to approve the appropriation, the US later agreed to extend the deadline based on negotiations with the contractor. Major General Huang Wen-chi, Director of the Department of Strategic Planning at the Ministry of National Defense, pointed out that May 31st is the deadline for the first installment of NT$800 million. If the payment is not made, the project will be canceled, and if a new project is to be established, it will not only take at least 8 more months but also face price increases. (Read full report)
CTi News reporter Lin Chen-yu was involved in receiving virtual currency from foreign forces to produce anti-recall videos, receiving 4,325 Tether (USDT) in funding, and bribing and recruiting 6 active and retired military personnel to film pro-China videos and spy on military secrets. Prosecutors considered that Lin Chen-yu, as a well-known media worker, should have supervised the government and protected the people's right to know, but instead, for personal gain, he long-term cooperated with hostile foreign forces, even submitting neutral manuscripts for foreign review before broadcasting, seriously affecting domestic public opinion and endangering national security. Lin Chen-yu and 6 others were indicted on charges including violating the Anti-Infiltration Act, corruption, and the National Security Act, with heavy sentences sought. (Read full report)
Global stock markets emerged from the shadow of the US-Iran war in April. Taiwan stocks surged by 7,203.64 points in April alone, setting a record for the strongest monthly gain in history. Foreign capital inflows in April alone reached US$26.42 billion, also becoming the largest single-month volume in history. The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves at the end of April were US$602.488 billion, an increase of US$5.602 billion from the previous month, once again breaking the US$600 billion mark. The Central Bank stated that the inflow of foreign capital once led to an imbalance in the supply and demand of the New Taiwan Dollar exchange market, and the Central Bank intervened to buy foreign exchange for adjustment, which was one of the factors pushing up foreign exchange reserves. (Read full report)
The Control Yuan stated on the 6th that the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Investment Commission's review of Shopee's investment case as to whether it was Chinese capital involved dispersed decision-making responsibility, and Shopee's widespread establishment of store-to-store services could lead to potential risks. It suggested continuous review from the perspective of national security and public governance. The Ministry of Digital Affairs should study establishing a tiered management mechanism for cross-border data transmission. The Ministry of Economic Affairs responded that it has always upheld ensuring that investment cases comply with regulations and national security. It will incorporate the Control Yuan's opinions into its review and improvement efforts. (Read full report)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung delivered a speech at the European Parliament on the 6th, setting a precedent for a high-ranking Taiwanese diplomat to speak at this venue. Wu Chih-chung cited examples such as Taiwan being suppressed in participating in international organizations and the cancellation of flight permits for presidential visits, pointing out that China is redefining the international order; participating MEPs actively asked questions, showing increasing attention to Taiwan issues. Wu Chih-chung further analyzed that Europe and Taiwan share many important common interests. He said that once Taiwan's stability, security, and democracy become Europe's interests, Europe will defend them in their own ways. (Read full report)
The Dutch cruise ship "Hondius" experienced a Hantavirus outbreak, causing 3 deaths. Its destination, the Republic of Cape Verde, refused it entry, and on the 5th, it was allowed to dock at the Canary Islands in Spain instead. The South African Ministry of Health confirmed that Hantavirus was detected in 2 passengers, and it was the "Andes virus strain," which can be transmitted between humans. CDC Director Luo Yi-chun analyzed that this virus has never been detected in Taiwan, and Asia is not a distribution area for its rodent vectors, so the risk of impact is assessed as low. Former National Taiwan University Hospital infectious disease physician Lin Shih-pi stated that there has never been a Hantavirus epidemic in Taiwan; and the Hantavirus type detected in Taiwanese rodents is mainly the Seoul virus, which causes milder symptoms. As for whether the Andes virus strain could be transmitted to Asia or Taiwan? Professor Cheng Po-ching of Taipei Medical University said that vigilance is needed but excessive panic is not appropriate. (Read full report)
On the 6th, a visitor at the Taipei Zoo witnessed a giant toucan holding a mouse in its beak. Fortunately, it was discovered and prevented from eating it in time. How to prevent rodent infestations sparked discussion. Taipei City launched "Rodent Detection Masters" to assist with rodent control at homes and will arrange a second round of comprehensive clean-up in 12 districts. New Taipei City has listed 2,590 rodent hotspots, hoping to prevent them through source management. A New Taipei City councilor suggested using animal shelters to house cats to solve rodent problems, but the Agriculture Department stated that shelter cats' hunting instincts have weakened and they do not catch mice. Regarding Taipei City's launch of "Rodent Detection Masters," Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming said it was the first time he had heard of it and suggested finding professionals who deal with rodents and vectors. Mayor Chiang Wan-an explained that the professional certificates held by private professionals are the same as those held by the Environmental Protection Bureau's disinfection team members who serve as detection masters. The city government stated that the number of detection masters will exceed one hundred, and their job is not to catch mice but to help residents find the source of rodents. (Read full report)
Japan's Kyodo News reported that Japan's 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters found that on April 29th, May 2nd, and May 5th, Chinese oceanographic survey vessels repeatedly deployed suspected detection objects into the sea in the waters around the Diaoyutai Islands. Similar activities were also conducted several times in the waters around Ishigaki Island in the latter half of April. Japanese patrol boats repeatedly requested the Chinese vessels to stop their activities via radio. (Read full report)
Earlier this year, when government departments including the Ministry of the Interior strictly dealt with concerns about Chinese spouses serving in public office in Taiwan, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang was criticized by China's Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Hong Kong pro-Beijing media also reported in February that Liu Shih-fang's nephew, Yan Wen-chun, was in mainland China.
Central News Agency
Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu convened cross-party negotiations on the draft National Defense Special Act on the 6th, but no consensus was reached. As the one-month negotiation cooling-off period has passed, the draft bill will be put to a vote at the Legislative Yuan's plenary session as early as the 8th, but the failure to reach a consensus is an unfavorable sign. In addition, the first installment payment for the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system, which the US had agreed to sell, was originally due on March 30th. Due to the Legislative Yuan's failure to approve the appropriation, the US later agreed to extend the deadline based on negotiations with the contractor. Major General Huang Wen-chi, Director of the Department of Strategic Planning at the Ministry of National Defense, pointed out that May 31st is the deadline for the first installment of NT$800 million. If the payment is not made, the project will be canceled, and if a new project is to be established, it will not only take at least 8 more months but also face price increases. (Read full report)
CTi News reporter Lin Chen-yu was involved in receiving virtual currency from foreign forces to produce anti-recall videos, receiving 4,325 Tether (USDT) in funding, and bribing and recruiting 6 active and retired military personnel to film pro-China videos and spy on military secrets. Prosecutors considered that Lin Chen-yu, as a well-known media worker, should have supervised the government and protected the people's right to know, but instead, for personal gain, he long-term cooperated with hostile foreign forces, even submitting neutral manuscripts for foreign review before broadcasting, seriously affecting domestic public opinion and endangering national security. Lin Chen-yu and 6 others were indicted on charges including violating the Anti-Infiltration Act, corruption, and the National Security Act, with heavy sentences sought. (Read full report)
Global stock markets emerged from the shadow of the US-Iran war in April. Taiwan stocks surged by 7,203.64 points in April alone, setting a record for the strongest monthly gain in history. Foreign capital inflows in April alone reached US$26.42 billion, also becoming the largest single-month volume in history. The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves at the end of April were US$602.488 billion, an increase of US$5.602 billion from the previous month, once again breaking the US$600 billion mark. The Central Bank stated that the inflow of foreign capital once led to an imbalance in the supply and demand of the New Taiwan Dollar exchange market, and the Central Bank intervened to buy foreign exchange for adjustment, which was one of the factors pushing up foreign exchange reserves. (Read full report)
The Control Yuan stated on the 6th that the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Investment Commission's review of Shopee's investment case as to whether it was Chinese capital involved dispersed decision-making responsibility, and Shopee's widespread establishment of store-to-store services could lead to potential risks. It suggested continuous review from the perspective of national security and public governance. The Ministry of Digital Affairs should study establishing a tiered management mechanism for cross-border data transmission. The Ministry of Economic Affairs responded that it has always upheld ensuring that investment cases comply with regulations and national security. It will incorporate the Control Yuan's opinions into its review and improvement efforts. (Read full report)
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Wu Chih-chung delivered a speech at the European Parliament on the 6th, setting a precedent for a high-ranking Taiwanese diplomat to speak at this venue. Wu Chih-chung cited examples such as Taiwan being suppressed in participating in international organizations and the cancellation of flight permits for presidential visits, pointing out that China is redefining the international order; participating MEPs actively asked questions, showing increasing attention to Taiwan issues. Wu Chih-chung further analyzed that Europe and Taiwan share many important common interests. He said that once Taiwan's stability, security, and democracy become Europe's interests, Europe will defend them in their own ways. (Read full report)
The Dutch cruise ship "Hondius" experienced a Hantavirus outbreak, causing 3 deaths. Its destination, the Republic of Cape Verde, refused it entry, and on the 5th, it was allowed to dock at the Canary Islands in Spain instead. The South African Ministry of Health confirmed that Hantavirus was detected in 2 passengers, and it was the "Andes virus strain," which can be transmitted between humans. CDC Director Luo Yi-chun analyzed that this virus has never been detected in Taiwan, and Asia is not a distribution area for its rodent vectors, so the risk of impact is assessed as low. Former National Taiwan University Hospital infectious disease physician Lin Shih-pi stated that there has never been a Hantavirus epidemic in Taiwan; and the Hantavirus type detected in Taiwanese rodents is mainly the Seoul virus, which causes milder symptoms. As for whether the Andes virus strain could be transmitted to Asia or Taiwan? Professor Cheng Po-ching of Taipei Medical University said that vigilance is needed but excessive panic is not appropriate. (Read full report)
On the 6th, a visitor at the Taipei Zoo witnessed a giant toucan holding a mouse in its beak. Fortunately, it was discovered and prevented from eating it in time. How to prevent rodent infestations sparked discussion. Taipei City launched "Rodent Detection Masters" to assist with rodent control at homes and will arrange a second round of comprehensive clean-up in 12 districts. New Taipei City has listed 2,590 rodent hotspots, hoping to prevent them through source management. A New Taipei City councilor suggested using animal shelters to house cats to solve rodent problems, but the Agriculture Department stated that shelter cats' hunting instincts have weakened and they do not catch mice. Regarding Taipei City's launch of "Rodent Detection Masters," Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming said it was the first time he had heard of it and suggested finding professionals who deal with rodents and vectors. Mayor Chiang Wan-an explained that the professional certificates held by private professionals are the same as those held by the Environmental Protection Bureau's disinfection team members who serve as detection masters. The city government stated that the number of detection masters will exceed one hundred, and their job is not to catch mice but to help residents find the source of rodents. (Read full report)
Japan's Kyodo News reported that Japan's 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters found that on April 29th, May 2nd, and May 5th, Chinese oceanographic survey vessels repeatedly deployed suspected detection objects into the sea in the waters around the Diaoyutai Islands. Similar activities were also conducted several times in the waters around Ishigaki Island in the latter half of April. Japanese patrol boats repeatedly requested the Chinese vessels to stop their activities via radio. (Read full report)
Earlier this year, when government departments including the Ministry of the Interior strictly dealt with concerns about Chinese spouses serving in public office in Taiwan, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang was criticized by China's Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Hong Kong pro-Beijing media also reported in February that Liu Shih-fang's nephew, Yan Wen-chun, was in mainland China.