Good Morning World》Paraguayan President Peña: Taiwan's lack of international recognition is unreasonable, firmly defends bilateral ties

Central News Agency (CNA)

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña, during an exclusive interview with CNA on the 7th, referred to himself as "a firm advocate for Taiwan," stating that Taiwan, with its 23 million people, democratic elections, separation of powers, and its own military, fulfills the elements of a state, and its lack of international recognition is unreasonable. He noted that market diversification and the "Taiwan model" are valuable lessons for Paraguay, assuring that during his term, there is no need to worry about the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Paraguay. Economist Peña said he is often asked why Paraguay turns away from the Chinese market, to which he replies, "Even if China has 1.4 billion people, there are still 6.6 billion people in other countries where business opportunities can be explored." He added that during the years Paraguay has maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan, its economic growth rate has consistently outperformed other Latin American countries. He hopes to expand new cooperation with Taiwan in high-tech and artificial intelligence fields during his visit, especially given Paraguay's status as a major green energy producer, which, when combined with Taiwan's chip production, "would be a perfect match." (Read full report)

Taiwan's stock index (TAIEX) closed at 41933.78 points on the 7th, setting another new high. The total market value of listed companies reached a historical record of NT$148 trillion. TSMC, Delta Electronics, and MediaTek, the three major bellwether stocks, collectively account for over 52% of the weight of listed companies. Analysts point out that institutional and retail investors are heavily entering the market through active or passive ETFs, and Taiwan's capital structure continues to improve, leaning towards strong leadership from large-cap bellwether stocks. With hot money inflows driving both stock and currency appreciation, the New Taiwan Dollar strengthened by 7.9 cents against the US Dollar, closing at NT$31.409, a two-month high. Additionally, the Taiwan Stock Exchange announced that MediaTek would be placed under disposition trading from the 7th to the 20th, becoming the largest market-cap stock in Taiwan's history to be subjected to such measures, sparking market concern. Legislators proposed adding an exemption clause for large-cap bellwether stocks, and Financial Supervisory Commission Chairman Peng Jin-lung stated that a related report would be submitted within one month to study conditions for such exceptions. (Read full report)

Controversy arose at the i-pretty clinic's Banqiao branch in New Taipei City due to alleged hidden camera voyeurism. The Executive Yuan's Consumer Protection Committee reported that online complaints had accumulated to 251 cases by the evening of the 7th, reminding consumers to retain relevant receipts and contracts for future claims. Although i-pretty offered refunds, the refund agreement included a waiver of civil and criminal claims, raising suspicions of consumers being pressured into silence. New Taipei City consumer protection officials stated that the refund agreement has the nature of a "settlement," and signing it would impede legal action, advising consumers to evaluate carefully. Regarding the judicial investigation, group chairman Chang Ju-shan, Assistant Zhang, and vendor Xie are involved in crimes such as infringing on sexual privacy and have been ordered detained incommunicado by the court. As for whether the group's affiliated i-pretty postnatal care center was involved in any illegal activities, the Taipei City Department of Health, accompanied by the Criminal Investigation Corps, conducted an inspection and found no illegalities. (Read full report)

The indigenous submarine "Hai Kun" (Narwhal) departed for dive tests on the 6th. CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, indicated that during sea trials, the Hai Kun submarine completed "exercise torpedo" firing, verifying the combat system's reconnaissance, calculation, launch, and torpedo guidance capabilities. CSBC released a video revealing the Hai Kun firing two exercise torpedoes. Subsequently, after locating the exercise torpedoes, the Navy's new rescue vessel, the Dawu, hoisted and recovered them, finally returning to port at night. (Read full report)

Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang's nephew, Yan Wen-chun, was dismissed from a Taiwanese company in mainland China. Liu Shih-fang stated that people should think carefully before going to mainland China, otherwise their personal safety and property could be threatened. The Mainland Affairs Council revealed that the CCP, in order to coerce Taiwanese businesses into political statements, prohibited the company from engaging with suppliers and froze its local bank accounts, leading to unpaid employee salaries, describing the action as extremely malicious. The government will study how to counteract the CCP's suppression and help oppressed businesses and individuals cope. Furthermore, the Mainland Affairs Council received reports that two public servants traveling to mainland China were questioned by local national security personnel in their hotel rooms late at night, having their mobile phone contents inspected, for 2 to 4 hours. The CCP had prior knowledge of their itinerary and hotel accommodation. The Mainland Affairs Council advises public servants, "Don't go to mainland China unless it's necessary." (Read full report)

Following the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, international energy prices surged, and their impact on domestic commodity prices gradually emerged. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics of the Executive Yuan announced that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) year-on-year increase for April was 1.74%, a significant expansion from 1.2% in March, and the largest increase in a year excluding the Lunar New Year factor. Fuel prices rose sharply by 13.6%, the largest increase in four years. It is estimated that the May CPI increase will be higher than April, but "very likely below 2%." Additionally, the "Junshan Wheel," which passed through the Strait of Hormuz in mid-April, arrived at Mailiao Port on the 7th, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, estimated to alleviate approximately half a month's domestic oil consumption. Formosa Petrochemical will increase its refinery utilization rate. As the market awaits the latest developments on the US ending the Middle East war, international oil prices fell on the 7th, dropping below the US$100 per barrel mark. (Read full report)

Reports indicate that the United States and Iran are attempting to finalize the details of a one-page memorandum, and once an agreement is reached, a 30-day consultation period will commence. The agreement's content includes Iran's commitment to suspend uranium enrichment activities, the Trump administration lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds, and both sides simultaneously lifting transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Two US officials told the media that President Trump had originally planned to assist ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz but angered the Saudi Arabian leadership, who refused to allow US forces to use their bases and airspace for the operation. Trump then changed course and halted the plan. Additionally, media also revealed a satellite imagery analysis report showing that Iran's air strikes caused far more damage to US military sites across the Middle East than US officials publicly admitted. (Read full report)

Former Chinese Defense Ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were found guilty of corruption by a military court in a first-instance trial, sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, permanent deprivation of political rights, and confiscation of all personal property. If they commit no intentional crimes during the two-year reprieve, their sentences will be commuted to life imprisonment, but they will be imprisoned for life without parole or commutation. (Read full report)

The government encourages gender-neutral involvement in family care. Premier Cho Jung-tai stated that amendments to the law are actively being pursued to allow parents to receive an additional one month of parental leave allowance after both parents have fully utilized six months of unpaid parental leave benefits. Furthermore, media reported that the central government has temporarily halted plans to promote reduced working hours for childcare. Labor Minister Hung declined to comment. (Read full report)