"Good Morning World": National Defense Special Act Discounted by Legislature; US Calls Delay a Concession to CCP
Taiwan's legislature approved a revised National Defense Special Act with a reduced budget, which the US views as a concession to China. Poland secured a large defense loan from the EU, Taiwan's Danjiang Bridge opened, national health insurance funding issues, US-Iran tensions, UK local election results, support for domestic violence victims in Taiwan, alleged voyeurism in medical clinics, and Taiwan's weather forecast were also reported.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 10, 2026 at 08:52
- 🔍 Collected: May 10, 2026 at 09:01 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 10, 2026 at 09:05 (3 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
President Lai Ching-te stated on the 9th that the Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the National Defense Procurement Special Act, but the budget ceiling was reduced from NT$1.25 trillion to NT$780 billion, and additional budget review hurdles were added. This may prevent the payment for US-purchased HIMARS ground-to-ground multiple rocket launchers from being completed by the end of May, which will have a significant impact on Taiwan's future defense. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim also worried that deleting the commercial procurement and commissioned production items from the military procurement act would not only easily create capability gaps but also miss a valuable opportunity to connect the domestic manufacturing industry with the international supply chain. The Ministry of National Defense stated that the armed forces, based on their important duty to safeguard national defense security, will actively study response plans and explain and communicate with the Legislative Yuan. The US Department of State expressed support for the Legislative Yuan's passage of the special act but also pointed out that delaying other funds is "a concession to the Chinese Communist Party." The American Institute in Taiwan noted that delaying investments such as drones and integrated air and missile defense will only weaken Taiwan's security and benefit the CCP. (See full report)
The Polish government signed the EU's largest defense financing program, "European Security Action (SAFE)," on the 8th, receiving approximately 43.7 billion euros (about NT$1.6125 trillion) in EU loans, becoming the first of 19 applicant countries to be approved and receive the most funding. The Prime Minister's Office stated that the funds will be used for military modernization, border security, the "Eastern Shield" defense project, drone interception systems, and cybersecurity, as well as promoting domestic industrial orders, strengthening the Polish economy, and creating employment opportunities. The total loan amount for the SAFE program is 150 billion euros, aiming to respond to geopolitical changes such as the Russia-Ukraine war and to compensate for uncertainties in US support. (See full report)
The Danjiang Bridge is scheduled to open on the 12th, and a "Gratitude and Beautiful Night" opening ceremony gala was held on the bridge on the evening of the 9th. President Lai Ching-te stated in his speech that in the future, Provincial Highway 61 (West Coast Expressway) will become Taiwan's third north-south expressway due to the Danjiang Bridge. The Danjiang Bridge is Taiwan's pride and will be another calling card for Taiwan internationally. He thanked former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, as well as several former Premiers and local leaders for their support, emphasizing that with unity and cooperation, the Danjiang Bridge was made possible, and "with our unity and cooperation, Taiwan's future will definitely be better." Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai stated that every construction worker in the difficult project is an important hero, and the gala expressed the government's and the nation's respect and gratitude. (See full report)
According to estimates, by the end of next year, the "National Health Insurance Safety Reserve Fund" will only have about 1.03 months left, approaching the minimum safe level stipulated by health insurance regulations. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang admitted that he believes most people do not want premium increases, but health insurance is social insurance, and "when it's time to increase, it has to increase." He will strive for various opportunities to inject funds into health insurance. On the other hand, supervisory commissioners pointed out that over 90% of Taiwanese female lung cancer patients have no smoking history, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare should research the causes of lung cancer in non-smoking women and corresponding prevention strategies; the Ministry of Health and Welfare replied that this year's research project has included non-smokers without a family history. (See full report)
US President Trump stated on the 8th that the US and Iran are haggling over a one-page memorandum proposed by the US, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a 30-day ceasefire. The US Central Command stated that US forces on the 8th struck two Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to bypass the US blockade. Despite the engagement, Trump said the ceasefire remains effective. Reuters analysis suggests that although the US-Iran conflict seems to be gradually winding down, Trump's words and actions have worried Washington's long-term allies, who fear the US may not be reliable in future crises; rivals like China and Russia are seizing the opportunity to find strategic breakthroughs. (See full report)
The UK held local elections on the 7th, and the results are almost finalized. The traditional political landscape in the UK, dominated by the Conservative and Labour parties, has further loosened, moving towards a multi-party competition. The right-wing Reform UK party became the biggest winner in England, far surpassing Labour, while the center-left Liberal Democrats performed better than the Conservatives, ranking third. Scholars pointed out that this not only presents an unprecedented "fragmentation" of British politics but also reflects a trend of "polarization." The Labour Party, to which Prime Minister Starmer belongs, not only lost in England but also suffered a historic defeat in Wales. British media widely reported that calls for Starmer to resign have re-emerged within the Labour Party. (See full report)
Although Taiwanese law protects immigrant mothers who are victims of marital violence, allowing them to remain in Taiwan after divorce, many victims suffer alone at the边缘 of the social safety net, afraid to seek help due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with the law, and fear of losing custody of their children. To reach out to these wandering souls in distress, immigrant sisters who have overcome difficulties shared their experiences in an interview with the Central News Agency, encouraging other victims never to bear it alone, as professional counseling resources and legal aid are available in society. As long as they are willing to take the step to seek help, they can find support and rebuild a safe and dignified new life in Taiwan. (See full report)
New Taipei District Prosecutor's Office is investigating alleged pinhole camera voyeurism at Guangze Medical Aesthetic Clinic. Police seized power cords, video cables, suspected remaining surveillance camera wiring after disassembly, and hard drives and membership data from the Banqiao branch. The court approved the detention and solitary confinement of manager Chen and equipment engineer Tang. Separately, some members of the public accused Saint Yi Clinic in Taipei City of suspected secret filming during treatment. Police found publicly installed cameras in the treatment rooms and elsewhere. The clinic stated that all recordings were made with written consent. The Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasized that recording in highly private medical treatment areas without prior patient consent is illegal; it will issue a letter to local health bureaus on the 11th to impose a suspension of business on Aierli according to the Medical Care Act, with a maximum suspension of 1 year. (See full report)
The Central Weather Administration stated that due to the northeast monsoon until early morning on Mother's Day, the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions will experience localized brief showers. The northeast monsoon will weaken from daytime onwards, with localized brief showers still in the eastern and Hengchun Peninsula regions, while rainfall in the western region will ease. The weather on the 11th will be similar to the daytime on the 10th, with highs rebounding to 28-29 degrees Celsius. The eastern regions and Hengchun Peninsula will have localized brief showers, and the Keelung north coast will have scattered brief showers, while other areas will be cloudy to sunny. On the 12th, due to the influence of a frontal system and a slight strengthening of the northeast wind, highs in the Greater Taipei area will drop to 25 degrees. (
President Lai Ching-te stated on the 9th that the Legislative Yuan passed the third reading of the National Defense Procurement Special Act, but the budget ceiling was reduced from NT$1.25 trillion to NT$780 billion, and additional budget review hurdles were added. This may prevent the payment for US-purchased HIMARS ground-to-ground multiple rocket launchers from being completed by the end of May, which will have a significant impact on Taiwan's future defense. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim also worried that deleting the commercial procurement and commissioned production items from the military procurement act would not only easily create capability gaps but also miss a valuable opportunity to connect the domestic manufacturing industry with the international supply chain. The Ministry of National Defense stated that the armed forces, based on their important duty to safeguard national defense security, will actively study response plans and explain and communicate with the Legislative Yuan. The US Department of State expressed support for the Legislative Yuan's passage of the special act but also pointed out that delaying other funds is "a concession to the Chinese Communist Party." The American Institute in Taiwan noted that delaying investments such as drones and integrated air and missile defense will only weaken Taiwan's security and benefit the CCP. (See full report)
The Polish government signed the EU's largest defense financing program, "European Security Action (SAFE)," on the 8th, receiving approximately 43.7 billion euros (about NT$1.6125 trillion) in EU loans, becoming the first of 19 applicant countries to be approved and receive the most funding. The Prime Minister's Office stated that the funds will be used for military modernization, border security, the "Eastern Shield" defense project, drone interception systems, and cybersecurity, as well as promoting domestic industrial orders, strengthening the Polish economy, and creating employment opportunities. The total loan amount for the SAFE program is 150 billion euros, aiming to respond to geopolitical changes such as the Russia-Ukraine war and to compensate for uncertainties in US support. (See full report)
The Danjiang Bridge is scheduled to open on the 12th, and a "Gratitude and Beautiful Night" opening ceremony gala was held on the bridge on the evening of the 9th. President Lai Ching-te stated in his speech that in the future, Provincial Highway 61 (West Coast Expressway) will become Taiwan's third north-south expressway due to the Danjiang Bridge. The Danjiang Bridge is Taiwan's pride and will be another calling card for Taiwan internationally. He thanked former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen, as well as several former Premiers and local leaders for their support, emphasizing that with unity and cooperation, the Danjiang Bridge was made possible, and "with our unity and cooperation, Taiwan's future will definitely be better." Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai stated that every construction worker in the difficult project is an important hero, and the gala expressed the government's and the nation's respect and gratitude. (See full report)
According to estimates, by the end of next year, the "National Health Insurance Safety Reserve Fund" will only have about 1.03 months left, approaching the minimum safe level stipulated by health insurance regulations. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang admitted that he believes most people do not want premium increases, but health insurance is social insurance, and "when it's time to increase, it has to increase." He will strive for various opportunities to inject funds into health insurance. On the other hand, supervisory commissioners pointed out that over 90% of Taiwanese female lung cancer patients have no smoking history, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare should research the causes of lung cancer in non-smoking women and corresponding prevention strategies; the Ministry of Health and Welfare replied that this year's research project has included non-smokers without a family history. (See full report)
US President Trump stated on the 8th that the US and Iran are haggling over a one-page memorandum proposed by the US, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a 30-day ceasefire. The US Central Command stated that US forces on the 8th struck two Iranian-flagged oil tankers attempting to bypass the US blockade. Despite the engagement, Trump said the ceasefire remains effective. Reuters analysis suggests that although the US-Iran conflict seems to be gradually winding down, Trump's words and actions have worried Washington's long-term allies, who fear the US may not be reliable in future crises; rivals like China and Russia are seizing the opportunity to find strategic breakthroughs. (See full report)
The UK held local elections on the 7th, and the results are almost finalized. The traditional political landscape in the UK, dominated by the Conservative and Labour parties, has further loosened, moving towards a multi-party competition. The right-wing Reform UK party became the biggest winner in England, far surpassing Labour, while the center-left Liberal Democrats performed better than the Conservatives, ranking third. Scholars pointed out that this not only presents an unprecedented "fragmentation" of British politics but also reflects a trend of "polarization." The Labour Party, to which Prime Minister Starmer belongs, not only lost in England but also suffered a historic defeat in Wales. British media widely reported that calls for Starmer to resign have re-emerged within the Labour Party. (See full report)
Although Taiwanese law protects immigrant mothers who are victims of marital violence, allowing them to remain in Taiwan after divorce, many victims suffer alone at the边缘 of the social safety net, afraid to seek help due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with the law, and fear of losing custody of their children. To reach out to these wandering souls in distress, immigrant sisters who have overcome difficulties shared their experiences in an interview with the Central News Agency, encouraging other victims never to bear it alone, as professional counseling resources and legal aid are available in society. As long as they are willing to take the step to seek help, they can find support and rebuild a safe and dignified new life in Taiwan. (See full report)
New Taipei District Prosecutor's Office is investigating alleged pinhole camera voyeurism at Guangze Medical Aesthetic Clinic. Police seized power cords, video cables, suspected remaining surveillance camera wiring after disassembly, and hard drives and membership data from the Banqiao branch. The court approved the detention and solitary confinement of manager Chen and equipment engineer Tang. Separately, some members of the public accused Saint Yi Clinic in Taipei City of suspected secret filming during treatment. Police found publicly installed cameras in the treatment rooms and elsewhere. The clinic stated that all recordings were made with written consent. The Ministry of Health and Welfare emphasized that recording in highly private medical treatment areas without prior patient consent is illegal; it will issue a letter to local health bureaus on the 11th to impose a suspension of business on Aierli according to the Medical Care Act, with a maximum suspension of 1 year. (See full report)
The Central Weather Administration stated that due to the northeast monsoon until early morning on Mother's Day, the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions will experience localized brief showers. The northeast monsoon will weaken from daytime onwards, with localized brief showers still in the eastern and Hengchun Peninsula regions, while rainfall in the western region will ease. The weather on the 11th will be similar to the daytime on the 10th, with highs rebounding to 28-29 degrees Celsius. The eastern regions and Hengchun Peninsula will have localized brief showers, and the Keelung north coast will have scattered brief showers, while other areas will be cloudy to sunny. On the 12th, due to the influence of a frontal system and a slight strengthening of the northeast wind, highs in the Greater Taipei area will drop to 25 degrees. (