In a move to safeguard national security and interests, China has placed 28 US companies, including major defence and aerospace firms, on its export control list. Ten of these firms have also been added to the "Unreliable Entity List" due to their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. As a result, the blacklisted companies are barred from exporting to or importing from China and from making new investments in the country. The NSUI argues for a new college to be named after Dr Manmohan Singh instead of Veer Savarkar, citing his contributions to education.
President William Lai addressed the nation on Taiwan's Double Ten National Day, vowing to support small and medium-sized enterprises, work towards net zero emissions, and improve disaster prevention measures. He also emphasized the importance of national resilience and shared his plans to benefit people of all generations in his speech titled "Taiwan Together for Our Shared Dream". The government's mission, according to Lai, is to care for the lives and livelihoods of all Taiwanese citizens.
Starbucks announces that Chief Executive Officer Laxman Narasimhan will be stepping down and replaced by Chipotle's head, Brian Niccol, following pressure from activist investor Elliott Management. The company's CFO, Rachel Ruggeri, will serve as interim CEO until Niccol takes over on Sept. 9. In addition, Starbucks partners with TECC to establish a Taiwan Education Centre at IIT Guwahati, promoting cultural and educational exchange between India and Taiwan.
A Taiwanese man named Hao has filed for divorce from his wife Xuan after enduring years of unusual demands and harsh treatment. The couple's marriage had hit a rough patch in 2017 when Xuan limited their intimacy, and in 2021, she resorted to charging him NT$500 for any physical or even verbal interaction. Despite trying marriage counselling, their marriage remained cold and difficult to fix, leading to the final divorce decision. This is not the first time such a bizarre case has occurred in Taiwan, with previous instances of husbands paying for s**, conversations, and even meals.
Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu-ting is considering taking legal action against British writer J.K. Rowling for discriminatory comments made about her and Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. Despite being cleared to fight in the Paris Olympics, both Lin and Khelif faced disqualification at last year's World Championships. DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu has called for the government to fully support Lin in any potential legal action and to protect her from further abuse and bullying.
Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread destruction in Asia, with its recent landfall in China's Fujian province and projected path towards Jiangxi province, home to the largest freshwater lake in the country. The storm has affected a significant number of people in Fujian and other provinces, with heavy rains and strong winds leading to fatalities and displacement. Experts suggest that the intensification of typhoons is a result of climate change, as world leaders meet to discuss strategies for flood control.
The trailer for Zero Day, a new Taiwanese TV series that portrays a scenario of a Chinese attack on Taiwan, has stirred heightened emotions and discussions among viewers in the self-ruled island. The series, partially funded by the Taiwanese government, is set to air next year and depicts a fictional plot by the Chinese People's Liberation Army to blockade Taiwan and disrupt infrastructure through cyberattacks and sabotage. The teaser's release coincides with annual air raid drills in Taiwan and may help the military recruit amid fears of China's growing aggression towards the island.
During the recent WWE event in Toronto, Canada, John Cena shocked fans by announcing his plans for retirement from in-ring competition in 2025. The iconic wrestler revealed that his final matches will take place at some of WWE's biggest events in 2025, expressing his gratitude for his time in the company. However, Cena's retirement announcement was met with controversy, as he also issued an apology to China for referring to Taiwan as a country during a recent interview promoting his role in the upcoming "Fast & Furious" film.
A Korean Air flight to Taiwan and a Malaysia Airlines flight to Bangkok were both forced to turn back after experiencing issues with their pressurization systems. While both airlines are investigating the cause of the problem, the incidents have raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. Meanwhile, Bollywood producer Vashu Bhagnani denies financial troubles and announces plans for his next project.
An emergency landing at Incheon International Airport in South Korea caused severe discomfort for passengers on a Korean Air flight bound for Taiwan. The malfunction in the plane's cabin pressurisation system resulted in a rapid descent and injuries for 15 passengers. The airline has issued an apology and is investigating the incident, while a separate flight was arranged for the affected passengers. This incident follows other recent mid-air malfunctions, including the engine failure of a Malaysia Airlines flight and a mid-air fire on an Air Canada flight.