Yen rises as Japan mulls joint intervention with US
Yen rises as Japan mulls joint intervention with USReuters, TOKYOThe yen yesterday rose against the US dollar after Japanese Minister of Finance Satsuki Katayama said Tokyo would not rule out any options to counter weakness in the local currency, including coordinated intervention with the US. The yen slid to a year-and-a-half low earlier in the week. A photograph taken on March 19 last year shows an illustration of yen and US dollar banknotes. Some Bank of Japan policymakers see scope to raise interest rates sooner than markets expect to contend with the weak yen, sources said. “Lower house dissolution reports are fuelling JPY [Japanese yen] depreciation pressure and we have further extended our long USD/JPY target, but potential intervention risk could cap the upside,” said Shinichiro Kadota, head of Japan forex and rates strategy at Barclays Tokyo.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
TSMC record profit drives TAIEX’s 1.9 percent rise
TSMC record profit drives TAIEX’s 1.9 percent riseStaff writer, with CNAThe TAIEX yesterday surged almost 2 percent and smashed closing records, as investors were pleasantly surprised by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s (TSMC, 台積電) fourth-quarter results and strong growth prospects this year, analysts said. The weighted index closed up 598.12 points, or 1.94 percent, at 31,408.70 on turnover of NT$823.36 billion (US$26.08 billion). A man walks pass stock electronic boards at Taiwan Stock Exchange Corp in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNAFor this year, it forecast that revenue would surge almost 30 percent, while capital expenditure would rise to a record US$52 billion to US$56 billion. Foreign institutional investors yesterday net bought NT$39.92 billion in shares, Taiwan Stock Exchange data showed.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
Tax deal to lift competitiveness: Kung
As Taiwan does not have a free-trade agreement with the US, its tariff structure has long been at a disadvantage, while Japan and South Korea have largely enjoyed zero-tariff treatment, Kung said. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin answers questions from members of the media regarding the Taiwan-US trade deal in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Ann Wang, ReutersThe deal places Taiwan on par with Japan and South Korea, as all three are now subject to a 15 percent tariff, he said. The outcome also helped stabilize industry expectations regarding the results of the US’ Section 232 investigation, Kung said. Meanwhile, US companies are also expected to expand investment in Taiwan, targeting defense, drones, smart robots, quantum technology and biotechnology, in addition to chips and AI, Kung said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
US tariffs lowered to 15% with no stacking: Cabinet
The trade negotiations, which concluded on Thursday, included commitments to expand supply chain investment cooperation and deepen Taiwan-US collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), the Cabinet said. The new tariff rate matches US rates on goods from major trade partners such as Japan, South Korea and the EU. Taiwan is the first country to secure the most-favorable treatment for its semiconductor and related product suppliers, which should significantly ease uncertainties in the local semiconductor industry, the Cabinet said. The consensus was reached on Thursday, and a memorandum of understanding was signed with the US Department of Commerce, it added. A more formal trade pact would be signed in the coming weeks, said Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), who led Taiwan’s trade negotiation team.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
Japan, US agree to more cooperation
Japan, US agree to more cooperationAFP, TOKYOTokyo and Washington yesterday agreed to boost joint production of defense equipment, including missiles, and expand their military presence in waters southwest of Japan, as China ramps up pressure on its Asian neighbor. The agreement came after Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington, where they also pledged further cooperation on supply chains including critical minerals. Japan is embroiled in a heated diplomatic spat with China, triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s suggestion last year that Japan could intervene militarily if China attacks Taiwan. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, welcomes Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi in Washington on Thursday. Photo: APChina reacted angrily, blocking exports to Japan of “dual-use” items with potential military applications, fueling worries in Tokyo that Beijing could choke supplies of much-needed rare earths.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
Business groups welcome tariff pact with US
Business groups welcome tariff pact with USBy Crystal Hsu and Lisa Wang / Staff reportersTaiwanese business groups yesterday welcomed the outcome of the trade talks with the US, saying the agreement injects much-needed certainty into corporate planning even as risks persist from Washington’s evolving tariff and technology policies. Another business group, the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (台灣機械公會), agreed, saying the tariff deal would help boost local machinery exports to the US. Consultancy firm PwC Taiwan said that the agreement effectively locks in tariff treatment for Taiwanese exports to the US, giving companies greater certainty when planning operations and investment. Deloitte & Touche Taiwan warned that while the agreement has eased some of the tariff pressure facing Taiwanese companies, US trade policy remains fluid. Semiconductor companies will need to closely monitor policy developments, the pace of Taiwanese investments in the US and the buildout of US semiconductor clusters, Deloitte said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
US okays US$2.3bn bill for Taiwan military financing
US okays US$2.3bn bill for Taiwan military financingINSIGHTS: The approval showed supporting Taiwan was a bipartisan consensus and the funding for the Philippines highlights first island chain security concerns, experts saidStaff writer, with CNAThe US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to provide Taiwan with US$300 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF), and up to US$2 billion in loans and loan guarantees to bolster deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. The measures are part of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, which the House approved by a 341-79 vote. Photo: EPA-EFEFMF, a US Department of State program, helps allies and partner countries acquire US military equipment, services and training through US-funded aid. “In the past month, the free people of Taiwan have endured cyberattacks and aggressive PLA [People’s Liberation Army] military exercises. Chen Shih-min (陳世民), an associate professor of political science at National Taiwan University, said that although Taiwan accounts for only part of the bill, members of the US Congress had to actively support the provisions to vote in favor.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 16:14 UTC
Handheld festival lanterns to be handed out March 3-15
Handheld festival lanterns to be handed out March 3-15Staff writer, with CNAHandheld paper lanterns featuring the OhBear mascot riding a rocking horse are to be handed out during this year's Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County starting at 3pm daily from March 3 to 15, the Chiayi County Government announced yesterday. The festival is to take place at the plaza in front of Chiayi County Hall. Handheld lanterns for the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County are pictured in an undated photograph. Photo courtesy of the Chiayi County GovernmentThe lanterns combine Taiwan's tourism mascot with the Chinese zodiac sign of the horse. Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang (翁章梁) said that a total of 280,000 lanterns have been prepared by the Tourism Administration and the county government.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 09:56 UTC
Legislature redefines old military dependents’ villages
Legislature redefines old military dependents’ villagesBy Fion Khan / Staff writer, with CNAThe Legislative Yuan today passed an amendment that would allow public redevelopment or relocation of all military dependents’ villages, regardless of age. The current definition of “old military dependents’ villages” under Article 3 of the Act for Rebuilding Old Quarters for Military Dependents (國軍老舊眷村改建條例) refers to those completed before Dec. 31, 1980. A wall in a military dependents' village is pictured in an undated photograph. When the definition of old military dependents’ villages was established in 1996, it covered housing built before 1980, he said. The ministry could repurpose the Tsu Ren Eighth Village for dormitories, he added, calling it a “win-win-win” outcome.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 09:44 UTC
Parents face heavy fine over unreported virus at elementary school
The school reported the situation in accordance with regulations, and a local health center has cleaned and disinfected the school, the department said. This student was likely the first case, and their classmates began showing symptoms on Saturday last week, it added. Other parents alleged that the student continued to attend school until Monday, as their parents, who have a medical background, concealed the illness. The student’s parents failed to proactively notify the school about the diagnosis, and the student’s sibling, a third grader at the same school, developed a rash while at school on Monday, the department said. The school nurse immediately notified the parents, and the two siblings were sent home to rest starting that day, the department said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 09:43 UTC
US House passes bill with US$2.3bn military financing for Taiwan
US House passes bill with US$2.3bn military financing for TaiwanStaff writer, with CNAThe US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to provide Taiwan with US$300 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and up to US$2 billion in loans and loan guarantees to strengthen deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. The measures are part of the National Security, Department of State and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, which the House approved by a 341-79 vote. In addition, it includes US$35.9 million for the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and US$100 million in FMF for the Philippines. "In the past month, the free people of Taiwan have endured cyberattacks and aggressive PLA [Chinese People's Liberation Army] military exercises. Chen Shih-min (陳世民), an associate professor of political science at National Taiwan University, said that although Taiwan accounts for only part of the bill, members of the US Congress had to support the provisions to vote in favor.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 09:33 UTC
Ultraman to celebrate Taiwan’s unsung heroes at Kaohsiung Wonderland
Ultraman to celebrate Taiwan’s unsung heroes at Kaohsiung WonderlandBy Wang Jung-hsiang and Hollie Younger / Staff reporter, with staff writerUltraman, the Japanese superhero who is celebrating his 60th anniversary this year, is to be the mascot for this year’s Kaohsiung Wonderland winter festival, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) announced today. This year’s theme, “Ultraman descends on the harbor city,” is to pay homage to the unsung heroes across Taiwan who selflessly help others and protect lives, he said. Photo courtesy of the Kaohsiung Tourism BureauNot all superheroes wear capes or fly, he said. Photo courtesy of the Kaohsiung Tourism BureauDuring the event, Love River Bay is to feature themed installations, nighttime light shows and interactive performances, he said. Ultraman, produced by Japan’s Tsuburaya, is one of the most iconic superhero franchises in Japan’s history, Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 09:30 UTC
Opposition fast-tracks NT$71.8bn in spending
Opposition fast-tracks NT$71.8bn in spendingBy Liu Wan-lin and Fion Khan / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNAOpposition lawmakers today fast-tracked a motion to the second reading that would authorize the disbursement of NT$71.8 billion (US$2.2 billion) for 38 projects under the central government budget. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers hold placards promoting the budgeting of military pay raises at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei today. For the TPass program, the subsidies include NT$1.58 billion for the TPass Executive Yuan implementation program, and NT$5.94 billion for local governments to implement TPass from this year to 2029. The opposition hopes the legislature would first approve funding for these projects, TPP caucus deputy whip Chang Chi-kai (張啓楷) said. It is regrettable that the matter was not handled by the Executive Yuan, as it could have sought legislative approval to release funds for these initiatives, he said.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 07:17 UTC
Tariff agreement to bring US, Taiwan closer: Lai
Tariff agreement to bring US, Taiwan closer: LaiBy Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNAA 15 percent tariff agreement reached with the US would bring economic and trade ties between the two countries even closer, President William Lai (賴清德) said today, urging lawmakers to support the deal. The agreement would help Taiwanese industries retain a foothold in Taiwan while also expanding their global footprint, Lai told reporters before appearing at the Taichung Exhibition of Various Trades and Industries. Japan and South Korea formerly had free-trade agreements or similar arrangements with the US, giving their exports a competitive edge over Taiwan, Lai said. Now everyone is on an equal footing, allowing Taiwanese companies the opportunity to expand into US markets, he added. Further negotiations still lie ahead, he said, adding that he hopes all ministries and relevant agencies would build on this foundation to complete an overall Taiwan-US trade agreement.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 07:06 UTC
Magnitude 4.6 quake strikes off Yilan
Magnitude 4.6 quake strikes off YilanStaff writer, with CNAA magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck off the coast of northeastern Taiwan at 11:09am today, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. The epicenter of the temblor was located at sea, about 36.5km south-southeast of Yilan County Hall at a depth of 15.2km, the agency said. The location of a magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck off Yilan County at 11:09am today is pictured. Photo courtesy of the Central Weather AdministrationThe earthquake's intensity, which gauges the actual effects of a temblor, was highest in Yilan, where it measured 4 on Taiwan's seven-tier intensity scale, the CWA said. The quake also measured an intensity of 3 in Hualien County, 2 in New Taipei City and 1 in Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu County, Taichung and Nantou County, the CWA added.
Source:Taipei Times
January 16, 2026 05:11 UTC