Taipei, Oct. 6 (CNA) United States Senator Michael Bennet is visiting Taiwan, where he will meet with senior Taiwanese officials to discuss issues related to U.S.-Taiwan relations, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) announced Tuesday.

During his visit from Tuesday to Thursday, Bennet will engage in a series of high-level meetings with senior Taiwanese leaders to discuss U.S.-Taiwan relations, regional security and other issues of mutual interest, the de facto U.S. embassy in Taipei said in a press release.

It did not name which officials he will be meeting.

The Democratic senator has represented Colorado since 2009. He lost a Democratic Party primary for Colorado governor earlier this year, but his current term in the Senate runs until 2028.

A member of the Senate Intelligence, Finance, Agriculture and Rules committees, Bennet has led legislative efforts to enhance U.S.-Indo-Pacific intelligence cooperation and strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan space partnership, among other measures, the AIT said.

His trip to Taipei is part of a larger visit to the Indo-Pacific region and underscores the U.S. commitment to its partnership with Taiwan, while reaffirming a shared dedication to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific, it said.

Taipei, Oct. 5 (CNA) Taiwan's integration of metaverse technology into healthcare could enhance the country's international visibility and competitiveness in the medical sector, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said Monday.

Speaking at the 2026 Taiwan AI 3D Medical Imaging & Metaverse Application Conference in Taipei, Shih said the development marked an important milestone in Taiwan's efforts to combine its strengths in information and communications technology (ICT) with high-quality healthcare.

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), showcased applications of 3D medical imaging and metaverse technologies in surgical planning, physician training and clinical care.

Also attending were Ho Chih-wei (何志偉), deputy secretary-general of the Presidential Office, ambassadors from five of Taiwan's diplomatic allies and representatives from the healthcare sector.

Shih said artificial intelligence has opened up new opportunities for Taiwan, while metaverse technology represents another promising area for development.

In medicine, such technology can be used in anatomy education, preoperative consultations with patients, surgical planning and intraoperative navigation and guidance, he said.

Taiwan has already donated its metaverse-based medical systems to several diplomatic allies and invited healthcare professionals from those countries to Taiwan for training in their use, according to Shih.

"This is another example of Taiwan combining its ICT capabilities with high-quality healthcare," he said, adding that the technology could further raise Taiwan's international profile and competitiveness in healthcare.

At the conference, Taiwan-based smart healthcare company IntelliGen Technology Co. announced that it would donate 3D medical image reconstruction equipment to hospitals in Taiwan and work with the MOHW to expand the technology's use.

The company has previously worked with the ministry to arrange training in Taiwan for doctors from diplomatic allies, including instruction in the use of metaverse and 3D imaging technologies for surgical navigation and medical training.

Meanwhile, Ho said advances in medical imaging have enabled doctors to move beyond relying primarily on experience when assessing patients, with 3D scans and data visualization now allowing medical risks to be presented more clearly through techniques such as color coding.

He also highlighted Taiwan's National Health Insurance system and the large volume of health data it has generated, saying that data, combined with technological advances, could help make medical care more precise.

He also cited Taiwan's passage of amendments to the Act for the Development of Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry in 2021 and two regenerative medicine laws in 2024 as examples of efforts to establish a stronger legal framework for advanced medical technologies.

Belize's Ambassador to Taiwan Katherine Meighan, who also attended the forum, said the AI 3D medical imaging technology could enable faster, more efficient and accurate diagnoses that could save lives.

She expressed hope that Taiwan and Belize would deepen their healthcare cooperation, including through training and knowledge-sharing.

Meanwhile, National Taiwan University Hospital Superintendent Yu Chong-jen (余忠仁) said the hospital aims to complete an automated AI-powered 3D medical imaging system across the institution by 2028, with the technology to be used in areas ranging from planning complex surgeries to doctor-patient communication.

Mackay Memorial Hospital Superintendent Chang Wen-han (張文瀚) said advances in medical imaging technology have made it possible to create virtual representations of individual patients, helping doctors reduce operating times and surgical risks in complex cases.

The Pentagon is set to station two representatives in the defense ministry through 2028, deepening US-Taiwan military cooperation and providing a more direct link between the two countries' defense apparatuses.

Madrid, Oct. 5 (CNA) Three Taiwanese female artists performed at the annual Spanish electronic music festival "She Makes Noise" in Spain on Saturday as part of a special program highlighting Taiwan.

The "She Makes Noise x Taiwan" show, being held Oct. 2-9, features Taiwanese artists -- Sabiwa, Scintii and Sonia Calico, three women who each have distinctive styles in both their creative work and performances, according to a Taiwanese diplomat in Spain.

Sonia Calico is an electronic music producer and DJ who won the Best Electronic Song award at the Golden Indie Music Awards in 2020, while Scintii is an electronic music producer, singer-songwriter and DJ, and Sabiwa is an experimental audiovisual artist based in Berlin.

The festival this year showcases the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of Taiwan's electronic music scene through live performances, radio shows, and workshops, Chang Yu-hsuan (張祐瑄), head of the cultural division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Madrid, told CNA.

"She Makes Noise" is an annual music festival focused on women and non-binary people working in electronic music and contemporary audiovisual art.

For the first time, TECO Madrid is working with the festival's founder and director Natalia Piñuel Martín to help organize the program, with a focus on Taiwan, including activities to promote exchanges between Taiwanese artists and the Spanish music community, Chang said.

This development reflects strong interest in Taiwan's electronic music scene and artists, Chang said.

Artists reflect on Spanish audiences

The three Taiwanese artists featured at "She Makes Noise x Taiwan" performed at Réplika Teatro in Madrid on Saturday.

Sonia Calico said she was no stranger to Spain, having toured several Spanish cities with the electronic rock band Go Chic before launching her solo career.

On Saturday, she told CNA that her aim was to get the entire audience "jumping," and the Spanish crowd did not disappoint, dancing enthusiastically throughout her set.

During Scintii's performance, meanwhile, the Saturday night audience was immersed in the soundscape she created and responded with enthusiastic applause after each song, she said.

Scintii said she usually clears her mind before each performance and focuses on her outfit and sound to ensure she can present the show as planned.

Sabiwa told CNA that Spanish audiences were "crazy," and she enjoyed their enthusiastic participation during her performance Saturday night.

It is quite different in Berlin, where her audiences tend to be more reserved, and some members appear awkward when invited onstage to interact with her, she said.

The three Taiwanese artists will perform next at a live concert at Paral·lel 62 in Barcelona on Oct. 9, according to a post on TECO Madrid's Facebook page.

With the focus of the "She Makes Noise" festival this year on creators from Taiwan, Piñuel said, she hopes it will give Spanish audiences an opportunity to discover Asian electronic music culture and will help strengthen the cultural ties between Taiwan and Spain.

Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) said Friday that this year's Republic of China National Day celebrations will feature a wide range of programs showcasing the diversity, vitality and unity of Taiwanese society.

Han, who also serves as chairman of the National Day Preparatory Committee, made the remarks at a press conference held at the Legislative Yuan and attended by various officials, including Taitung County Magistrate Yao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) and Deputy Interior Minister Wu Tang-an (吳堂安).

This year's National Day ceremony on Oct. 10 will feature a wide range of programs, from performances by the military honor guard to parades by various civic and student groups, he said, noting that they are intended to showcase Taiwanese society's diversity, vitality and dignity.

Han said the ceremony would pay tribute to the land and all those who have contributed to the country, while also reflecting on the nation's development and the achievements of its people around the world.

There will also be celebrations outside the capital Taipei.

According to Han, an evening celebration titled "A Stage for the World -- Together in Taiwan" will be held at Banqiao Stadium in New Taipei on Oct. 9, featuring a musical concert with performances by local and foreign artists, including singer Enno Cheng (鄭宜農) and Indonesian pop band Grrrl Gang.

On Oct. 10, a fireworks display will be held at Taitung's Haibin Park, he added.

At a separate press event held Friday, Presidential Office Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安) said this year's light projection show on the Presidential Office building will spotlight the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct presidential election by looking back at the country's democratic development over the past three decades.

It will tell Taiwan's story while looking ahead to the next 30 years and the future of its democracy, Pan said.

National Cultural Association of Taiwan Secretary-General Lee Hou-ching (李厚慶) said the light shows held in previous years have highlighted important periods in Taiwan's history and culture.

This year, Lee said, the show will aim to remind spectators that "Taiwan's democracy is not simply a subject in history books, but part of everyday life," while highlighting the role Taiwanese people have played in shaping the island's democratic development.

The 2026 National Day light show on the Presidential Office building will run from Oct. 7-10, with projections shown every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Taiwanese American Association of Capital District in New York (TAA-CDNY) held its 2026 Mid-Autumn BBQ & Potluck in Clifton Park, New York. Families, students from the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) Albany Chapter, and other members of the Taiwanese community came together to eat, hang out, and celebrate the holiday.

TAA-CDNY President Shou-Bang Jian said, “Everyone is usually busy, so it’s not always easy to get together. I’m glad we could come together for the Mid-Autumn Festival and enjoy time with family and friends here in the U.S. It was great to see so many young people come and help, especially when they stayed to clean up in the rain.”

A member of TAA, who is also a parent of FASCA member, stated “By volunteering and supporting TAA’s Mid-Autumn Festival event, our kids had a chance to help the community, spend time with friends, and learn more about our Taiwanese culture. It was also a great way for families to share the Mid-Autumn tradition with children growing up in the U.S.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also called the Moon Festival, is one of the biggest holidays in Taiwan. It is usually a time when families get together, eat good food, and enjoy the full moon. A lot of the people who came have family back in Taiwan that they cannot be with for the holiday. This event gave them a chance to celebrate with people who feel like family here in New York.

In Taiwan, barbecue has become a popular way for families and friends to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. If you ask someone from Taiwan what they do for Mid-Autumn, there is a good chance they will say barbecue. Families often gather outdoors to grill food and spend time together. People also eat mooncakes and pomelos, which are more traditional foods for the festival.

TAA-CDNY continued this tradition at the event. Volunteers worked the grills and kept cooking food for everyone throughout the afternoon, while families brought their own homemade dishes to share at the potluck. There were a lot of different foods to try, and it was interesting to see how every family brought something a little different.

The event also required a lot of preparation. Before people showed up, TAA volunteers set up the grills and got the area ready. Albany FASCA students helped set up the tables so everyone had a place to sit and eat. Pickleball was planned for the afternoon, but people ended up hanging out under the shelter to eat, talk, and have a good time together.

Toward the end of the event, it started pouring rain, but that didn’t stop anyone from having fun. The FASCA students stayed all the way until the end to volunteer and help clean up. Working together with the TAA volunteers, they cleared off the tables and packed everything up in the heavy rain, showing what community service is really all about.

Overall, the gathering was filled with good food, lots of laughs, and great memories. The 2026 Mid-Autumn BBQ & Potluck showed what the holiday is really about: spending time with family and the people you care about. Events like this are part of TAA-CDNY’s goal of keeping Taiwanese culture alive and bringing the community together. For Albany FASCA students, it was also a great chance to learn about their heritage and give back through volunteer service.

Reported by Ethan Chiu (Albany FASCA)

Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) The Taiwan men's archery team edged South Korea 234-233 in a neck-and-neck match to clinch a bronze medal, while its esports squad also won a bronze at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Wednesday.

Taiwan's 22-year-old Chang Cheng-wei (張正韋) was flawless in the compound men's team bronze medal match, hitting 10s with all eight of his arrows as Taiwan finished just six points short of the maximum score of 240.

Chang told a CNA reporter that his role as the first archer was to pave the way for his teammates. By shooting perfect 10s throughout the bronze medal match, he said he felt he had played his role well.

The bronze was the first medal Taiwan's national archery team had won at the Asian Games

Meanwhile, the Taiwanese esports team took a bronze after losing 2-0 to China in the semifinals of the survival horror video game "Identity V" at the 2026 Asian Games.

The team is made up of Cheng Kai-sheng (鄭凱升), Chen Kuang-yeh (陳廣曄), Chu Tang-yao (朱堂堯), Tang Sheng-chun (湯勝鈞), Cheng Chu-ming (張淳銘), Chuang Po-chun (莊博鈞) and Su Bin-cheng (蘇彬誠).

The Taiwanese esports squad had previously won two bronze medals at the Asian Games.

In a post-game interview, Chang Chu-ming told reporters, with tears in his eyes, that he felt he had let the team down by not performing better in the semifinals.

However, he said he was extremely grateful for the joint effort made by the whole team before and after the Asian Games, as they had achieved their goal of winning a medal.

As of Wednesday evening, Team Taiwan, competing under the name Chinese Taipei, ranked 14th in the overall standings with a medal tally of 39, including three golds and 10 silvers.

Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Belize signed two major agreements on Tuesday to reaffirm their longstanding partnership, as Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) was set to conclude his three-day visit to the Central American ally.

During Lin's visit to Belize on Tuesday, he and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Governor-General Dame Froyla Tzalam. Prime Minister John Briceño later welcomed him, joined by senior Cabinet officials, according to separate press releases issued by the two governments.

Later Tuesday, Lin visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and held bilateral talks with Belizean Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca on strengthening cooperation.

The two ministers witnessed the signing of a letter of intent between the University of Belize and Taiwan's main foreign aid agency, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, to establish the Taiwan-Caribbean Academy.

Lin and his Belizean counterparts also signed a bilateral agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, aimed at strengthening the capacity and professional development of Belize's foreign service.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Taiwan-Caribbean Academy is an initiative aimed at promoting technical and vocational education, sustainable tourism and economic cooperation among diplomatic allies in the region.

According to Lin, the academy will be headquartered at the University of Belize.

Taiwan's higher education institutions, including Meiho University, National Chung Hsing University, and Kun Shan University, will also participate in curriculum development and faculty planning.

MOFA did not say when the academy will officially open.

Lin and his delegation are scheduled to depart Belize on Wednesday, local time, before heading to another of Taiwan's allies in the region, Guatemala.

In Guatemala, Lin will meet with President Bernardo Arévalo and attend a reception marking the 92nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Taiwan and the Central American country, and Taiwan's National Day, the ministry said.

According to MOFA, Lin's delegation also comprises more than 30 representatives from sectors including green energy and smart transportation, artificial intelligence, space technology, biotechnology, health care, tourism, finance and trade.

The aim is to strengthen economic cooperation with Taiwan's two Central American diplomatic allies.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment and the Japan Environment Association have finalized a mutual recognition framework to simplify eco-label certifications for Taiwanese electronics exported to Japan. The deal directly aligns assessment standards for personal computers and imaging equipment, benefiting Taiwanese tech exporters who ship over US$400 million worth of hardware to Japan each year. Additionally, Taiwan has engaged with the US-based Global Electronics Council, owner of the widely recognized EPEAT green standard, enabling direct consultation on supply chain transparency. Officials note that international eco-labeling recognition will help Taiwanese manufacturers capture growing green procurement budgets from major global institutions.

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, approximately 200 community leaders, educators, Chinese school principals and teachers, students, parents, and community members gathered at the Edison Chinese School gymnasium for the 16th Annual New Jersey Confucius Memorial Ceremony, commemorating the 2,576th anniversary of the birth of Confucius, the revered Chinese philosopher and educator.

Hosted by the Association of New Jersey Chinese Schools (ANJCS) and Edison Chinese School, the ceremony brought together generations to honor Confucius and promote the traditional values of respecting teachers and valuing education.

The solemn ceremony followed traditional ritual procedures, beginning with the resounding beats of the ceremonial drums. The program included the opening of the gates, welcoming the spirits, three bows, the first offering, reading of the prayer text, the second offering, the final offering, and the presentation of flowers.

A highlight of the ceremony was the graceful Six-Yi Wu (六佾舞), performed by Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) Princeton Chapter members and students from 5 Chinese schools—Northern New Jersey Chinese Association Chinese School, Edison Chinese School, Princeton Chinese School, Tzu Chi Chinese School, and Mid-Jersey Chinese School. The young performers presented the dance during the first, second, and final offerings, demonstrating the discipline, coordination, and respect required by this centuries-old ceremonial tradition.

The Six-Yi Wu participants completed four instructional and practice sessions under the guidance of Senior FASCA members Pauline Kung and Tiffany Mai.  Pauline and Tiffany have been performing the Six-Yi Wu at Confucius Memorial Ceremony since fifth grade.

Deputy Director General Wei-Ren Huang of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York (TECO-NY) , who served as Director-General, emphasized that the Confucius Ceremony is more than a tribute to the ancient sage. He described it as an important opportunity to pass Chinese culture and the spirit of “respecting teachers and valuing the Way” to younger generations. The 2026 ceremony marked the first New Jersey Confucius Memorial Ceremony since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director Yi-Ju Wang of the TECO-NY Culture Center expressed special appreciation to Tina Liu, FASCA counselor for coordinating the Six-Yi Wu training and to Pauline  and Tiffany for teaching the students. She also recognized the dedication of teachers who continue to nurture Chinese language and cultural education in New Jersey.

Pauline, who has served as a Six-Yi Wu instructor since 2019, reflected on the significance of passing the tradition to a new generation.  “Confucius transformed education and inspired generations through his timeless teachings. I am honored to serve as a Six-Yi dance instructor and share this important tradition with our community.”

Pauline also recalled attending the Confucius Ceremony at Taipei Confucius Temple while serving as a Fulbright English teacher in Taiwan in September 2025, where she watched her elementary school students perform.

Tiffany returned this year as an instructor. “Beyond guiding the dancers to achieve precision and perfect synchronization,” she said, “I hope they take pride in personally participating in this deeply meaningful ceremony.”

For first-year participant Catalina Su-Ortiz, the experience represented a family tradition. After watching her brother participate in the ceremony, she followed in his footsteps.

FASCA members Chenhsin and Chenyu Hsu are twin sisters, and they described the experience as both challenging and meaningful.  Chenhsin learned the importance of patience, teamwork, and staying calm during a formal performance; while Chenyu said the ceremony gave her a deeper understanding of Taiwanese culture and the importance of preserving traditions for future generations.

The ceremony concluded with recognition of outstanding Chinese school teachers through the OCAC Overseas Chinese School Teacher Award, honoring educators who have dedicated 5, 10, and 20 years to overseas Chinese education.

Reported by FASCA Princeton- Catalina Su-Ortiz, Lyla Liu, Chenhsin Hsu, and Chenyu Hsu

Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) Smoking will be banned in Taipei's Xinyi Shopping District near MRT's Taipei City Hall station from Nov. 1, with violators facing fines of up to NT$10,000 (US$318) after a one-month grace period starting Thursday.

Two negative‑pressure smoking rooms near the MRT Taipei City Hall Station were opened Wednesday, raising the total to 12 since the first was inaugurated in Ximending on May 7.

Speaking at the inauguration, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan‑an (蔣萬安) said the facilities were the first built with donations from civic groups, including the Rotary Club of Taipei Hwashan, thanking the four organizations for supporting the city's cigarette‑free vision.

Taipei Department of Health Commissioner Huang Chien‑hua (黃建華) said the smoke‑free zone covers the area around Exits 2 and 3 of the MRT Taipei City Hall Station, with fines of NT$2,000 to NT$10,000 starting Nov. 1.

The area extends east to Songren Road, west to Section 1 of Keelung Road, south to Songgao Road and north to Section 5 of Zhongxiao East Road, including sidewalks along the boundary, the Department of Health told CNA via text message.

During the grace period, the Department of Health staff will be assigned to promote the smoke‑free zone, while personnel will be dispatched in line with business hours of the shopping district to provide guidance and conduct inspections from November, it added.

As of Aug. 31, Taipei's 12 designated negative‑pressure smoking areas, opened in stages since May 7, had recorded a cumulative 535,258 visits, the Department of Health said.

Taiwan’s Olympic gold medalist boxer Lin Yu-ting has her eyes on Asian Games gold after defeating Uzbekistan’s Sitora Turdibekova 5-0 in the women’s 60-kilogram event on Wednesday. She is now set to face China’s Yang Chengyu in the gold medal match.

On September 26th, the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors in the San Francisco Bay Area (FASCA SFBA) took over the Berryessa Branch Library with their captivating performances. Candice Tran, the Branch Manager, introduced the group to the audience. The performance groups were welcomed with warm applause from the audience celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The four performance groups that took the stage were drumming, juggling, dance, and diabolo teams, in that order. Twins Ariana and Rosanna Szurek demonstrated their camaraderie with their skillful rhythms. The small but mighty juggling group showed off different types of juggling apparatuses, which included devil sticks, juggling balls, kendama, and clubs. FASCA is known for its team dance, performed by chapters all over the country. The SFBA dance team showcased the FASCA group dance, “I Believe” by Roger Yang. Last but not least, the diabolo team took to the stage in an epic sequence of tricks. From synchronous tricks to dragon attachments and long string tricks, the maneuvers wowed the crowd. Several students even cartwheeled in one-handed while holding onto their performance tools!

During the performance day, the teams were led by FASCA Advisor Katy Wu and Assistant Advisor Emma Wang. FASCA Advisors Tony Chen and Adam Wang were present as well. Performance group instructors Liling Chen and Ming Chao attended the event to see their students show the fruits of their labor.

Christopher Shih, a FASCA Vice President and emcee at the event, shared that he thought the event was an awesome experience! “The audience and atmosphere were great, and the performances went pretty smoothly. With the exception of a few technical difficulties, the preparation and final execution were very successful.”

Albert Li, another FASCA Vice President, said that “being part of the FASCA team at the Berryessa Branch Library celebration was an unforgettable rush of pride. We kicked off our program by introducing our “FASCA” program, pouring our hearts into powerful, high-energy drumming, immediately drawing in the crowded room. The crowd cheered as our team continued on with the juggling team, effortlessly handling three balls or bowling pins simultaneously. Following that, we had our ‘I Believe Dance’, as our dance team filled the room with excitement and amazement! Finally, the Chinese yo-yo team executed high-flying tosses, pushing us to perform our absolute best despite the tight space and pressure. The absolute highlight was seeing the giant smiles on the kids' and parents’ faces when we displayed our culture, bringing in the beauty of “Formosa,” Taiwan, to each of them!

As per usual, FASCA SFBA performed beyond everyone’s expectations, pulling off yet another spectacular sequence. They took a step into the community and shared Taiwanese culture with the general public. We look forward to seeing more incredible shows of stage presence and teamwork from FASCA SFBA.

Taipei, Sept. 29 (CNA) Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) on Tuesday confirmed that the United States has "shown goodwill" over the late delivery of Taipei-ordered F-16V Block 70 fighter jets, saying the two sides are still in talks over the matter.

Koo said the contract signed between Taipei and Washington for the fighters did not include financial penalties for late delivery of the 66 F-16Vs, meaning Taiwan will not receive financial compensation.

There could, however, be more technical support, spare parts and an extended warranty for Taiwan's F-16Vs, the Chinese-language China Times said in a report Tuesday, quoting unnamed military sources.

Koo's remarks on the sidelines of a Legislative Yuan session were in response to the China Times report, which said the U.S. government would help Taipei seek compensation from the jets' manufacturer, Lockheed Martin.

Under the "Peace Phoenix Soaring" project, Taiwan's Air Force spent NT$247.2 billion between 2020 and 2026 to procure 66 new F-16V Block 70 jets from the United States.

The jets were originally scheduled to all be delivered to Taiwan by the end of this year, but the program was delayed by such factors as the relocation and restart of the production line and supply chain disruptions.

Lockheed Martin has since operated two shifts, with production running for up to 20 hours a day to speed up deliveries.

The first two of the 66 F-16Vs Taiwan purchased departed from the U.S. on Aug. 17 (Eastern Time) and are reportedly in Hawaii, where they have yet to depart for Taiwan.

Asked to comment on when the first two F-16Vs will be delivered, Koo told reporters in Taipei that the ministry will make the information public as soon as the delivery date is confirmed.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung is leading a business delegation to Taiwan's Central American allies of Belize and Guatemala. There, they will visit some of Taiwan's infrastructure projects in the countries and meet business representatives from the green energy, smart transportation and biotechnology sectors.

Diabolo, which originated in ancient China, has evolved into a captivating performance art form seen around the world today. The Diabolo Dance Theater is a Taiwanese performance troupe founded in 1986. On the evening of September 26, the troupe presented “Light of Life” at the Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco (Milpitas). All 500 tickets were sold out, filling the venue to capacity. Organized and sponsored by the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) and the Double Ten Celebration Committee of the Bay Area, the event brought together people from diverse communities and backgrounds.

Centered on its unique combination of diabolo and dance, the performance blended diabolo, music, dance, drumming, theater, and contemporary visual arts to showcase the creativity and vitality of contemporary Taiwanese performing arts to overseas audiences. “Light of Life” was inspired by Taiwan’s energy. An island nurtured by mountains, the sea, nature, and diverse cultures, Taiwan has a rich history and abundant sources of inspiration. Through language, dance, music, drumming, theater, and light and shadow, the performance transcended language barriers.

VIPs attending the event included Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco Director-General David Wu, Culture Center of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco (Milpitas) Director Wei-Zen Wang, Double Ten Celebration Committee of the Bay Area Chairperson Vivian Wang, Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano, Cupertino Mayor Kitty Moore, and many others.

Vivian Wang, chairperson of the Double Ten Celebration Committee of the Bay Area, said the event provided a valuable opportunity to bring the community together. She noted that the organizers presented a modern version of the traditional art of diabolo, incorporating a variety of performance elements. To make the experience more enjoyable for the audience, the organizers also thoughtfully prepared dinner bentos for every audience member, hoping that everyone could enjoy a satisfying meal and a fun-filled evening at the performance.

Diabolo performer Chihhan Chao, who grew up with the Diabolo Dance Theater, said the production focused not only on the technical aspects of diabolo, but also carefully considered performance elements such as lighting and costumes. While the diabolo tricks were not designed to be highly difficult, they were carefully selected to convey the atmosphere envisioned by the director. Chao said he was happy to join the Diabolo Dance Theater on the tour.

Diabolo Dance Theater Founder and Director Eddie Liu said he hoped the performance would introduce the troupe to audiences around the world. Unlike the traditional Chinese yo-yo performances typically seen, the production is lively and creative, and he hoped audiences would see more than just the performance itself, including the energy of Taiwan and the Diabolo Dance Theater.

The performance captivated the audience, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The production uses light to symbolize hope and the power to move forward, reflecting the Dance Theater’s forty-year history of artistic creation. Through “Light of Life,” the troupe hopes to convey not only its visual artistry and technical skills on stage, but also the vibrant and resilient spirit of the island of Taiwan. The event demonstrated the endless possibilities that can emerge from combining diabolo, dance, and singing in the performing arts.

Taipei, Sept. 29 (CNA) Taiwan's consumer confidence index (CCI) hit an 18-month high in September, as the index's six factors all moved higher from a month earlier amid the global AI boom, National Central University (NCU) said Tuesday.

The September CCI rose 3.76 points from a month earlier to 68.77, the highest level since March 2025, when it was 71.86, according to the latest CCI survey conducted from Sept. 18 to 21 by NCU's Research Center for Taiwan Economic Development.

The CCI measures sentiment over the next six months across six factors: consumer prices, the domestic economic climate, the stock market, durable goods purchases, employment prospects and family finances.

The sub-index for the stock market hit 35.42, the highest level in almost a year and up 7.7 points from a month earlier. That was the biggest jump among any of the six factors, due largely to the repeated record highs seen in the local bourse.

Yau Ruey (姚睿), a professor in NCU's Department of Economics, told reporters that investors had previously worried that momentum in Taiwan's stock market would moderate in the second half of 2026.

It turned out, however, that share prices continued to steam ahead, with Taiwan's exports and export orders consistently hitting highs on strong global demand for AI applications, which sent the shares of tech companies higher.

The sub-index for the domestic economic climate rose 5.82 points from a month earlier to 87.02 in September, and the family finances factor recorded a rise of 4.52 points from August to 82.64.

The sub-indexes for employment, durable goods purchases and consumer prices also moved higher by 3.38, 0.64 and 0.48 points, respectively, from a month earlier to 76.7, 93.78 and 37.05 in September.

Despite the gains in confidence in the six sub-indexes, NCU said they still had not reached the threshold for "optimism." CCI sub-index scores of 100-200 show optimism, while 0-100 scores indicate pessimism, according to the university.

Also in September, the home-buying index compiled by NCU and Taiwan Realty soared 8.81 points month-on-month to hit 98.84, the highest since March 2025, when the index stood at 99.56.

The surge in September was the second-highest in any individual month since the home-buying index began in April 2020.

Chou He-ming (周鶴鳴), first vice president of Taiwan Realty Estate, said the strong improvement in the September home-buying index came after the central bank further relaxed restrictions on the use of loans in the property market.

It eased selective credit controls for individual home buyers' second home purchases and removed the deadline for developers to start construction on land financed through loans in its quarterly policymaking meeting held on Sept. 17, Chou said.

The central bank also bolstered confidence in the residential housing market by leaving interest rates unchanged for the 10th consecutive quarter, Chou said.

The university's September CCI survey collected 3,182 valid responses from Taiwanese consumers aged 20 and older. It had a 95 percent confidence level with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.0 percentage points.