New US Arms Package for Taiwan - Dec. 18, 2025
The US State Department announces a multi-billion US dollar arms package for Taiwan that would provide the country's military with a significant boost in firepower. Premier Cho Jung-tai's refusal to countersign a bill passed by the legislature prompts the opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party to begin preparations to impeach Cho as well as President Lai Ching-te. And Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an returns to her post after her 2024 conviction for corruption was reversed by the High Court. Also in today's show: - Taiwan's central bank declines to raise interest rates beyond the current 2%, with the country's GDP on track to grow by 7% this year. - Despite changes in regulation since a 2021 CNN article labeled Taiwan a "living hell" for pedestrians, road safety remains a contentious issue prompting calls for further reform. - Prosecutors are appealing the acquittal of nine Indigenous hunters for killing endangered Formosan black bears and other protected animals.















