Washington Urges Greater Self-Defense Funding – April 23, 2026
US lawmakers say Washington supports Taipei but Taiwan's legislature should show more commitment to self-defense by passing President Lai's special defense budget. Taiwan's government watchdog blames local labor laws for failing to flag abuses against workers by bicycle maker Giant. And a Chinese navigation app with novel features is prompting calls for a boycott from public sector users over national security concerns. Plus: - Followers of the sea goddess Mazu are finishing up the return leg of the nine-day, 340 km Dajia Mazu procession. - Scone, a green sea turtle, is released back to the sea after close to 700 days in rehabilitation. - Taiwan's Pan Zi-yi bags bronze at the 2026 Asian Beach Games in the men's individual aquathlon swimming and running event.
