Legislature Passes US$25 Billion Special Defense Budget - May 8, 2026
Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has broken months of political deadlock by passing a compromise US$25 billion special defense budget. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s four-day visit to Taiwan highlights continued ties between Taipei and Asunción as China steps up outreach to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. And Taipei residents voice concerns over reports of a growing rodent problem, with experts saying systematic tracking and better neighborhood hygiene are key to tacking the issue. Plus: - Officials in Bangkok are relocating street food vendors into regulated hawker centers, but many fear the move could change the city’s iconic street food culture. - Taiwan could lower its voting age from 20 to 18 as early as November’s local elections after draft amendments advanced in the legislature this week. - Taiwanese pitcher Lin Wei-en has become the first player from Taiwan in 18 years to be named to Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects list.
