Good Morning World: Premier Cho Reports to Legislature on Chung Lian Oil Case, Expresses Regret Over Public Anxiety

Premier Cho Jung-tai delivered a special report on August 14 to the Legislative Yuan regarding the Chung Lian Oils & Fats incident, in which carcinogens were found to exceed safety limits in soybean salad oil. He emphasized that the current response is stricter than the 2017 guidelines, stating, 'There is no cover-up or relaxation—only stricter enforcement.' The company involved faces judicial investigation, and tax incentives will be reviewed under existing regulations.

Cho highlighted that whether local authorities conducted on-site factory inspections will be a key factor in future administrative and judicial investigations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced three principles for relisting products previously withdrawn as a precaution. Convenience stores began issuing refunds starting August 14.

Meanwhile, President Lai Ching-te announced during Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s May visit that Taiwan would import Paraguayan poultry. Peña recently posted a photo on social media with a sealed container, stating that the first shipment of 150 metric tons of Paraguayan poultry is en route to Taiwan, calling it a 'historic moment.' Han Chih-cheng, Director of the Latin America and Caribbean Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Paraguayan beef and pork have already entered Taiwan, and poultry is expected to follow soon.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a 34.4% week-on-week increase in domestic COVID-19 outpatient visits, marking five consecutive weeks of growth. With rising cases in neighboring countries like China and Japan, the CDC estimates Taiwan may enter an epidemic phase this week, peaking in mid-to-late August. CDC spokesperson Tseng Shu-hui noted this year’s peak is unlikely to exceed last year’s, projecting a maximum of around 50,000 weekly visits. Summer school closures may further reduce the numbers.

On August 14, Taiwan’s stock market opened lower and fluctuated, with the weighted index briefly dropping below 44,000 to 43,654.04 points. It closed at 44,737.95, down 642.57 points, with a turnover of NT$1.1786 trillion. South Korea’s KOSPI index plunged 8.95% on August 13, triggering circuit breakers twice. Several single-stock leveraged ETFs hit record lows. The financial sector called for stronger investor protection, while opposition parties criticized the government’s unstable market-stimulus policies.

The 115th academic year’s Subject Competency Test concluded on the afternoon of August 14. The College Entrance Examination Center will release scores on August 3. Four exam violations involving wearable devices were recorded. Taipei educators analyzed that history was moderately easy, potentially raising the five-tier grading benchmarks. Questions reflected social concerns, including post-war veterans and indigenous communities. Geography integrated real-life and current issues like the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the North Sea Summit, with difficult questions concentrated in essay sections. Math B featured concise wording and lower difficulty, possibly increasing perfect scores. Citizenship and Social Studies covered diverse current topics such as gender, long-term care, tariffs, and international relations.

U.S. President Trump announced on August 13 a 20% fee on all goods passing through the Strait of Hormuz but reversed the plan on August 14, opting instead for trade agreements with Persian Gulf allies. Trump stated Gulf leaders preferred making massive investments in the U.S. over paying fees, which he welcomed. He maintained a 'full blockade' on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports or carrying Iranian-related cargo. The U.S. launched new airstrikes on Iran on August 14, with Trump threatening attacks on Iran’s 'Gaoshan' nuclear facility. Iran’s National Security Committee Chair, Ajizi, said the parliament has begun reviewing legislation on the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to defend its sovereignty.

In February, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled most of Trump’s additional tariffs illegal, leading to refunds for previously taxed companies. Budget data shows $81 billion in tariffs have been refunded since October 2025, far exceeding the $5 billion from the same period last fiscal year. Most refunds were issued in May and June, according to Treasury officials.

A fire at a beer restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, killed 30 and injured over 70. Mourners gathered at the site. Rescuers found most victims trapped in restrooms at the back of the bar. Initial investigations suggest an air conditioner short-circuit sparked the fire, causing a total power outage. Survivors urged stricter safety regulations for entertainment venues. Bangkok Mayor Chadchart ordered intensified inspections of live-performance venues, mandating closures for non-compliant establishments.

The Sports Administration announced Taiwan’s 2026 Nagoya Asian Games team, comprising 482 athletes across 34 sports. Minister Lee Yang said selection criteria for surfing and sport climbing will be re-evaluated, with sport-specific rules to be established. The baseball team includes players from MLB, NPB, KBO, and CPBL, such as outfielder Tseng Tsung-cheng (MLB), pitcher Hsu Jo-hsi (NPB), and pitcher Wang Yen-cheng (KBO). 'Smiling Queen' Tseng Ya-ni returns to the Asian Games team after 20 years, calling it a 'strange but wonderful feeling.'

The Taiwan Michelin Guide revealed its 2026 Bib Gourmand list, recognizing 146 restaurants: Taipei (37), Taichung (23), Tainan (30), Kaohsiung (21), New Taipei (18), Hsinchu County (10), and Hsinchu City (7). Thirteen new entries feature beloved local Taiwanese and Hakka cuisine. The full 2026 Michelin Guide will be announced on the 21st.

The 8th World Games opened in Kaohsiung on the evening of July 16, 2009, setting records for the most participating nations, largest delegations, and highest budget. A dedicated main stadium was built, achieving four world firsts: the first stadium with a 1-megawatt solar power system, the first open-air dome stadium, Taiwan’s first IAAF-compliant standard field, and the world’s largest single-building solar power system at the time.

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