Taiwan 2025 Major Events Review: Zhang Wenbei's Random Attack at Zhongshan Station, Universal Distribution of 10,000, Trump Tariff Reform

Taiwan 2025: From Social Tragedies to Livelihood Policies, Every Incident Affects the Entire Nation. In December, a random attack at Taipei Main Station Zhongshan Station resulted in 4 deaths and 11 injuries; in November, a universal payout of NT$10,000 was distributed; Donald Trump’s tariff policies repeatedly impacted global trade; celebrity flash mobs sparked over ten people; food safety crises, the Hualien dammed lake, and the championship of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) are among the events that define the year.

Zhang Wen’s Random Attack at Taipei Main Station Zhongshan Station Shocks Taiwan’s Social Safety Net

On the evening of December 19, 2025, 27-year-old suspect Zhang Wen launched a random attack at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station, as well as near Eslite South West, using smoke grenades, gasoline bombs, and a long knife, injuring multiple people and causing 4 deaths and 11 injuries (including the suspect himself). The incident began at exits M7 and M8 of the Bannan Line at Taipei Main Station, causing panic and chaos. Zhang Wen then randomly attacked people at Zhongshan Station and Eslite South West, ultimately falling from a building at Eslite South West and dying.

Among the victims were 57-year-old Yu, 37-year-old security guard Xiao, and 37-year-old customer Wang. Some injured individuals had neck wounds and were taken to intensive care units. An additional concern was that one of the injured was HIV-positive, sparking public worries about exposure risks. The Ministry of Health and Welfare activated a public-funded post-exposure prophylaxis program for HIV on December 20, opening a dedicated epidemic prevention hotline (1922) for inquiries.

Police have classified this case as a personal random attack; Taipei District Prosecutors Office is continuing to investigate the motive and whether accomplices were involved. The incident exposed vulnerabilities in public safety measures in crowded places. Premier Chiu Rong-tai instructed that contingency centers be established in areas with large crowds. On New Year’s Eve, ten thousand police officers and civilians from 17 counties and cities mobilized for security, with the entire country on high alert.

Universal Payout of NT$10,000 Shows Effectiveness in Taiwan’s Livelihood Relief

In July, the Legislative Yuan passed the “Special Act to Strengthen Economic, Social, and Livelihood Resilience in Response to International Situations,” which included the “universal payout of NT$10,000” in November. Distribution methods were diverse: registration for bank transfer or ATM withdrawal, with certain groups receiving direct deposits. Banks also offered various lottery promotions related to payout.

Over 900,000 people withdrew their NT$10,000 from post offices and bank ATMs on the first day, with some regions experiencing long lines. The servers of the postal service experienced outages; screens kept spinning, and crowds crowded counters waiting for cash. This unexpected windfall was used in various ways—some paid bills, others subsidized year-end expenses, and some invested or saved to grow their funds.

However, scam groups took advantage, with fake police and inspection officers claiming to distribute the payout and stealing identities. Some working professionals, in a rush to “manage their assets,” paid out hundreds of thousands in cash. Scholars noted that while the amount was helpful, its actual impact on the economy was limited; structural tax reductions and investment environment improvements are more effective, though the payout did stimulate short-term consumption.

Trump’s Tariffs Repeatedly Fluctuate, Global Trade Falls into Uncertainty

U.S. President Donald Trump officially took office in January 2025 and signed numerous executive orders, chiefly concerning tariffs and trade policies. Trump had threatened to impose high tariffs on various countries, even suggesting up to 200% tariffs on China, but often halted or announced new tariffs suddenly.

In April, an equivalence tariff plan was announced, applying the same tariffs to U.S. goods and imports from other countries; Taiwan faced approximately 32% tariffs. Steel and aluminum tariffs increased from 25% to 50% in June. In October, to retaliate against China’s expanded export controls on rare earths, the U.S. announced a 100% tariff on Chinese goods from November. The constantly changing tariff policies created instability for global leaders and industries, causing market volatility.

Trump also targeted semiconductor chips, with TSMC facing obstacles in expanding operations in the U.S., and U.S.-Taiwan tariffs remaining unresolved. The combination of tariffs and inflation triggered the most severe wave of bankruptcies in 15 years, with over 717 companies going under this year. China shifted low-cost goods toward Europe and Southeast Asia, with many countries adopting Trump-like tariffs. Mexico, with strategic responses, experienced growth in exports to the U.S. and became a countertrend winner.

Major Other Events in Taiwan 2025

Celebrity Flash Mob Series Uncovered: After actor Dàlù Wáng spent NT$3.6 million on fake medical records to evade military service, prosecutors traced the source and arrested over ten celebrities involved, including Jiǎo Kè Chái and Kūn Dá.

Food Safety Crises Follow One After Another: In October, non-African swine fever was detected in Taichung, leading to a 15-day ban on slaughter and transportation; in December, Fenthion residues were found in eggs in Changhua, affecting ten counties and cities.

Hualien Dammed Lake Disaster: In September, the Ma Tai An Creek’s dammed lake burst, flooding Guangfu Township; rescue efforts were led by local volunteers and “shovel heroes” in spontaneous relief.

National Baseball Fever: The Dodgers won the World Series in a comeback; CPBL’s Rakuten Monkeys won the Taiwan Series in a comeback, igniting nationwide baseball enthusiasm.

From Tragedy to Joy—Taiwanese Collective Memory

Many significant events occurred in Taiwan in 2025. NTU atmospheric science students claimed they didn’t take typhoon leave but still delivered bubble tea, only to be stood up; classmates from the Department of Geography and Electrical Engineering stepped in to defend their alma mater, distributing 750 drinks and bubble tea. Actress Dà Shì (Bar Shao) traveled to Japan in February and died suddenly from pneumonia related to the flu at age 48, shocking the Asian entertainment industry. Ju Yǒng Yè and Dà Shì married but were separated in less than three years.

Japanese manga artist Ryū Jǐng (Ryū Tsū) predicted in his work The Future I See that on July 5, a massive tsunami in the South China Sea would devastate Japan and impact Taiwan. In June and July, the number of travelers from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to Japan plummeted, affecting the airline and tourism industries—but ultimately, everyone safely weathered the crisis.

These events, shifting from tragedy to laughter and covering livelihood to entertainment, form Taiwan’s collective memory of 2025. Whether in social security, the economy, or international relations, that year was full of challenges and changes, showcasing Taiwan society’s resilience and vitality.