Tigerair Taiwan axes many flights to Japan due to pilot shortage

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

Recently, many Taiwanese travelers have received notifications of flight changes from Tigerair Taiwan, primarily affecting destinations in Japan, including Hokkaido, Tokyo Narita, Sendai, Hanamaki and Niigata. Some flights even coincide with cherry blossom season and Japan's Golden Week holiday, sparking passenger dissatisfaction.

Some netizens commented that the scale of these flight adjustments is significant, with many travelers receiving last-minute cancellation notices, forcing them to change their original travel plans. Given the high accommodation prices during Japan's Golden Week and the fact that rooms were already booked, it's unreasonable that consumers bear the associated costs and risks due to flight schedule changes. Netizens reported being unable to reach customer service after initial attempts.

Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration stated that, after investigation, Tigerair Taiwan has cancelled approximately 1% of its flights to ensure the safety and controllability of its current pilots during flights, due to recent pilot departures.

In response, Tigerair Taiwan stated on 30 January 2026 that the company always prioritizes "flight safety first" as the cornerstone of its operations and an uncompromising bottom line. Recently, due to internal resource allocation considerations, it proactively adjusted some flights to ensure all pilots on duty can maintain optimal physical and mental condition, and implemented strict fleet management measures. Tigerair expressed its sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused to some passengers by the flight adjustments.

An anonymous former Tigerair pilot revealed that Tigerair is facing a pilot shortage. According to relevant regulations, the annual flight time limit for captains is 1,000 hours, designed to ensure flight safety and pilots' physical and mental health. If each captain flies 80 hours per month, that's 960 hours per year. Considering flight delays and other factors, the flight schedule is not overly packed, and these arrangements are subject to rolling adjustments.

The pilot stated that Tigerair has been frequently adding flights, especially recently increasing the number of flights departing from southern Taiwan. Many pilots are unwilling to take these flights, and Tigerair pilots' salaries are relatively low. Coupled with numerous red-eye flights and long monthly flight hours, no one can sustain this long-term. Although the year-end bonus is equivalent to ten months' salary, it is not guaranteed; if the company doesn't make a profit, there is no bonus.

Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration stated that it has requested Tigerair Taiwan to continuously monitor pilot movements to ensure flight safety, and has also requested that Tigerair properly protect the rights and interests of passengers regarding canceled flights.

軍方罕見否認張核洩密傳言！叛逃高官新爆料 美第三航母艦隊加入 伊朗魔改航艦曝光【環球看點】

Zhang Youxia Incident points directly to Xi Jinping's pursuit of a fourth term

 Direct translation

"Old Goat" disobeys! Zhang Youxia Incident points directly to Xi Jinping's pursuit of a fourth term; Former CIA Analyst reveals Inside Story

Reporter : Wang Duruo / Editor : Zhongkang / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0129/2341307.html

Dennis Wilder (@dennisw5), a former CIA China analyst and current senior fellow at Georgetown University, raised a new point of interest in an interview with Bloomberg: the Zhang Youxia case may be directly related to Xi Jinping's pursuit of a fourth term. He described Zhang as a "tough, unyielding old military leader," calling him an "old goat," and emphasized that although Zhang had allied with Xi, he never truly became Xi's subordinate. He also warned that given the CIA's ongoing recruitment advertisements, this incident could lead to more people within the CCP system serving the US.

American commentator Heng He believes this is a milestone in the CCP's collapse. Xi Jinping's power is unchallenged, but his prestige has plummeted. This "power without authority" is extremely dangerous because attacks will come from unpredictable directions, and the extreme concentration of power precisely indicates systemic failure. He bluntly stated that this is the prelude to the dynasty's demise; arresting Zhang Youxia is tantamount to cutting off the last force within the party attempting to stop Xi Jinping and "save the CCP." When reform completely fails, abandoning the CCP becomes the only way out.

Wu Zuolai, a Chinese writer in exile in the United States, analyzed in an article published on Taiwan's Central Broadcasting Corporation that the conflict between Zhang Youxia and Xi Jinping has developed into an irreconcilable one, with its core issues concentrated on six levels. First, regarding the personnel arrangements surrounding the 21st National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping must have complete control over the military, and Zhang Youxia's influence within the military is comparable to Xi's, objectively creating a check and balance and hindering his comprehensive deployment. Second, Zhang Youxia's long-standing refusal to publicly express support for the "Chairman of the Central Military Commission's responsibility system," coupled with the shadow of veterans and reformists behind him, directly threatens Xi Jinping's political security in his view. Third, external events have exacerbated Xi Jinping's fear of "betrayal," worrying about potential defections within the military at crucial moments. Fourth, Zhang Youxia's lack of active cooperation in initiating war contradicts Xi Jinping's will to resolve internal and external crises through war. Fifth, the recent intensive exposure of corruption allegations against the Xi family has made Xi Jinping feel the real risk of being "forced to step down." Sixth, the tightening international environment and increasing pressure for transparency in high-level wealth further amplify his insecurity.

Wu Zuolai concludes that against the backdrop of economic downturn and the potential for martial law, complete control of the military has become Xi Jinping's only means of self-preservation. However, three major uncertainties remain to be seen: Will the military purge trigger a backlash and confrontation? Can Xi Jinping quickly reorganize the top leadership to put the military in a state of war at any time? Will the CCP system accelerate its "North Korean-like" transformation?

Regarding the Zhang Youxia case, Oppose Chinese invasion of Taiwan

 Direct translation

Latest news from the military regarding the Zhang Youxia case:

— [Insider Information] There is widespread opposition within the Chinese military to attacking Taiwan

Reporter : Ye Xiaofan / Editor : Fang Zhou / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0129/2341282.html / Image : The first batch of M1A2T tanks purchased by the Republic of China from the United States. (Provided by the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China)

Several sources close to the Chinese military have revealed that there has long been a fundamental disagreement between Xi Jinping and the military regarding whether to use force against Taiwan. Opposition to war within the military is not merely the stance of individual generals, but a highly unified consensus across multiple theater commands and operational systems.

According to an interview with The Epoch Times, a source close to the military stated bluntly: “The military is very clear that conducting exercises to encircle the island is one thing, but a real war is another. Once war breaks out, it will be a drain on the entire service; if things go wrong, an entire branch of the military could be wiped out.” High-ranking military officials generally believe that at this stage, taking high-intensity military action against Taiwan lacks a sustainable strategic foundation.

Mr. Wang, a military personnel from a theater command in southern China, told The Epoch Times that the Russia-Ukraine war has entered its fourth year, with casualties exceeding one million, almost all of whom were ordinary people. “Decision-makers like Putin always remain behind the scenes, but ordinary people lose loved ones. Who wants to fight a war?” He revealed that many officers directly responsible for combat in the military are unwilling to fight. They believe that “unification” is merely a political scheme by certain powerful figures to gain historical fame, or a means to secure military funding, and certainly not the true desire of the vast majority of officers and soldiers.

Several informed sources pointed out that corruption has long existed within the system. In the past, the buying and selling of official positions was open, and the transfer of benefits was widespread. However, the so-called anti-corruption campaign has now been selectively used, gradually evolving into a tool for purging dissent. Taking the investigations of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli as examples, informed sources bluntly stated that the core issue was not corruption, but rather their “unwillingness to endorse the plan to attack Taiwan.”

Another informed source, Mr. Shi, stated that this is a typical “political characterization.” Launching a war requires conscription and wartime centralization of power, which can solidify the power of the top leadership. However, the Central Military Commission is currently in a “semi-paralyzed state,” morale is low, and anti-war sentiment is pervasive. The so-called plan for unification by force simply cannot be pushed forward internally.

Besides the unstable morale within the military, objective logistical capabilities are also insufficient to support a large-scale war. Ms. Lin, a medical worker in Xiamen, Fujian, revealed that the local blood supply has been chronically scarce even in peacetime. "It's not enough even normally; I can't even imagine what it would be like in a war."

Medical personnel in multiple locations confirmed that in the event of a large-scale conflict, demand would multiply, instantly overwhelming grassroots medical systems. Given the aging population and declining willingness to donate blood, even basic daily blood supplies require temporary adjustments, making it impossible to cope with wartime casualties and treatment.

Informed sources agree with US President Trump's assessment that "Xi Jinping wouldn't dare to fight." This isn't out of a love of peace, but rather stems from an extreme fear of regime collapse.

Chinese military scholar Wu Man pointed out that against the backdrop of accumulating internal and external pressures, Xi Jinping's efforts to control the military by purging generals and strengthening political loyalty have only further exacerbated resentment within the military. He rhetorically asked: If the CCP military itself isn't cooperating, and if they were to attack Taiwan, would they let the public security system command the army? Who would they send to fight? "

突发：张又侠发布公开信，中组部副部长受牵连叛逃，形势恶化北京传出枪声。《老灯开讲第1111期》

Colombian plane with VIPs onboard crashed on 28 March 2026

 Report by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA     Image : Web Screenshot

                     

A serious air disaster struck Colombia on 28 March 2026 when a small plane belonging to the national airline crashed, killing all 15 passengers on board. Subsequent reports indicate that the victims included several political figures and even a congressional election candidate.

According to foreign media reports, a small plane belonging to SATENA, the national airline, went missing during flight in Norte de Santander province in northeastern Colombia on 28 March 2026 and was later confirmed to have crashed in a remote mountainous area. All 15 people on board perished. Subsequent reports indicate that several political figures were on board, including one member of Congress. An investigation into the accident has been launched.

The flight, NSE8849, took off from Cúcuta's Camilo Daza Airport at 11.42 am local time, bound for the mountain town of Ocaña, a flight of approximately 40 minutes. However, the plane lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Officials have not yet released the cause of the crash, only stating that a full investigation will be conducted. However, the accident occurred in a remote mountainous area with rugged terrain and poor transportation, increasing the difficulty of search and rescue and investigation.

Among the victims was Congressman Diógenes Quintero, a well-known human rights defender who long spoke out for victims of the Colombian civil war. The airline indicated that several of Quintero's aides were also on board, as was Carlos Salcedo, a candidate for the upcoming March congressional elections. Colombian President Gustavo Petro later posted on social media X, expressing his "deep sorrow" for the accident and extending his condolences to the families of the victims.

Public anticipation of a military mutiny in mainland China

 Direct translation

"Finally, the gunshots have been heard! Nationwide countdown to Xi Jinping's downfall"

—Xi Jinping's erratic behavior fuels public anticipation of a military mutiny

Report by : Xin Gaodi / Editor: Fang Xun / Source: X /  https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0129/2341058.html

Whether it ultimately proves to be all bark and no bite, or a genuine upheaval, the current undercurrent of anticipation for a military mutiny on the internet clearly indicates that Xi Jinping's rule is experiencing an unprecedented crisis of trust and a erosion of legitimacy.

Since the official announcement of Zhang Youxia's arrest, rumors have been rampant online about large-scale movements within the Chinese military, with multiple army groups converging or advancing towards Beijing. In particular, claims that the 82nd (Baoding), 83rd (Xinxiang), 79th (Liaoyang), and 80th (Weifang) Group Armies, supposedly the main forces, arrived in Beijing and its surrounding areas before January 27th, and that even further afield, the 81st, 78th, 72nd, 73rd, 77th, and 76th Group Armies each dispatched one or two brigades to Beijing by rail or highway, have sparked heated discussions and fervent anticipation among netizens both at home and abroad.

The core narrative of these rumors is that a serious split has emerged within the military, with some army groups no longer solely following the lead of "one man," but instead using various pretexts (including "rescuing Zhang Youxia" or "expressing an attitude") to pressure the capital, aiming to force the Central Guard and other "imperial guards" to abandon their loyalty and "defect" or "surrender" as soon as possible. Netizens interpret this as Xi Jinping having completely lost the support of the military, and the imminent collapse of his regime's legitimacy.

Based on publicly available information and videos and leaks circulating online, since the second half of 2025, there have indeed been several instances of unusual movements of military vehicles and armored vehicle convoys around Beijing, particularly the movements of the 82nd Group Army (formerly the 38th Army, the "Long Live Army") in the Baoding area of ​​Hebei Province. Around the time of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee and other major meetings, similar images of "military vehicles entering Beijing" and "tanks passing through Chang'an Avenue at night" have repeatedly appeared, with overseas self-media and platforms directly linking them to "overthrowing Xi," "military coups," and "coup d'état." Some commentators bluntly stated that Xi Jinping's policies, economic missteps, overreaching anti-corruption campaign, and diplomatic isolation have alienated the military from top to bottom. The resentment among soldiers and lower-ranking officers has been building for a long time, and now they are simply using various pretexts of "going to Beijing" to vent their frustrations and show their allegiance.

Furthermore, netizens expressed this anticipation vividly:

"Finally, the gunfire has begun! Let the bullets fly for a while!"

"Xi's core leadership has long been deserted by his followers. The military isn't stupid; who would be willing to die for one person?"

"With Zhang Youxia down, Xi's faction is collapsing. The whole nation is counting down the days."

"With the military so unpopular, it would be strange if it didn't rebel."

This "anticipation of mutiny" reflects the extreme disappointment and powerlessness of a considerable number of people towards the current system. Long-term information blockade, downward economic pressure, and intensified social control have led many to pin their hopes on the traditional path of "political power grows out of the barrel of a gun." Rumors of a "symbolic deployment of troops from a distant army group" and "pressure on the Imperial Guard to surrender as soon as possible" have been interpreted as a tacit understanding within the military of an "anti-Xi coalition," waiting for a trigger or a shot to be fired.

Of course, most of these rumors have not been officially confirmed, and many details contradict each other (such as timing, scale, and purpose). The CCP has remained silent so far, or used excuses like "normal training exercises" and "combat readiness adjustments." But the more the official avoidance, the higher the speculation and emotions among the public rise. Netizens are forwarding videos and screenshots while leaving comments such as, "We'll see in the next few days," and "When the gunshots ring out, it will be a new era."

Whether it ultimately turns out to be all bark and no bite, or a real upheaval, the current undercurrent of "hoping for a military mutiny" on the internet clearly indicates that Xi Jinping's rule is experiencing an unprecedented crisis of trust and legitimacy. Public support is waning, and the morale within the military is unpredictable. When "unpopularity" becomes a consensus in public discussion, any slight disturbance can be amplified into a signal to "oust Xi." This may be the most dangerous and realistic picture of China today.

Image : File photo

A quasi-mutiny has emerged within the Chinese military, with insubordination spreading and military orders stalled

Reporter : Wang Duruo / Editor : Zhongkang / https://www.aboluowang.com/2026/0128/2340899.html 

Several sources close to the Chinese military disclosed to The Epoch Times that following the investigations of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, numerous directives from the Central Military Commission (CMC) have faced widespread resistance at the grassroots level. Many officers and soldiers privately questioned why the authorities detained and investigated two long-respected generals, considered "veteran leaders," without publicly disclosing clear evidence.

Mr. Ruan, an insider in the CCP's military and political system, stated that on the 24th, the CMC required all units to "maintain consistency with the Party Central Committee and the CMC" and to conduct study sessions and express their stance, but many localities refused to respond; a reissued document the following day was also met with indifference. A source close to the military bluntly stated, "The orders have been issued, but nobody takes them seriously."

This grassroots resistance is spilling over. In the Eastern Theater Command, some officers and soldiers privately joked about the supreme commander, calling Xi Jinping by his nickname "Baozi" (steamed bun). A military officer's family member said, "When orders are no longer seen as mandatory, war mobilization loses its foundation."

Mr. Hu, a graduate of a military academy, pointed out that this bottom-up resistance is extremely rare, and the current "collective silence" is seen as a direct denial of personal authority, with serious consequences. Military scholar Mr. Yuan analyzed that the Central Military Commission (CMC) currently consists only of Chairman Xi Jinping and Vice Chairman Zhang Shengmin, resulting in an imbalance between civilian and military personnel, making it difficult to effectively command the combat system. The severe blow to the military officer system is seen as disrupting the existing balance and is a key factor in the rapid spread of resistance.

Multiple informed sources warned that if the decision is not adjusted and Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are not released, the CMC will gradually lose absolute command over approximately 2 million active-duty troops. The shock of Zhang Youxia's arrest is pushing the CCP into a period of high instability, and Xi Jinping faces the most severe military crisis since taking power.