Taiwan | The China Project

This week on TikTok: Wham!, Taiwan’s #MeToo movement, and China’s restrictions on key metals

Susan St.Denis — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:12:10 +0000

Want more like this? Subscribe to The China Project's official TikTok channel, The China Project, where Susan St.Denis explains complex topics about China clearly and simply in TikTok’s fast-evolving visual and verbal language.

Meet the woman who launched Taiwan’s MeToo movement, Chen Chien-Jou

Ashish Valentine — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:50:42 +0000

"I knew before I came forward that I was definitely not alone in being a survivor, there must be others out there."

#MeToo hits Taiwan’s entertainment industry

Zhao Yuanyuan — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 06:39:57 +0000

#MeToo's arrival in Taiwan has been a long time coming.

Honduran president in Beijing cements official ties

Jeremy Goldkorn — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 12:42:11 +0000

Xiomara Castro is the first Honduran president to pay a state visit to China, after her country switched official recognition from Taipei to Beijing.

Taiwan’s ruling DPP rocked by sexual misconduct allegations

Jordyn Haime — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:50:19 +0000

A new Taiwanese political drama called “Wavemakers” has inspired victims of sexual harassment to come forward about their experiences, leading to a "MeToo moment" that has roiled the island's ruling political party.

Aming Lee captures life on a Taiwanese fishing boat

Neocha — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:57:23 +0000

In "There Is No God Here," Taiwanese photographer Aming Lee documents the lives of these people on what he calls "a floating prison cut off from the rest of the world."

U.S.-China chills at the Shangri-La Dialogue

Jeremy Goldkorn — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:00:35 +0000

China's defense minister, Li Shangfu, and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, had sharp words to say about each other's countries at the Shangri-La Dialogue, dashing hopes that the two superpowers might use the opportunity to stabilize fraught relations.

Taiwan’s unrecognized indigenous tribes are reviving dead languages to achieve recognition

Jordyn Haime — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 11:07:52 +0000

There are currently 16 officially recognized indigenous peoples in Taiwan. Some of the Pingpu — which comprise 10 groups on the island’s lowlands — are lobbying for recognition, and they’re doing it by reviving lost languages and culture.

The first cross-strait dispute: How the Koxinga-Qing conflict informs modern Taiwan politics

Margaret Siu — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 10:10:52 +0000

Debates about cross-strait relations tend to focus on recent history, ignoring profound cultural and historical sensitivities that underpin this complex relationship. Take the story of Koxinga, a 17th-century merchant-pirate who in modern times has been co-opted by both Beijing and Taipei.

NATO official visits Taiwan as patchwork approach to countering Beijing emerges

Chris Horton — Wed, 24 May 2023 14:28:04 +0000

NATO Defense College confirmed a previously unreported meeting in Taiwan in March. It’s just one of an array of regional and global moves aimed at restraining China’s future military options.

Can Beijing influence Taiwan’s presidential election through economic coercion?

Eduardo Jaramillo — Thu, 18 May 2023 13:56:02 +0000

China is using an old playbook as it imposes restrictions on imports from Taiwan in hopes of pushing voters to support the KMT in the island’s upcoming election. But Beijing may be in for a rude awakening.

The KMT’s candidate for Taiwan’s 2024 presidential election

Chris Horton — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:38:11 +0000

Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party will announce its presidential candidate on May 17. The choice will reveal the party’s strategy for its upcoming campaign and set the tone for the entire election.

Backlash in China after basketball star Dwight Howard calls Taiwan a country

Zhao Yuanyuan — Mon, 15 May 2023 14:40:31 +0000

“I’m not a politician and I don’t want to get involved in political matters,” the former NBA star explained after referring to Taiwan as a country in a video.

A ‘second Gui Minhai’? Taiwan publisher’s arrest in China sets off alarms

Jordyn Haime — Tue, 09 May 2023 10:42:19 +0000

Li Yanhe, a.k.a. Fu Cha, is a well-regarded Taiwanese publisher who was detained on a recent trip to Shanghai. His disappearance has sent shockwaves through the Taiwanese publishing and culture industry.

The 2024 presidential election may be Taiwan’s most consequential

Ray Wang — Mon, 08 May 2023 13:52:06 +0000

In January, Taiwan will select its next leader. The result will have consequences far beyond the borders of this self-governing island.

Chinese tourists are back

Nadya Yeh — Thu, 04 May 2023 14:09:32 +0000

Tourism boomed over China’s May Day holiday. It’s a good sign for the country’s economic recovery.

What did Taiwanese voters think of former president Ma’s visit to China?

Susan St.Denis — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:48:28 +0000

Former president of Taiwan Ma Ying-jeou visited China earlier this month, on a ten day bridge-building amidst worsening cross-strait relations. The reactions to his visit however show a widening generation gap on the island.

Why is a Washington committee on China denying journalists access to unclassified war games?

Laurel Schwartz — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 15:00:28 +0000

Laurel Schwartz left Beijing to return to the U.S., partly because she missed the openness of America. So why was she barred from attending a Congressional committee event about war games in the Taiwan Strait?

Beijing’s dialed-down response to the Tsai-McCarthy meeting

Jordyn Haime — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:31:48 +0000

Contrary to what some feared would be a repeat of last year’s military exercises, Beijing has issued a low-key response to Tsai Ing-wen’s recent visit with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

At Megaport, Taiwanese bands celebrate the island’s history and culture

Ashish Valentine — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 18:03:29 +0000

40,000 people attended the Megaport Festival in Kaohsiung on the first weekend of April, where several bands sang in Taiwanese Hokkien about political issues, from the February 28 massacre to the legacy of colonialism.

A Chat in Taipei with U.S. Representative Ami Bera

Chris Horton — Sat, 08 Apr 2023 13:03:42 +0000

Visits to Taiwan by U.S. politicians and officials look set to become more frequent.

This is the story behind Taiwan’s Freedom of Expression Day, which falls today

Chris Horton — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 17:28:19 +0000

On April 7, 1989, pro-democracy activist Nylon Cheng a.k.a. Cheng Nan-jung self-immolated to protest anti-sedition laws that were used to silence dissent. A temporary exhibit in Taipei looks back on his sacrifice.

This week on TikTok: Crypto, WeChat ban, and free speech

Susan St.Denis — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:12:10 +0000

Tsai meets McCarthy: Will China double down on threatening Taiwan or play it cool?

Chris Horton — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:46:40 +0000

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is meeting U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in LA today. Will there be fierce words or crickets from Beijing tonight?

High-level talks between China and Japan, but no results

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 22:16:08 +0000

China and Japan are talking again, but relations will probably deteriorate over Beijing’s growing military presence in disputed territories, Tokyo’s crackdown on advanced chipmaking gear, and a detained Japanese businessman.

This week on TikTok: China’s auto price war, Taiwan, and the RESTRICT Act

Susan St.Denis — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:12:10 +0000

Honduras breaks ties with Taiwan as Tsai visits the neighborhood

Susan St.Denis — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:57:56 +0000

On March 26, the Central American country Honduras became the latest nation to abandon Taiwan to establish diplomatic ties with China. Three days later, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen got on a plane bound for Guatemala and Belize.

Zook spotlights the less-glamorous parts of Taiwanese culture

Neocha — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:15:29 +0000

For those who’ve visited Taiwan, their memories of the island will most likely call to mind a rich world of sights, sounds, and scents. For Kaohsiung-based artist Zook, Taiwan conjures up something altogether different. In his works, he spotlights the less-glamorous—yet indisputable parts of Taiwanese culture: betel nuts, cigarettes, and cheap liquor.

Taiwanese pragmatism: President Tsai Ing-wen to meet U.S. House Speaker in California

Chieh Yen — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:27:45 +0000

Despite Beijing’s complaints, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party are adopting a prudent approach to China’s sensitivities, argues DPP supporter Chieh Yen.

China’s Pacific Island push is all about Taiwan

Chris Horton — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 19:15:07 +0000

China has been growing its influence in the Pacific Islands. But its diplomatic deals in the region hinge on Taiwan.

Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Taiwan — and beyond

Darren Byler — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 09:58:47 +0000

Xinjiang's history as a penal colony and then a high-tech laboratory has resulted in one of the most sophisticated and all-encompassing surveillance networks in the world to be deployed there. Other places may be next.

China’s Two Sessions targets: A modernized military, economic recovery, and key technologies

Nadya Yeh — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 00:34:37 +0000

Thousands of China’s top officials have convened in Beijing for the largest political gatherings of the year. While they’re mostly ceremonial, the ‘Two Sessions’ will outline Beijing’s most important political agendas for the year to come.

China and Belarus pledge deeper ties

Nadya Yeh — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 23:16:37 +0000

Deeper ties between two of Putin’s staunchest allies have fanned concern that some of that assistance might indirectly go to Russia.

Sanmao and her ‘Stories of the Sahara’

Neocha — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 15:48:13 +0000

Celebrating one of Taiwan's greatest writers

When Taiwan overthrew China

Chris Horton — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 13:58:29 +0000

Only two years into Chinese Nationalist rule, Taiwanese people violently rebelled, briefly controlling their homeland. It would cost them a generation of leaders.

A Chinese laser and more downed flying objects stoke security fears

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 23:29:22 +0000

Some countries have been scrutinizing their air, sea, and land spaces for traces of the Chinese military ever since “Balloon-gate.” A blinding laser aimed at a Philippines ship and the fourth downing of a flying object in the U.S. will likely fan those security fears, no matter how Beijing explains it.

Taiwanese internet celebrity banned in China after announcing election bid as member of pro-democracy party

Zhao Yuanyuan — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 21:56:40 +0000

For nearly a decade, Chung Wei-ting entertained millions of viewers in the PRC with his movie recap videos. Then he was blocked, ending his career in the country and radicalizing his views on China.

Top KMT official heads to Beijing amid tensions over Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 23:45:59 +0000

Andrew Hsia, vice chairperson of Taiwan’s main opposition party, will visit the People’s Republic of China in a bid to deescalate growing tensions. But European officials are planning more visits to Taipei, which will further anger Beijing.

China is losing Europe’s east to Taiwan

Chris Horton — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 23:38:51 +0000

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Czech President-Elect Petr Pavel had a cordial phone chat Monday, underscoring China’s waning influence in a region that was once under Beijing’s spell. Meanwhile, Taiwanese diplomacy is quietly making its biggest post-Cold War gains, with ties between Kyiv and Taipei increasingly warm.

Life after Tsai: The state of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party

Itamar Waksman — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:27:00 +0000

Two months after President Tsai Ing-wen’s resignation as chairperson, what do we know about the future of Taiwan's ruling party?

Taiwan to allow transnational same-sex marriage

Jordyn Haime — Sat, 21 Jan 2023 03:05:19 +0000

After years of advocacy from LGBTQ rights campaigners, Taiwan has decided to recognize transnational same-sex marriages, though Taiwanese-mainland Chinese couples are excluded.

Taiwan’s contested vision of its own history

Jordyn Haime — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 14:09:06 +0000

In Tainan, a lesser-known museum presents a de-sinicized version of the island’s history, and reveals a political divide over collective memory.

Under threat from China, Taiwan moves to boost military training

Chris Horton — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 21:30:05 +0000

Taiwan is extending its military conscription to one year amid increasing belligerence by the People's Liberation Army over the weekend.

China sends fighter jets, drones, and ships to Taiwan Strait

Jeremy Goldkorn — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 09:17:38 +0000

December 26 is Chairman Mao’s birthday. The People’s Liberation Army that he once led celebrated with a massive military exercise in the skies and seas around Taiwan.

China is all over the 2023 Pentagon Budget

Eduardo Jaramillo — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 17:09:33 +0000

The U.S. defense budget for 2023 has been approved, and it has removed some earlier provisions that were sure to anger Beijing. But the legislation still has China firmly in its sights.

The best solution in Taiwan is no solution: The case for can-kicking

Kaiser Kuo — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 22:51:08 +0000

Jude Blanchette and Ryan Hass discuss their new essay in Foreign Affairs on why U.S. policy should be judged on whether it helps preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The Formosa Incident: The protest that sparked Taiwan’s democracy

James Carter — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 14:10:36 +0000

In the wake of widespread protests across China last month, the successes of Taiwan’s democratic protests in 1979 provide an interesting parallel.

Taiwanese light artist Fangyu Chang builds luminous structures for music shows

Neocha — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:17:33 +0000

Using lasers, projectors, and computer code, the Taipei-based light artist creates planes of color, deconstruct rooms, and sculpt shapes out of thin air.

Taiwanese artist Pan Chunling draws the minutiae of life

Neocha — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:08:00 +0000

Using pen and watercolor, Pan Chunling recreates moments of urban connection in calming colors.

After the KMT’s local elections victory, what’s next for Taiwan?

Rong Xiaoqing — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:34:30 +0000

The Taiwanese party that favors closer ties to Beijing just won 13 of the 21 contested city mayor and county chief seats in Taiwan. The author, who recently visited Taiwan, muses on the future of this self-governed island.

The ruling DPP gets a drubbing in Taiwan’s local elections

Chris Horton — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 22:28:45 +0000

The results from Taiwan’s local elections on Saturday are in, and the winner is clear: Taiwan’s democracy, writes Chris Horton from Taipei. But what do this year’s results mean for the 2024 presidential election?

Taiwan Pride, the region’s largest pride march, makes triumphant return

Mads Vesterager Nielsen — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:13:52 +0000

Despite rain, thousands of people filled the streets of central Taipei to celebrate the return of Taiwan Pride.

Eccentric panels

Neocha — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:41:26 +0000

Karmarket's off-the-wall comic art

The 20th Communist Party Congress begins in Beijing

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 21:38:09 +0000

Xi addressed some hot-button issues in his opening speech: COVID zero isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, tough talk on Taiwan, and Hong Kong’s return from “chaos.” But don’t ask about the economy — the GDP report has been delayed until an unknown date.

What do American people think about U.S.-China policy? | Live with Lizzi Lee

Lizzi C. Lee — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 10:05:01 +0000

Zuri Linetsky, a research fellow at the Eurasia Group Foundation, draws on a recent survey to explain how Americans think about U.S. foreign policy towards China.

Aerosol meditations

Neocha — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:15:41 +0000

Graffiti meets Buddhist art in the works of Blackzao

How Taiwan is preparing for a war that may never come

Nadya Yeh — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 20:07:23 +0000

Since Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan, eyes and ears have been fixated on the 110 miles of sea that separate the island from mainland China. Taiwan is preparing for war, even though many experts don’t think an invasion is imminent.

Digital dissemination

Neocha — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 14:16:52 +0000

The new age designs of EG Huang

How to defend yourself against Chinese economic coercion — Q&A with Bonnie Glaser

Jeremy Goldkorn — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 19:25:01 +0000

Bonnie Glaser has a lifetime of experience researching and advising the U.S. government on trans-Pacific geopolitics, security, and defense. I asked her all about the global anxieties China and the U.S. are causing around the world, how close we are to a war over Taiwan, and much more.

The cutthroat race to build cutting-edge chips | Live with Lizzi Lee

Lizzi C. Lee — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 19:53:15 +0000

Chris Miller, associate professor of international history at the Fletcher School, talks about whether China’s massive push to build chips at home can catch up with the United States’s lead.

Will Beijing follow Hong Kong and loosen COVID-zero?

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:27:45 +0000

Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan have eased up on COVID restrictions. Could the Chinese mainland be next?

Parliamentarians ramp up pressure on China over Taiwan as U.S. moots potential sanctions

Nadya Yeh — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 21:34:03 +0000

Taiwan hosted a group of lawmakers at its estate in Washington, D.C., right as reports emerged that the U.S. is considering a sanctions package on China.

Taiwan, abandoned

Neocha — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:59:57 +0000

Huang Bowen captures the passage of time

Taiwan to allow visa-free travel from certain countries in latest reopening step

Jordyn Haime — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 20:17:03 +0000

Taiwan has lifted visa restrictions on some incoming visitors in a bid to revive international travel, but has left Asian tourists from its most important markets off of the exempt list.

Taiwan fired warning shots at three Chinese drones over Kinmen

Jeremy Goldkorn — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 23:01:44 +0000

The Taiwanese military said it used live fire for the first time to repel ‘civilian’ drones from the Chinese mainland that were hovering over Taiwan-controlled islands near the city of Xiamen.

Taiwan withdraws from hosting WorldPride 2025 over naming dispute

Nathan Wei — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 06:35:52 +0000

A blame game involving contradictory accounts erupted after Taiwan backed out from hosting a global LGBTQ gathering due to a name dispute with the event’s licensor.

Beijing seethes as more U.S. and Japanese officials visit Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 20:35:44 +0000

Envoys from the United States and Japan are currently paying visits to Taiwan, adding to the list of foreign delegations that have angered Beijing since Pelosi’s trip.

‘What rock did you crawl out from under?’ — Phrase of the Week

Andrew Methven — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 18:34:58 +0000

A duel of nationalist Chinese pundits: Did the aggro propagandist come out of nowhere, or was it his establishment critic?

U.S. finally passes semiconductor subsidy bill, but it’s not going to help competition with China

Paul Triolo — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 20:26:45 +0000

The new CHIPS and Science Act will help America advance its indigenous semiconductor industry. But it’s not going to make the U.S. any less dependent on Taiwan or any more competitive with China, argues Paul Triolo.

Putin says Pelosi’s Taiwan trip was a ‘thoroughly planned provocation’

Joe Webster — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 20:10:31 +0000

This week in China-Russia relations: The People’s Liberation Army is sending troops to Russia to join military games, as Putin offers moral and ideological support for his best friends in Beijing.

China launches new military drills after new U.S. congressional visit to Taiwan, but Xi and Biden still set to meet

Jeremy Goldkorn — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 20:03:48 +0000

A fortnight after Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and enraged Beijing, another group of U.S. politicians touched down in Taipei. But Joe Biden and Xi Jinping are still set to meet face to face in November, according to a new report.

The geopolitical risks to the market of Taiwan tensions explained by ex U.S. diplomat Bill Klein

Lizzi C. Lee — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 21:20:54 +0000

The geopolitical risks to the market of Taiwan tensions explained by ex U.S. diplomat Bill Klein

China’s first white paper on Taiwan under Xi does not renounce use of force

Nadya Yeh — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:23:46 +0000

The official document, the third of its kind ever released by Beijing, urges Taiwan to adopt the “one country, two systems” principle used in Hong Kong and Macau.

Why are Taiwanese people just chilling as the missiles fly? — Q&A with William Yang

Jeremy Goldkorn — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 19:57:52 +0000

Everybody seems to be talking about war as China ramps up its rhetoric and its live-fire military exercises in the seas and skies around Taiwan. But not so much the Taiwanese. I asked journalist and president of the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club William Yang: What is the rest of the world getting wrong?

China extends military drills around Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:17:16 +0000

Beijing has announced it will carry out more drills in the waters surrounding Taiwan a day after they were scheduled to end, as tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait.

View from Taiwan: Life goes on as tensions escalate following Pelosi visit

Jordyn Haime — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 19:55:40 +0000

Taiwan experts and officials have refrained from calling the recent tensions a "crisis." “There's apparently an overreaction by the foreign media and also by policy experts in the U.S.," one Taipei-based political scientist said. "In Taiwan, people just don't see it as a very severe crisis right now.”

‘Those who play with fire perish by it’ — Phrase of the Week

Andrew Methven — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 18:40:23 +0000

As tensions in the Taiwan Strait and between the U.S. and China ratchet up, the language used by Chinese officials is becoming more colorful and bellicose.

Beijing imposes eight countermeasures and sanctions Pelosi over visit to Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:17:56 +0000

China’s response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan is likely to go on for a long time, in many different areas. Aside from live fire military drills around Taiwan, Beijing has announced the suspension of a variety of dialogues with the U.S.

Jeep shuts China factory as decoupling continues

Dexter Tiff Roberts — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 13:38:39 +0000

It’s not yet a headlong rush, but Western firms are quietly pulling out of China. Jeep, one of the earliest American companies to set up shop in the country, is closing its last factory there.

Are we facing another crisis in the Taiwan Strait?

Kaiser Kuo — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 21:00:44 +0000

John Culver, former national intelligence officer for East Asia and CIA analyst focusing on China, reflects on the last Taiwan Straits Crisis in 1995-96, following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent high-profile visit to Taiwan.

Russia and China draw closer over Myanmar and Taiwan

Joe Webster — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:53:39 +0000

The Dragon and the Bear will only get closer as Western tensions with China and Russia mount.

China begins military drills around Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 19:44:32 +0000

In the aftermath of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s high-profile visit to Taiwan, Beijing has fired off ballistic missiles in the waters surrounding the island and has promised days of live-fire military tests and drills.

Taiwan is losing bridges in Central America

Justin Olsvik — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:07:45 +0000

The "Taiwan Friendship Bridge" in Costa Rica was originally a gift from the Taiwanese government. There is now a motion to officially remove "Taiwan" from the name. It's a sign of the times: Taiwan's influence in Central America has waned amid Beijing's growing interest in the region.

Bonnie Glaser on Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan and how Beijing will retaliate

Jeremy Goldkorn — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 20:05:29 +0000

In yesterday's episode of our new business TV show, Lizzi Lee interviewed Bonnie Glaser, the director of the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund.

Pelosi’s day in Taiwan shakes up the world

Nadya Yeh — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 19:43:46 +0000

United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi concluded a short trip to Taiwan, where she met the president and other officials as well as a group of rights activists, and infuriated the Chinese Communist Party.

A French assault on Taiwan

James Carter — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:00:23 +0000

In the summer of 1884, French forces, frustrated by Qing refusal to comply with their colonial wishes in Indochina, attempted to demonstrate their power by taking Taiwan. Neither the landing nor the war went to plan.

Weibo reacts to Pelosi’s Taiwan visit: ‘No quarantine for the old witch?’

Zhao Yuanyuan — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 04:05:06 +0000

Patriotic messages spread like wildfire on Chinese social media yesterday amid Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. “All wars cost heaps of money and many lives. But at the same time, it’s so humiliating to let the U.S. keep testing our red lines. What a dilemma!”

Nancy Pelosi touches down in Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 19:36:10 +0000

The most-tracked live flight in the world, carrying U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, landed in Taiwan today, as people around the globe held their breath in fear of an escalation between the United States and China.

The not-so-scary truth behind horror sensation ‘Incantation’

Emma Burleigh — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 04:00:18 +0000

Audiences are raving about Taiwan’s newest horror film "Incantation," which just hit international Netflix this month. Exactly how real are the religious elements at the center of the movie?

Night bus

Neocha — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 13:09:30 +0000

A harrowing ride down the coast of Taiwan

In Taiwan, Shinzo Abe remembered as a friend

Jordyn Haime — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:26:01 +0000

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was a vocal supporter of Taiwan and helped strengthen Japan-Taiwan relations. His death on Friday was officially mourned at the highest levels of Taiwan's government.

Animated art captures the boredom and absurdity of life under Taiwan’s COVID lockdown

Laurel Stewart — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 04:00:45 +0000

Artist Huang Hai-Hsin's "epidemic picture diary" reveals scenes of everyday life during the worst of COVID-19.

Taiwan anger at Qatar World Cup ID

Gerry Harker — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:34:56 +0000

Meanwhile: China is looking to build on its Olympics success at the FINA World Championships.

The talk on Taiwan

Kaiser Kuo — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 21:26:01 +0000

Shelley Rigger and Simona Grano discuss the U.S.’s longstanding, unofficial policy of "strategic ambiguity," how Taiwan has been impacted by the Ukraine War, and much more.

China and the U.S. talk at Shangri-La Dialogue, but do not resolve the tough questions

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 23:09:56 +0000

The Shangri-La Dialogue this past weekend helped ease China’s tensions with some countries, but the meetings also showed hardening positions on key issues like Taiwan.

Pacific palaver — Editor’s note for Friday, May 27, 2022

Jeremy Goldkorn — Fri, 27 May 2022 19:39:02 +0000

A note for Weekly newsletter readers from Jeremy Goldkorn.

Poolside daydreams

Neocha — Tue, 24 May 2022 13:37:25 +0000

Fan Yang-Tsung captures the summertime bliss

Biden spells out U.S. policy on Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific, but where are the teeth?

Nadya Yeh — Mon, 23 May 2022 23:31:24 +0000

Joe Biden has said the U.S. would intervene militarily if China invaded Taiwan. He also unveiled a new economic initiative in the Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan reacts to California Church shooting, with some calling it a ‘political attack’

Jordyn Haime — Wed, 18 May 2022 13:13:30 +0000

Pro-independence politicians and groups blamed China’s pro-unification threats for the shooting at a Taiwanese church near Los Angeles on Sunday, and demanded action from both the Taiwan and U.S. governments.

Inking absurdities

Neocha — Tue, 17 May 2022 12:35:32 +0000

Sic Lee offers a humorous slant on tattoos in Taipei

‘Rose Boy’: How a death on campus changed LGBTQ education in Taiwan

Nathan Wei — Wed, 11 May 2022 21:34:44 +0000

The 22nd anniversary of the death of “Rose Boy” was commemorated in China, while the media coverage of an empowering song named after him attracted criticism for downplaying its progressive message.

Taiwanese activist released after serving five years in Chinese prison for “subversion”

Jeremy Goldkorn — Tue, 10 May 2022 23:19:24 +0000

Lee Ming-che, a rights activist in Taiwan, disappeared on a visit to China in 2017 and was later charged with “subversion of state power.” He is back in Taiwan and just gave his first public comments on his ordeal.

Activists fight for LGBTQ adoption rights in Taiwan

Laurel Stewart — Thu, 05 May 2022 00:21:46 +0000

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Taiwan since 2019, but true equality has not yet been achieved. Social organizations and legislators are collaborating to make changes happen.

With international backing, Taiwan makes another bid for World Health Assembly

Jordyn Haime — Wed, 04 May 2022 14:17:47 +0000

Under pressure from Beijing, the World Health Organization has denied Taiwan even observer status at every World Health Assembly since 2017.

U.S. officials touch down in Taiwan

Nadya Yeh — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 23:22:57 +0000

The visit of six U.S. lawmakers to Taiwan follows earlier rumors of an intended visit by U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi — which was postponed because she tested positive for COVID.

Taiwan moves away from COVID-zero as cases climb

Jordyn Haime — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:00:36 +0000

While Beijing continues to impose strict lockdown measures in an attempt to maintain its COVID-zero policy, Taiwan is beginning to shift toward living with the virus.

What do Taiwan residents really think about independence?

Laurel Stewart — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 08:36:40 +0000

“The status quo feels safe, but I’m not sure it’s what people actually want.”

What’s behind Taiwan’s willingness to extend compulsory military service?

Itamar Waksman — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 15:48:09 +0000

After Russian forces invaded Ukraine in late February, talk in Taiwan of extending the conscription period of its citizens — from four months to one year — became elevated in official discourse.

Algorithmic bliss

Neocha — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 15:07:54 +0000

The computer-generated art of Wu Che-Yu

Viktor Ahn, the South Korea–born coach of Chinese speed skaters, apologizes for his wife’s Taiwan gaffe

Greg James — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 22:02:46 +0000

Given the long-standing rivalry between China and South Korea, Viktor Ahn, who was hired as a technical adviser for the Chinese national short-track team in the lead-up to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, was a rare South Korean celebrity who enjoyed near unanimous love from Chinese internet users. But no longer.

Taiwan’s ruling party downplays Pompeo visit after report alleges quid pro quo

Itamar Waksman — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:38:37 +0000

Mike Pompeo’s visit to Taiwan last week made global headlines. But reports that he was paid $150,000 by Taiwan’s diplomatic office in the U.S. — and may have lobbied for Taiwanese public money on behalf of a U.S. investment fund — has cast his trip in a different light.

China’s exposure to the Russia sanctions, explained

Chang Che — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 14:41:35 +0000

The impact of sanctions on Russia for China's economy might not be large in the short-term, but will supercharge Beijing's campaign for technological self-sufficiency.

Despite Taiwan’s semiconductor advancements, politics looms over trade

Houston Scott — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 14:33:09 +0000

Taiwan’s chipmaking giants, TSMC and MediaTek, are expanding fast. But a tense geopolitical climate threatens to dethrone their reign over the global semiconductor industry.

The 228 Incident and the ambiguities of Taiwanese identity

James Carter — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 07:33:22 +0000

Recent debates over Taiwan’s identity as Chinese, or part of China, focus on the awkward arrangement by which governments in Taipei and Beijing both claim sovereignty over the island. In 1947, questions of national identity were also rampant in Taiwan, but the fault lines were very different.

Taiwan has its eyes on Ukraine, but some experts discourage comparisons

Jordyn Haime — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:10:17 +0000

Some commentators have speculated that China may use Russia's invasion of Ukraine as pretext to make a move on Taiwan. But this line of thinking is fallacious and premature, experts warn.

‘Call me by my real name’: A court case begins over Taiwanese indigenous names

Itamar Waksman — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:41:46 +0000

A court case that began this week in Taipei touches on the contradiction between Taiwan’s goal of creating a multicultural society and the entrenched structures of an overwhelmingly majority-Han society.

Lithuanian president says Taiwan office naming was ‘a mistake’ after ‘unconventional measures’ from Beijing

Lucas Niewenhuis — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 23:31:12 +0000

After Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a “Taiwanese representative office” in its capital, Vilnius, last November, China has escalated its diplomatic and economic pressure on the EU state.

Taiwan rolls out digital vaccine certificates recognized by 60 countries

Jordyn Haime — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 22:43:54 +0000

Sixty countries, including the U.S. and EU member states, will now accept Taiwan’s official digital vaccine certificate as proof of vaccination or PCR test results.

Hong Kong and Taiwan both vote, in very different ways, with very different results

Anthony Lawrance — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 21:49:43 +0000

Voters in Hong Kong and Taiwan went to the polls over the weekend, but the circumstances couldn’t be more different. Beijing released a white paper that talked glowingly about “universal suffrage” as the goal in Hong Kong, but included caveats that make clear it does not see the natural progression of democracy in the city as being anything like Taiwan’s experience.

Taiwan’s four referendum results could raise even more questions about the future of DPP and KMT parties

Itamar Waksman — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 21:18:18 +0000

Taiwanese voters are heading to the polls on December 18 to vote on four measures, mostly dealing with economic issues such as pork imports and the construction of a natural gas terminal. But with Taiwan’s two major political parties being intensely polarized around the referendum, much more could be at stake, depending on the results.

Solomon Islands leader blames ‘other powers’ for violent Chinatown protests

Lucas Niewenhuis — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 00:48:09 +0000

The South Pacific nation of fewer than 700,000 people remains divided over a 2019 decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China. That is likely one of many factors in recent violent protests, but Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare insisted it is “the only issue” and that the violence had been “encouraged by other powers” that don’t like China.

Beijing is targeting Taiwanese companies with links to Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party

Lucas Niewenhuis — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 23:53:56 +0000

Taiwanese conglomerate Far Eastern Group (FEG) was recently fined in mainland China for problems such as “fire safety,” but the real problem appears to be politics: FEG is linked to officials in Taiwan that Beijing considers to be “‘Taiwan independence’ stubborn elements,” whose “affiliates and financial backers must be punished.”

Biden-Xi meeting: No breakthrough, but a possible journalist visa thaw

Lucas Niewenhuis — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:16:27 +0000

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping’s virtual meeting yesterday evening appears to have been relatively friendly and promises more stability for the U.S.-China relationship. There were no breakthroughs, but Chinese media reported that an agreement had been reached to issue journalist visas, starting with the U.S. side.

Taiwan’s education soft power push

Jordyn Haime — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 03:48:57 +0000

Taiwan has been beefing up its international education campaign, but experts say it will be difficult to compete with China.

Taiwan parties split over constitutional reform

Itamar Waksman — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 09:42:16 +0000

After a month of increasing tensions, a proposal to amend Taiwan’s constitution may further strain the cross-strait relationship.

Alibaba’s silicon chip in the age of hypersonic missiles

Paul Triolo — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:31:55 +0000

Alibaba’s Yitian 710 chip shows how the U.S.-China-Taiwan semiconductor dance hides an increasingly unstable equilibrium.

China warns that Taiwan’s push for international space presents ‘seismic risks’

Lucas Niewenhuis — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 23:41:40 +0000

Beijing is very unhappy with statements in the last two days from Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen and from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the future of the island nation that China sees as a breakaway province.

European Parliament votes in favor of stronger relationship with Taiwan

Jordyn Haime — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:11:06 +0000

A "history-making text," or one that will "seriously damage the foundations of China-EU relations"?

A history of Taiwan-China economic ties, by Shelley Rigger

Kaiser Kuo — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:14:50 +0000

Taiwan was the engine that powered China’s transformation into a global economic superpower, the scholar Shelley Rigger writes in her new book, "The Tiger Leading the Dragon: How Taiwan Propelled China's Economic Rise." She appeared on the Sinica Podcast to discuss the history of cross-Taiwan Strait economic ties.

Tsai Ing-wen pledges to uphold Taiwan-China status quo amid ‘unprecedented challenges’

Lucas Niewenhuis — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 22:45:29 +0000

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Chinese leader Xi Jinping both gave speeches over the weekend that addressed the future of Taiwan. Xi described “Taiwan independence” as a “grave hidden danger” to his future plans, while Tsai insisted, “nobody can force Taiwan to take the path China has laid out for us.”

The fight for Taiwan’s linguistic diversity

Itamar Waksman — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 13:52:27 +0000

A recent spat in Taiwan’s legislature put a spotlight on the island’s “heritage languages.” But are proponents of linguistic diversity fighting for a lost cause?

U.S. troops in Taiwan: Biden administration reveals small training group present ‘for at least a year’

Lucas Niewenhuis — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 22:36:25 +0000

A contingent of about two dozen U.S. troops have been conducting training in Taiwan in secret for over a year, the Biden administration revealed publicly for the first time via a Wall Street Journal report.

Mainland China invasion? Taiwan residents aren’t worried

Jordyn Haime — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 14:53:27 +0000

Taiwan’s Minister of National Defense, Chiu Kuo-cheng, recently warned that China will have the capability to invade Taiwan by 2025. But everyday people don't seem worried.

Explaining China’s surge in warplane activity in the Taiwanese ‘air defense zone’

Lucas Niewenhuis — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 23:12:16 +0000

Some are alarmed by the number of Chinese military planes that flew near Taiwan over the weekend. But Taiwan's ADIZ (air defense identification zone) is not the same as its sovereign airspace: there have been no PLA jets over Taiwanese land, a fact that has been lost in some of the breathier news coverage.

Taiwan court rules against surgery requirement for legal gender change

Jordyn Haime — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 05:07:45 +0000

LGBTQ+ advocates are celebrating the ruling, but want legislation to secure rights.

Ahead of chair election, a critical moment for Taiwan’s KMT

Itamar Waksman — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:55:13 +0000

Taiwan's main opposition party is electing a new chairperson on Saturday. Incumbent Johnny Chiang and former chairman Eric Chu are the frontrunners, but keep an eye on Chang Ya-chung, who favors reunification with China.

After calling Xi, Biden considers pressuring China over trade, Taiwan

Lucas Niewenhuis — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 23:18:18 +0000

A day after Joe Biden had an apparently amicable phone call with Xi Jinping, the Biden administration was reported to be considering multiple moves that would strain U.S.-China relations.

In Taiwan, a contentious quest for ‘transitional justice’

Itamar Waksman — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 04:37:07 +0000

In recent years, Taiwan has been trying to rectify the wrongs from its “White Terror” period, nearly four decades of martial law. But critics say the current ruling party, the DPP, is using “transitional justice” as a cudgel against its political opponents.

Soul-searching in Taiwan after Afghan fiasco, but is it just ‘immature bedwetting’?

Kris Quinn — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:48:11 +0000

“We can’t rely on the U.S.,” said a senior official from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on condition of anonymity. Despite the U.S. and Taiwanese governments publicly resisting the comparison — and many analysts poo-pooing it — the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan and its dramatic aftermath has fueled fresh doubts in Taipei about American security guarantees.

Beijing recalls Lithuania ambassador in another shock to EU-China relations

Lucas Niewenhuis — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 22:29:13 +0000

In response to Lithuania establishing a “Taiwanese representative office,” China said it would withdraw its envoy to Vilnius, and demanded the Baltic nation recall its ambassador in Beijing. It was not the first time this year that the small EU member state had upset Beijing.

America’s second most senior diplomat heads to Tianjin, the Chinese capital’s satellite city

Lucas Niewenhuis — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 23:01:23 +0000

A top U.S. diplomat is heading to China for talks with her counterparts, but no one expects much to change as China-U.S. relations continue to deteriorate.

China’s rise is ‘unstoppable,’ Xi declares in Tiananmen speech marking 100th anniversary of CCP

Lucas Niewenhuis — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 23:29:16 +0000

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s message for the nation and the world: The Communist Party is here to stay, inseparable from the Chinese people, and its guidance has been indispensable to China’s “rejuvenation” and now-unstoppable development.

The politicalization of COVID vaccines in Taiwan

Itamar Waksman — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 13:21:26 +0000

A recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan has exposed flaws in the government’s pandemic response plans. While the ruling Democratic Progressive Party attempts to get things under control, its political enemies are circling.

No, China will not invade Taiwan

Stephen J. Hartnett — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:38:53 +0000

In mainland China, fear of Taiwanese independence feeds the fever of traumatized nationalism, unites domestic rivals around a shared national dream, and serves as a never-ending threat that justifies enormous military expenditures — but not for war.

In Taiwan, a law meant to empower the indigenous is put to the test

Itamar Waksman — Fri, 28 May 2021 11:53:11 +0000

For the past half-century, Asia Cement has operated a quarry on indigenous land. But recently, the local community has questioned the company's right to do so. The issue will be up for vote in the near future.

Taiwan accuses China of blocking Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine supply

Lucas Niewenhuis — Thu, 27 May 2021 22:43:11 +0000

As a small surge in COVID-19 cases disrupts life in Taiwan, and the island’s vaccine rollout continues slowly, Taiwanese officials blamed China for blocking some of their vaccine supply.

John Cena wants Chinese fans to forgive his Taiwan blunder and go watch his new movie

Feng Jiayun — Tue, 25 May 2021 21:02:02 +0000

The movie "Fast & Furious 9" took in $135 million at the box office in China on the weekend. But now one of its stars is apologizing to his Chinese fans for his “mistake” in referring to Taiwan as a country.

Biden sends unofficial delegation to Taiwan as John Kerry talks climate in Shanghai

Lucas Niewenhuis — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 23:07:01 +0000

Is Beijing willing to treat climate change as a “standalone issue” in relations with the U.S., as climate envoy John Kerry has advocated? We may soon find out, after Biden sent Kerry to Shanghai and an unofficial delegation to Taiwan at the same time.

Beijing slams Japanese plan to dump Fukushima wastewater into Pacific

Lucas Niewenhuis — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 22:42:29 +0000

After Japan announced its intention to discharge built-up wastewater from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, China was joined by South Korea and Taiwan in protest. The U.S. and the International Atomic Energy Agency said the plan met safety standards.

U.S. debates changes in Taiwan policy as warships swirl around island

Lucas Niewenhuis — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 22:59:55 +0000

After the Trump administration beefed up U.S.-Taiwan ties, the Biden administration has continued to more actively embrace Taiwan. Some figures in foreign policy are calling for unambiguous support for Taiwan, but others say that a significant change from “strategic ambiguity" could trigger a Chinese invasion.