Politics

A U.S. guided-missile destroyer conducts routine operations in the Taiwan Strait in November 2020. (U.S. Navy photo)
Taiwan tensions

Biden, Trump and the evolving Taiwan 'strategic ambiguity' debate

As some call for 'clarity' on defense, U.S. presidential rivals' stances face scrutiny

2 July 2024
Job aspirants talk with a hiring agent outside the Foxconn factory, where workers assemble iPhones for Apple, in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, India, on April 1.
Politics

Indian opposition asks Modi government to question Foxconn hiring practices

Apple supplier's iPhone factory reportedly rejects married women from jobs

29 June 2024
The Taipei skyline. Taiwan has inked an investment agreement with Thailand in a potential boost for business.
International relations

Taiwan announces Thailand investment deal, marking first pact under Lai

Move picks up where Tsai left off in diversifying economic ties away from China

28 June 2024
Taiwan's government warned citizens on June 27 not to travel to China unless absolutely necessary, after Beijing threatened to execute "diehard" Taiwan independence supporters.
Taiwan tensions

Taiwan warns against travel to China following execution threat

Warning comes after Beijing targeted 'diehard' independence supporters

27 June 2024
Taiwan's former President Tsai Ing-wen, left, and new President Lai Ching-te wave to people during the inauguration ceremony outside the presidential office building in Taipei, Taiwan, on May 20. 
U.S. elections 2024

Biden-Trump debate: Where they stand on China and Taiwan

Candidates clash on how much clarity there should be on defending the island

25 June 2024
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, right, speaks to Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in Kuala Lumpur on June 19. (Department of Information Malaysia handout via Reuters)
International relations

China presses Global South leaders to support Taiwan 'reunification'

'One China' recognition no longer sufficient when meeting Beijing's top leaders

24 June 2024
Lawmakers check the ballots in Taiwan's parliament on June 21, as the opposition-led chamber passed a controversial bill to enhance the legislature's power.
Taiwan under Lai

Taiwan opposition rejects review of controversial legislative power bill

Ruling party expected to ask court to strike down provisions deemed unconstitutional

21 June 2024
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, center left, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim make their way to a business luncheon in Kuala Lumpur on June 20. (Photo by Malaysian prime minister's office) 
International relations

Malaysia reaffirms One China policy, rejects Taiwan independence

Anwar and Li agree to use bilateral dialogue in South China Sea disputes

20 June 2024
Taiwanese troops on a combat readiness drill at a base in Taitung in January:. The island on its own will never be able to survive a full-scale Chinese invasion.
Opinion

Taiwan must resolve its defense approach for help to be effective

Island's identity politics holds back shift away from traditional posture

20 June 2024
A display of areas where the People's Liberation Army held drills around Taiwan in May following Lai Ching-te's inauguration as the island's president.
Opinion

China isn't giving Taiwan's Lai Ching-te any honeymoon

PLA is stepping up practicing for war but cooler heads may prevail

14 June 2024
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visits soldiers and air force personnel in Hualien on May 28. His fledgling government has faced an immediate challenge in the legislature.
Politics

Taiwan's Lai sends legislative power bill back to defiant opposition

Over 200 lawyers urge rethink of legislation as experts fear 'ugly fight'

11 June 2024
As China steps up coast guard patrols in the South and East China seas, Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines are wrestling with how to defend their territory and national interests -- without provoking a war.
Asia Insight

China's 3-pronged maritime threat rattles Japan, Philippines and Taiwan

Beijing 'gray zone' aggression focused on islands in strategic 'first island chain'

11 June 2024
Taiwan politician Fu Kun-chi attends the Beijing auto show during a Kuomintang delegation's visit to China in April. (China News Service/VCG via AP)
Interview

Taiwan KMT bigwig Fu warns Lai not to 'pick fight' with China

Opposition grandee dubbed 'King of Hualien' dismisses criticism of controversial bills

10 June 2024
Retired Adm. Harry Harris says China has changed the status quo and the U.S. should change its Taiwan policy from "amigbuity" to "clarity." (Photo by Ken Moriyasu)
Interview

More U.S. 'clarity' on Taiwan policy needed, ex-commander says

Defense leaders increasingly distancing themselves from 'strategic ambiguity'

7 June 2024
A candlelight vigil in Taipei on June 4 marks the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing. Such vigils used to be a tradition in Hong Kong. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)
Hong Kong security law

Tiananmen, 35 years on: Hong Kong muzzled as world marks June 4 crackdown

From Taipei to Tokyo, others carry torch after security laws snuff out Victoria Park vigil

4 June 2024
A cargo ship is docked at a port in Keelung, Taiwan, in January 2022. Taiwan and China signed a pact in 2010 that introduced favorable duties for both sides.
Taiwan tensions

Taiwan protests as China strips preferential tariffs on 134 products

Minister calls move a 'political maneuver' to pressure Taipei

31 May 2024
To Xi Jinping, controlling Taiwan is the key to China gaining national prestige and to himself ensuring his political legacy. (Nikkei montage/Yusuke Hinata and Kyodo)
China up close

Analysis: A 1950 map foreshadows what Xi Jinping has in mind today

The Korean War and Battle of Lake Changjin hold lessons for U.S. and Chinese leaders

30 May 2024
Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has said he is confident that the U.S. and its allies will prevail in a Taiwan conflict. (Photo by Yukinori Okamura)
Interview

China's drills appear to be 'rehearsal' for Taiwan invasion: U.S. admiral

Indo-Pacific chief Paparo vows to enhance deterrence as Beijing builds up capability

29 May 2024
Raymond Greene, the incoming director of the American Institute in Taiwan, speaks at the Mount Fuji Dialogue in Japan in 2021. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi)
Taiwan tensions

U.S. picks Asia hand as new de facto envoy to Taiwan

Raymond Greene appointment announced as Taipei and Beijing trade fresh barbs

29 May 2024
Lawmakers take part in a legislative session in Taipei on May 28. The opposition's efforts to force through controversial bills have prompted raucous scenes and even physical violence.
Politics

Taiwan opposition passes contentious bill to empower legislature

Constitutional crisis looms as KMT and TPP draw rebuke from lawyers

28 May 2024
Joanne Ou previously served as spokesperson for Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being transferred to New Zealand as chief representative. (Photo by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New Zealand)
Taiwan tensions

Taipei sees New Zealand in sync with like-minded democracies, envoy says

China puts Wellington on guard as it increases its clout among Pacific islands

28 May 2024
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's inaugural address on May 20 has set the stage for policy tweaks.
Opinion

Taiwan's Lai should value engagement with regional partners

Dialogue with both China and Southeast Asian nations crucial for island's security

27 May 2024
Taiwan Air Force F-16s conduct a patrol mission at an undisclosed location near Taiwan on May 23, amid high tensions over China's military drills. (Taiwan Defense Ministry via Reuters)
Taiwan tensions

China's drills against Taiwan likely 'preordained' with 'room to escalate'

Experts see key differences from 2022 exercises as military-civilian lines 'blur'

24 May 2024
Vivek Ramaswamy told Nikkei he ran in the Republican presidential primary because he wants his kids to live the American dream. (Photo by Harry Acosta)
Interview

Trump VP contender Ramaswamy urges 'strategic clarity' on Taiwan

Entrepreneur says red line on defending Taipei would be more effective for peace

24 May 2024
DPP parliamentary leader Ker Chien-ming, center, speaks as the opposition attempts to force through controversial legislation in Taipei on May 21.
Interview

Taiwan's most senior lawmaker says opposition wants another 'Hong Kong'

Ker Chien-ming says contentious bills designed to help China 'undermine' democracy

24 May 2024