Ashish Valentine

two women

'It's time that we face the issue': #MeToo movement gains momentum in Taiwan

Although the movement began within political parties, it’s since spread to many other sectors of society such as entertainment and academia. And in some cases, there’s even been a backlash.  

'It's time that we face the issue': #MeToo movement gains momentum in Taiwan
Photo of Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te

Taiwan's political parties beset by sexual harassment allegations

Taiwan's political parties beset by sexual harassment allegations
Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou waves as Ma leaves for China, at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan City, northern Taiwan, Monday, March 27, 2023.

Former Taiwanese president makes historic visit to China

Former Taiwanese president makes historic visit to China
Attendees at the 228 Memorial eat squid porridge, the traditional meal eaten every year at the Lee family to remember Lee Ruei-Han.

‘Kneel and apologize!’: 76 years after island-wide massacre, Taiwan continues to commemorate — and debate — the tragedy

‘Kneel and apologize!’: 76 years after island-wide massacre, Taiwan continues to commemorate — and debate — the tragedy
Many Taipei residents visit the city's historic Dihua Street to buy goods for the Lunar New Year.

Taiwan and China celebrate Lunar New Year amid vastly different COVID levels

Taiwan and China celebrate Lunar New Year amid vastly different COVID levels
soldiers running

Taiwanese young people have mixed feelings about increased military service 

Taiwan's president announced last week that mandatory military service for young people will increase from four months to a full year. There is substantial popular support for the move because of a rising threat from China, though among young people themselves, it’s more complicated.

Taiwanese young people have mixed feelings about increased military service 
woman speaking to crowd

'We all want democracy': Taiwanese stand in solidarity with Chinese 'white paper protests'

In China, protests have declined after the loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions. Some Taiwanese continue to support the "A4 revolution," or "white paper protests," in China.

'We all want democracy': Taiwanese stand in solidarity with Chinese 'white paper protests'
About 120,000 people took part in Pride celebrations in Taipei on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Taiwan celebrates LGBTQ pride as activists push for further progress

This year's Pride in Taipei was a celebration of achievements and identities — but also a protest. Groups representing transgender people, sex workers and people living with HIV and AIDS all gave speeches calling for further social and political change. 

Taiwan celebrates LGBTQ pride as activists push for further progress
man waiting at airport

Taiwan reopens its borders after years of COVID controls

On Oct. 13, Taiwan finally reopened to tourists after 2 1/2 years of relative isolation. The country had focused border restrictions to keep COVID-19 cases and death rates low. Travelers and tourism business owners say they’re thankful that their main source of revenue is returning.

Taiwan reopens its borders after years of COVID controls
People take photos with Taiwan national flags during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.

Taiwan celebrates National Day amid heightened tensions with China

Underlying the festivities are increased concerns about Taiwan’s relationship with China as well as changes in its own national identity.

Taiwan celebrates National Day amid heightened tensions with China