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Taipei

Taiwan’s new president is facing a political minefield

Global Politics

China is holding military drills around the island of Taiwan this week, just following the inauguration of a new president who advocates for a more robust defense against China. Meanwhile, the political parties in Taiwan are sharply divided, leading to legislative gridlock. From Taipei, Ashish Valentine reports that tens of thousands of people are hitting the streets in a series of protests.

Seafood Congee, as presented in the Taiwanese cookbook Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation.

A new book explores Taiwan’s culinary identity

Books
Photo of Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te

Taiwan’s political parties beset by sexual harassment allegations

#MeToo
soldiers running

Taiwanese young people have mixed feelings about increased military service 

Military
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

LGBTQ
Audrey Tang, the Taiwan government's digital minister, in the Executive Yuan building, Taiwan, on November 8, 2017.

How Taiwan is battling coronavirus with tech, crowdsourced data and trust

COVID-19

Taiwan has kept its COVID-19 numbers low compared to other countries: It has seen fewer than 500 cases and seven deaths. Much of that success has been attributed to Taiwan’s approach to technology, led by the government’s digital minister Audrey Tang.

Students eat lunch between dividers to protect them from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the canteen of the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) in Taipei, Taiwan, April 6, 2020.

Taiwan’s success in fighting COVID-19 is overshadowed by global politics

COVID-19

Taiwan leads the world as the most-prepared and best-equipped nation to fight the pandemic. But pressure from China continues to stymie their involvement in international public health care efforts.

When Dean Huang returned to Taiwan to do his compulsory military service, he had to give up a lot: his job, his apartment, his cell phone, his hair. His autonomy.

He had a dream life in Seattle. Then Taiwan’s military came calling.

Culture

In Taiwan, even men they have dual nationality, they have to serve in the military. And if they don’t, they risk jail time. Dean Huang knew he would never see his family again if he didn’t go back home to serve.

You Ya-ting, left, and Huang Mei-yu cast their stamps during their symbolic same-sex Buddhist wedding ceremony at a temple in Taoyuan county, northern Taiwan, on Aug. 11, 2012.

Many in Taiwan aim to make it the first Asian country with same-sex marriage

Global Politics

There’s some opposition, including from a Massachusetts anti-gay organization. But supporters in Taiwan say they have the endorsement of a bipartisan group of almost half of parliament. And marriage equality has the backing of President Tsai Ing-wen, who campaigned on the issue.

A woman takes photographs as snow is seen at the background on the Yangmungshan National Park during a snowfall in Taipei, Taiwan. Taiwan experienced a sudden drop in temperature over the weekend.

A historic cold front has Taiwanese freezing inside their homes

Environment

People are wearing parkas inside to deal with frigid temps after a cold snap hit Taiwan. Dozens have died. It’s a once in a generation cold front passing through the island.