Taiwan

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.

Students cheer on speakers during a gathering to mark the first anniversary of student groups stormed the parliament in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

10 years ago, the Sunflower Movement pushed Taiwan away from China

Protest
street

A close race in Taiwan could decide whether it prioritizes sovereignty or closer ties with China

Elections
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
two women

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

#MeToo
Photo of Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te

Taiwan’s political parties beset by sexual harassment allegations

#MeToo

Taiwan is having a #MeToo reckoning about sexual harassment in politics, several years after other parts of the world. Despite the relatively high number of women in public office, many instances of sexual harassment in the political scene have been ignored or covered up.

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

As the former president heads to China, Taiwan’s current president, Tsai Ing-Wen, is heading to the Americas this week. The diplomatic trips come as voters prepare for this year’s presidential campaigns. 

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

Conflict & Justice

On Feb. 28, 1947, the Chinese Nationalist Party began killing thousands of people across the island of Taiwan, in a massacre that lasted for months. Today, Taiwan continues to debates the circumstances of that tragedy — and the legacy of Chiang Kai-Shek.

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

Culture

Taiwan has reopened to international travel, and has lifted some other restrictions, as people celebrate Lunar New Year with family and friends.

soldiers running

Taiwanese young people have mixed feelings about increased military service 

Military

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.