East Asia
China’s Parliamentary Session Begins: Main Foreign Policy Takeaways
Yesterday marked the start of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, a week-long meeting attended by top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership including Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Politburo Standing Committee, and over 3,000 delegates from across the country. The session, also known as Two Sessions, is a means for top leadership to convey decisions about the priorities of the CCP for the next year, including economic and foreign policy decisions.
Chinese Territorial Incursions Prompt Japanese Military Buildup Near Taiwan
The Japanese military has been shoring up its defensive capabilities on the small island of Yonaguni, which is the nation’s westernmost island, and closest to Taiwan. Despite its small population, the island has become essential to the Japanese military in the past few years.
Taiwanese Economics Ministry Officials in Washington to Discuss Semiconductor Tariff Threats
Taiwanese Economics Minister Kuo Jyh-huei states that officials from his ministry have been in Washington since Tuesday on a “routine visit” to U.S. President Donald Trump following his Jan. 27 threats of a “25, 50 or even 100 percent” tariff on semiconductors.
Japanese Warship Sighted in the Taiwan Strait for the First Time
This past Wednesday, a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time. Government officials reported to Yomiuri Shimbun that the JS Sazanami would complete exercises within the South China Sea, a territory contended between China and Taiwan.
The Mayhem of Taiwan’s Presidential Race
In a televised meeting on Thursday, plans for a 2024 unity ticket between two of Taiwan’s major political parties fell apart due to disagreements over which candidate would top the ticket.
A Joint Opposition Ticket May Upend the Taiwanese Elections
On Nov. 15, Taiwan’s two main opposition parties in the 2024 presidential election agreed to a joint presidential ticket that may have serious implications for the outcome of the elections and the trajectory of Taiwan. The landmark election will take place on Jan. 13, 2024, and may alter Taiwanese independence for decades to come.
Taiwan Examines Israel-Hamas Conflict, Searching for Insight
Countries all around the world are watching the war between Israel and Hamas — and Taiwan is no exception.
Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou Visits Mainland China
Former Taiwan president Ma Ying-Jeou announced that he was going to pay a visit to mainland China in his personal capacity.
Honduras to shift its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China
Honduran president Xiomara Castro announced that Honduras is preparing to shift its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China.
2022 Taiwanese Local Elections: A Full Report
Taiwanese local elections, also known as Taiwanese midterm elections, were held Nov. 26.