by Martin Haffner Associate Editor TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market fell Friday, driven by a drop in TSMC shares after US President Donald Trump accused Taiwan of taking the semiconductor industry from the US. The Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index or TAIEX closed down 246.8 points at 23,152.61. Turnover totaled NT$398.3 billion…
Richard Sanders in Kaoshiung, Taiwan The Ivatan language, a member of the Austronesian language family, boasts a rich and complex history that traces its origins back to southern Taiwan. This fascinating language is not just a means of communication for the people of the Batanes archipelago in the Philippines; it is also a cultural treasure…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor aiwan President Lai Ching-te has pledged to boost military spending, a move aimed at showing U.S. President Donald Trump that the self-ruled island is committed to defending itself from China. Lai said at a news briefing in Taipei on Friday that Taiwan would boost expenditure to 3% of GDP, though…
Francis Tuschek On Wednesday, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declared that the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia “must end” and expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership. He indicated that the Biden administration’s focus would shift towards securing American borders and addressing threats from China, rather than prioritizing security in Europe and Ukraine….
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Explosion at Taiwan Department Store Kills 1 and Leaves 10 Others Hospitalized Taipei, Taiwan – A tragic explosion rocked a popular department store in the bustling heart of Taipei on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one individual and leaving ten others hospitalized. The incident occurred around noon, sending shockwaves…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a notable show of military presence, two US Navy warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait on [insert specific date], marking the first time American naval vessels have traversed the sensitive waterway since the inauguration of former President Donald Trump in January 2017. This strategic maneuver underscores the United States’…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a bold and unprecedented move, the Chinese government has initiated a comprehensive campaign aimed at reshaping global perceptions of Taiwan and intensifying its diplomatic efforts to isolate the self-governing island. This multifaceted strategy includes a mix of social media campaigns, targeted diplomacy, and economic incentives designed to sow discord…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor TAIWAN SEEKS ALASKAN NATURAL GAS TO AVOID US TARIFFS Taipei, Taiwan – In a bid to reduce its reliance on US natural gas supplies and mitigate the impact of potential US tariffs, Taiwan authorities are exploring the purchase of natural gas from Alaska. The move is part of an effort…
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters Richard Sanders On Sunday, New Zealand’s foreign minister expressed “significant concern” regarding the Cook Islands’ imminent cooperation agreement with China. Prime Minister Mark Brown is scheduled to visit Beijing next week, where he is expected to sign a “joint action plan” aimed at establishing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor TAIPEI, TAIWAN – In a recent update, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has confirmed that the country’s air and naval surveillance detected a significant number of Chinese military assets operating near its shores on [date]. According to reports, a total of 14 Chinese aircraft were spotted in the area,…