Taiwan
Fitch affirms Taipower’s top credit rating amid mounting transition costs
Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed the financial strength of Taiwan Power Company (Taipower), assigning a ‘AAA(twn)’ rating to the state-owned utility’s proposed TWD16.1bn ($520mn) bond issue, underscoring the company’s vital public role.
APEC meeting closes in South Korea, WTO dead and buried
This was not a summit. It was a eulogy for the WTO, and APEC just lowered the flag to half-mast.
COMMENT: For Asia, dealing with Europe isn’t about achieving success; it’s about concealing failure
To be taken seriously in Asia, Europe must rediscover the courage to deliver, not merely declare. Asia has moved on to execution. Europe is still editing its initial policy draft.
South Korea opens APEC summit focusing on connectivity and growth
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung chaired the opening session of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on the morning of October 31 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
Global leaders gather in Gyeongju to shape APEC cooperation
Global leaders are arriving in Gyeongju, the cultural hub of North Gyeongsang Province, as South Korea hosts the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss trade, technology and security.
The Arctic and Antarctica record "off the charts" heat as polar warming accelerates
Parts of both the Arctic and Antarctic have experienced historically high temperatures in recent weeks, with weather stations in East Antarctica recording record-breaking warmth for the month of October, alarming climate scientists.
COMMENT: Taiwan’s equality paradox - when “progressive” doesn’t mean equal
Taiwan’s insistence that women should have access to every privilege of citizenship - from political office to professional advancement - but not its responsibilities, undermines the moral foundation of its democracy.
US denies negotiating with China over Taiwan, as Beijing presses for reunification
Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, told reporters that the administration of Donald Trump is not contemplating any agreement that would compromise Taiwan’s status.
Asian economies weigh their options amid fears of over-reliance on Chinese rare-earths
Just how control over these critical minerals plays out will be a long fought battle lasting decades, and one that will increasingly define Asia’s industrial future.
Taiwan confirms first African swine fever outbreak
Authorities detected the virus on a pig farm in Wuqi District, Taichung, after 117 pigs died between October 10 and 20.
Taiwan’s KMT elects new leader
Cheng Li-wun, the only female contender among six candidates, defeated former Taipei mayor Hau Lung‑bin by a wide margin, winning over 50% of the ballot in the leadership race for Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang on October 18.
IMF: Global economic outlook shows modest change amid policy shifts and complex forces
Dialing down uncertainty, reducing vulnerabilities, and investing in innovation can help deliver durable economic gains.
Do 60,000 maps seized by authorities in China identify Taiwan as independent?
Chinese customs authorities in Shandong province have reportedly confiscated 60,000 maps destined for export after alleging they contained “serious mistakes” related to the depiction of Taiwan and the South China Sea.
The Asian nations backing the Russian war effort – from India to Taiwan, China to Indonesia
While many Asian nations have quietly distanced themselves from Moscow in a bid to fall into line with US or European allies, several continue to engage with Russia, providing varying degrees of support that help sustain its military campaign.
Japan’s new ‘Iron Lady’ Sanae Takaichi – a win for Taiwan, a slap in the face for China
Galling to China, Takaichi is said to be a regular visitor to Yasukuni Shrine, which, given its enshrinement of Japan’s war dead, including a number of convicted war criminals, is seen as a political slap in the face by Beijing.
Taiwan’s ruling DPP rocked by Chinese espionage within its own ranks
Wu Shang-yu, formerly attached to Taiwanese President William Lai’s office, was sentenced to four years.
Paraguay presses for Taiwan’s UN membership
Paraguay’s President, Santiago Peña, has urged the UN General Assembly to admit Taiwan as a full member, calling its exclusion a "long-standing injustice that undermines the credibility of the multilateral system."
Super typhoon Ragasa wreaks havoc across Asia
At least 14 have died in Taiwan after a barrier lake, swollen by heavy rains, burst its banks. The flood released more than 60mn tonnes of water into Guangfu township, destroying a bridge, submerging homes, and leaving 124 people missing.
Outcry in the Philippines over flood-control corruption as Super Typhoon Ragasa sweeps through
The series of protests showed one of the largest alliances against graft in recent times. From bishops and senators to farmers, urban poor residents and hobby cyclists, participants expressed impatience with scandals draining public resources.
Argentina’s meltdown, Asia’s dilemma
Argentina has been here before - the country having endured multiple financial meltdowns over the last half-century - each one leaving scars on its once vibrant society and economy.