Taiwan
COVID is back - a new "NB.1.8.1" strain is spreading across continents
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is back. Reports from health authorities around the world have detected a new highly contagious strain of the virus that has been spreading through Asia and has now reached Russia.
Harvard ban fallout: international students face a new era of uncertainty
While framed as a matter of national security, the decision has left over 7,000 international students scrambling for clarity, stability, and their futures.
White House orders cessation of semiconductor tech sales to China
The announcement caused initial stock declines for Synopsys, Cadence and potential acquisition target Ansys. Meanwhile, Chinese EDA firms like Empyrean Technology, Primarius and Semitronix are expanding their market presence.
Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum
Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children
Inside Malaysia’s $107bn semiconductor gamble
By betting big on chips, Malaysia is not just investing in factories and engineers, it’s investing in long-term technological sovereignty. As the global race for semiconductors accelerates, Malaysia is proving it intends to play for keeps.
US admits to 500 troops in Taiwan testing Beijing’s red lines
The US has admitted that it has approximately 500 military personnel stationed in Taiwan, breaking previous pledges not to post soldiers on the contested island.
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China shifts from global banker to leading debt collector
Once the primary provider of capital across much of the world, Beijing now finds itself at the receiving end of record repayments, particularly from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations.
ASIA BLOG: Taiwan on the international stage – inclusion is not a concession, it is common sense
It is increasingly absurd – and even dangerous – that Taiwan continues to be excluded from key international organisations such as the WHO, Interpol, ICAO and most prominently, the UN.
INTERVIEW: Karen Chen – adviser to the Taiwan Geothermal Association
Currently, there are over 20 geothermal projects either operational or under development across Taiwan with massive potential across – or under – the main island.
COMMENT: Why Japan-China relations remain key to Asian economic and regional stability
While headlines often dwell on the China-United States rivalry or regional disputes in the South China Sea, it is Sino-Japanese relations that may well determine the trajectory of Asia’s economic prosperity.
Lee VS Kim; a look at South Korea’s leading presidential candidates on foreign policy issues
Whichever way it goes, the result of the presidential election in Korea will play a crucial role in shaping both South Korea and the wider East Asia region’s geopolitical landscape for the foreseeable future.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
Taiwan’s leader urges renewed dialogue with China as tensions rise
Lai warned that any armed conflict would be disastrous for all parties and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities to deter any attempt by Beijing to seize the island by force.
ASIA BLOG: South Korea needs political stability now more than ever
iKorea's current political crisis is deeply troubling. The ongoing impeachment proceedings against the disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol, regardless of one’s political leanings, are not merely a domestic affair.
COMMENT: Taiwan is playing with darkness by abandoning nuclear power
Japan has restarted many of its nuclear reactors, recognising their role in energy security and climate targets. South Korea has also reinstated nuclear as a core component of its energy strategy. Taiwan, by contrast, is marching backwards.
Currency appreciation in Taiwan sparks concern in business and on the street
Over the past week, the New Taiwan Dollar has experienced a significant appreciation against the US dollar, surging nearly 6% in a month and marking its largest single-day gain since the 1980s.
COMMENT: Why Asia should not follow the failed European model
Over the past 15 years, Europe’s trade frameworks have faltered, integration has stalled, and a number of its core political and economic ideas have failed under real-world pressure.
ASIA BLOG: Beijing’s South China Sea strategy is about Taiwan — and the world needs to sit up and take notice
Even as Taiwan is described as potentially the most dangerous flashpoint in Asia, it is actually the fulcrum upon which the future of the Indo-Pacific — and by extension the global balance of power — may pivot.
COMMENT: Lessons from Ukraine suggest India will not go to war with Pakistan
The vast economic and demographic imbalance between India and Pakistan strongly favours New Delhi in any theoretical war between the two rivals. Yet, lessons from the ongoing war in Ukraine suggest that India cannot win a total war.
Russia backs Beijing's 'One China' claims over Taiwan
Taiwan is a self-governed island democracy that has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party regardless of claims to the contrary by Beijing. Despite this, China views the island as a breakaway province.