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Articles by Eason Chen
Taipei Prosecutors Probe Chinese Software Used in Taiwan Foreign Ministry System
Four people have been summoned and released on bail as Taipei prosecutors launch an investigation into how Chinese cybersecurity tools got into Taiwan's foreign ministry. A preliminary investigation found that three Taiwanese companies had repackaged Chinese software as Taiwanese. They then won a bid to have that software used in the information management system for the Foreign Ministry’s overseas offices since 2023.
President Lai Reaffirms Defense Buildup as Taiwan Marks National Day
Here in front of the Presidential Office, Taiwan is celebrating its National Day. In his address, President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed his commitment to boosting the country’s defense amid growing threats from China. But Lai stressed that building up Taiwan’s defenses is about deterring conflict, not provoking it. LAI CHING-TE, TAIWAN PRESIDENT: "Our aim by increasing investment in national defense is not to provoke. Rather, it is to deter war.
Exclusive: US Delegation in Taiwan Calls for Peace Through Economic Strength
Published 10/09/2026 17:25 Updated 10/09/2026 19:09 By Joseph Wu/Eason Chen/Devin Tsai/Tiffany Wong A US congressional delegation led by Representative Brendan Boyle is wrapping up its visit to Taiwan. Boyle, the ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee, was joined by fellow Democratic representatives Tim Kennedy and Andrea Salinas. During their four-day visit, the delegation met with President Lai Ching-te, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and other senior officials.
Eswatini King Among Over 200 Foreign Guests Expected at Taiwan National Day
Eswatini's King Mswati III is in Taiwan for the country's National Day celebrations on Saturday. He is among over 200 foreign guests expected to attend this year's festivities.
Analysis: N. Korean Criticism of US Military Sales to Taiwan
For more on North Korea’s position on the Taiwan Strait, John Van Trieste spoke to Lin Chih-hao, Korea expert at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research. North Korea condemning the US is nothing unusual. But is their commenting on the situation in the Taiwan Strait rather than just on the Korean Peninsula significant? LIN CHIH-HAO, NORTH KOREA RESEARCHER INDSR: "Since 2023, [N. Korean leader] Kim Jong Un’s government has mentioned Taiwan multiple times.
India’s Transgender Care Faces New Legal Uncertainty
Published 10/07/2026 18:32 Updated 10/07/2026 19:48 By Eason Chen/Michael Reid India’s transgender community is facing growing uncertainty over access to gender-affirming care following an amendment to the country’s legislation. The law introduces penalties for using hormones or surgery to force someone into a transgender identity.
Taiex Hits Over 49,800 Points, Setting New Intraday and Closing Records
Published 10/06/2026 15:40 Updated 10/06/2026 16:27 By Eason Chen/Ai Chi Taiwan’s stock market continues its record-breaking run, with the Taiex approaching 50,000 points, driven by strong gains in AI-related tech stocks and chip heavyweight TSMC. Industry experts see further upsides but warn that valuations are elevated. With Taiwan now the world’s fourth-largest equity market, investors are watching whether the AI-fueled rally can continue. TSMC Stock market AI Taiwan Republic of China
Analysis: Taiwan Celebrities and Taiwan-China Tensions
So there have been a number of Taiwanese celebrities who perform on both sides of the Taiwan Strait who've run into some politically sensitive situations lately. And one reason is the upcoming election.
Allianz Ranks Taiwan Fifth in Global Personal Wealth as Stocks Surge
The AI boom has not just lifted Taiwan’s economy, it’s also sent the local stock market soaring. And that means investors’ portfolios are growing. A new report by German asset manager Allianz now ranks Taiwan fifth in the world when it comes to individual net assets, at about 185 thousand US dollars per person. But do people here feel any richer? MAN NO. 1 (VOX POP): “I think the money is still sitting in people's accounts or in stocks. So whether people really feel richer I don’t think so.” MAN NO.
Analysis: 'Chipflation’ Reshaping the Smartphone Market
The Smartphone Price Squeeze NEIL SHAH, CO-FOUNDER COUNTERPOINT RESEARCH: “Yeah. So, uh, because of the rising memory prices, we are seeing the overall cost of the devices going up, especially what is happening in the lower end of the devices where they are getting so costly that you cannot launch new devices. And that is resulting in almost 14% drop this year. And next year it will be 3 to 4% drop.
US Says Taiwan Policy Unchanged After Trump-Xi Summit
Published 09/26/2026 16:55 Updated 09/26/2026 17:08 By Eason Chen/Ai Chi US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping concluded their three-day Washington summit, with Taiwan among the key issues discussed. China urged Washington to oppose Taiwan independence, but US Ambassador to China David Perdue said there was “no change” in US Taiwan policy.
Taiwan's Aging Houses Highlight Demand for Urban Renewal
The average age of a building in Taipei is 40 years. Taiwan's aging city landscapes are highlighting a need for urban renewal and the better safety standards they bring.
Analysis: Taiwan's Growing Maritime Security Ties With the Philippines
Published 09/18/2026 14:39 By Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Taiwan and the Philippines are seeing major new developments in maritime and diplomatic ties. To find out what these new exchanges mean for Taiwan's international presence, TaiwanPlus spoke with Ray Powell, founder of the Sealight Foundation, which tracks gray-zone maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific region. Coast guard Taipei Philippines Taiwan Diplomacy Southeast Asia Republic of China Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Taipei Government
Taiwan Plans To Open New Mission in Cebu, Philippines
Taiwan's foreign minister says that the country plans to open an new mission in the Philippines, located in Cebu City.
Group Charged With Seeking To Traffic Taiwanese Nationals for Organ Harvesting
Published 09/10/2026 13:50 Updated 09/10/2026 15:06 By Eason Chen/John Van Trieste Members of an alleged criminal ring have been charged with seeking to sell Taiwanese nationals to Chinese organ harvesters. Prosecutors say the group, which included minors, lured potential victims with fake job ads. Investigators search for clues in this house, where they think they’ve busted an organ harvesting ring.
Northern Taiwan Battered by Rain While Southern Taiwan Gets Respite
Northern Taiwan saw intense rain on Friday, prompting schools to shut down due to extreme weather. Over in the southern part of the country, locals were given a chance to recover after days of continual deluge.
Analysis: Taiwan's Chip Industry Amid Semicon Taiwan 2026 and the AI Boom
Published 09/03/2026 19:45 Updated 09/03/2026 20:45 By Eason Chen/Andy Hsueh/Ai Chi TaiwanPlus speaks with Terry Tsao, president of SEMI Taiwan, during Semicon Taiwan 2026 to discuss industry trends and the outlook for the semiconductor sector, as well as Taiwan’s challenges and opportunities amid the AI boom and geopolitical shifts, including US reshoring efforts. US Semiconductors Trade AI Technology Tariff U.S.-Taiwan Ties Taiwan Tech United States USA Chip Artificial intelligence SEMICON
16-Year-Old Athlete Becomes Taiwan’s Youngest Asian Games Jiu-Jitsu Grappler
Published 08/28/2026 20:19 By Eason Chen/Bryn Thomas At just 16 years old, Taiwanese high school student Hsu Ching-chih is set to make history as the youngest athlete to represent Chinese Taipei in jiu-jitsu at the upcoming 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Competing in the adult division, Hsu will face opponents up to 30 years old with significantly more physical strength and years of experience.
Taiwan’s First Female Asian Games Jiu-Jitsu Athlete Prepares for Nagoya Debut
Breaking Barriers in Nagoya Taiwan sends first female jiujiteiro to Asian Games REPORTER: Shen Yu-Chin, also known as Bella, is treading a new path for women in Taiwan – one that's leading her onto the mats in Japan. After years of training and competition, she'll soon become the first Taiwanese woman to compete in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the Asian Games. Shen Yu-Chin: As I kept training, I started competing in tournaments and I found myself getting drawn to the path of being a competitive athlete.
How Taiwanese American Businesses Dealt With Trump's Tariffs
Two Taiwanese American businesses that rely heavily on imports recount how they overcame Trump's substantial "Liberation Day" tariffs on Taiwanese goods.
A European Conductor's Bond With a Taiwan Saxophone Group
A renowned European conductor has been returning to Taiwan almost every year for nearly a decade to work with the country’s saxophonists. Over the years, they have developed a strong connection and brought Taiwan’s unique music to audiences around the world.
Legislature Approves US$93 Billion Budget for 2026 After Record Delay
Taiwan’s legislature has passed a US$93 billion budget for 2026 with just a third of the year left. The record delay prompted Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu to call for it not to happen again, as lawmakers prepare to review the central government's 2027 budget.
Global Matcha Craze Pushes Up Prices, Sparks Debate Around Tradition - TaiwanPlus
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Ted Chen/Yvonne Yang Publish Date - 08/04/2026 The global matcha craze is driving demand from New York cafés to Uji, Japan, the birthplace of matcha, where centuries-old tea producers are struggling to keep up with demand. Raw matcha leaf prices have nearly doubled in a year, forcing even long-established tea companies to buy from outside sources.
Hundreds of Thousands Evacuated as Spain and France Battle Powerful Wildfires
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/John Van Trieste Publish Date - 07/28/2026 Firefighters in Spain and France are trying to contain huge wildfires that have forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in both countries. A fresh heat wave of heat could complicate matters as the flames near urban areas.
Rally in Taipei Amid Anger Over Tainted Cooking Oil Scandal
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/John Van Trieste Publish Date - 07/26/2026 Thousands rallied in Taipei Saturday to protest a tainted cooking oil scandal, the latest in a string of food safety scares in the past few decades. Politicians are divided over the issue across party lines, and health experts say there are more steps needed to stop this kind of scandal from happening again.
Taiwan Mangoes Reach Shelves Abroad Amid Excellent Season
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/John Van Trieste Publish Date - 06/25/2026 Mango season is underway in Taiwan, and amid an abundant season, the fruits are beginning to hit store shelves abroad. Exports have dropped sharply since China banned Taiwan mangoes in 2023, but the government is working to bring the numbers back up with new markets.
Taiwan Practices River Defenses as China's Fujian Carrier Transits Strait
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/John Su/Lery Hiciano Publish Date - 06/24/2026 Taiwan's military entered day three of its combat readiness drills, focusing on defending the Tamsui River, a key waterway leading into central Taipei. In central Taiwan, HIMARS rocket systems took part in the exercises for the first time. The drills come as China's newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, transited the Taiwan Strait, highlighting growing concerns over the country's security.
Where Do US-Taiwan Ties Stand After Trump-Xi Summit? - TaiwanPlus
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Luffy Li/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 06/23/2026
Military Drills Focus on Defending Key Port Near Taipei
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Lery Hiciano Publish Date - 06/23/2026 Taiwan's military carried out combat readiness exercises near Taipei Port as part of five-day drills. The exercises involved various units practicing critical infrastructure defense near the capital, a vital strategic location in strengthening deterrence.
KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun’s Washington Visit Draws Praise and Protest
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 06/13/2026 Kuomintang Chair Cheng Li-wun has wrapped up the Washington leg of her US trip, where she defended her party’s approach to Taiwan’s defense spending and called for dialogue with Beijing. Her visit drew close attention from both Taiwanese and American observers. While Cheng received support from some audiences, protesters and critics also questioned her positions and influence in Washington.
KMT Chair Says She's Met With Nine Members of US Congress
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 06/12/2026
KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun Meets US Lawmakers in Washington, DC - TaiwanPlus
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 06/11/2026
Analysis: What are the KMT Chair's Goals in the US?
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 06/09/2026
Hundreds of Supporters Welcome KMT Chair to New York
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 06/08/2026
Taiwan Sees Growth in Inbound And Outbound Travel
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 05/31/2026
Taiwan People's Party Head Urges US Congress To Codify Six Assurances
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 05/28/2026
Former Foreign Minister Timothy Yang Dies Aged 83
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 05/26/2026
From Propaganda To Protest: Taiwan’s History Through Media
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Tiffany Wong Publish Date - 05/25/2026 A new exhibition at the National Taiwan Museum explores how media shaped public opinion from the colonial era through martial law and democratization. Featuring more than 200 artifacts, the exhibit traces how governments used propaganda tools like radio, trains and newspapers, while pro-democracy activists later used underground publications and new technology to challenge authoritarian rule.
Trump: Will Discuss Arms Sales to Taiwan With Xi Jinping
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 05/12/2026
Disagreement Continues Over New Special Defense Budget
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/John Van Trieste Publish Date - 05/10/2026 Taiwan's legislature green-lit a special defense budget on Friday, but its passage doesn't mean partisan disagreements over it and concerns over implementation have ended. Still, the budget comes at a significant moment, just days ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Taiwan Passes US$25 Billion Defense Budget Bill After Months of Deadlock
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Lery Hiciano Publish Date - 05/08/2026 Taiwan Lawmakers Pass $25 Billion Defense Bill After Stalemate REPORTER: After months of deadlock and debate over several competing proposals, Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has passed a compromise special defense budget plan for $25 billion US dollars. The role of an opposition party is to strike the best possible balance between national security and fiscal stability.
Back to the Blue: Four Pygmy Killer Whales Rescued and Released in Taiwan
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Sandy Chi Publish Date - 05/07/2026 Four pygmy killer whales are back in the wild after a successful 30-hour rescue mission off Taiwan's northern coast. The dolphins were found beached on Tuesday and quickly moved to the Badouzi rescue center, where veterinarians discovered one of them was pregnant. Following overnight care by conservationists and exhausted volunteers, the group was cleared for release.
Politicians React to Suspension of Taiwan President's Africa Trip
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Howard Chang/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/22/2026
Reactions Pour in Over Lai’s Postponed Overseas Trip to Eswatini
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Howard Chang/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/22/2026
Analysis: President Lai Visits Eswatini Amid Growing Chinese Influence in Africa
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/20/2026 President Lai Ching-te is set to visit Eswatini this week, Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, marking his first trip to the continent since taking office. The visit comes as China continues to expand its influence in the region. To find out more about Taiwan-Eswatini ties and what the president's goals are, TaiwanPlus speaks with Leonard Chao, Taiwan's former ambassador to Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland.
Xi Stresses Shared Chinese Identity in Meeting With KMT Chair
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Luffy Li/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/10/2026 A highly anticipated meeting between the leader of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang, Cheng Li-wun, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping took place on Friday morning in Beijing.
Kuomintang Leader's Controversial Trip to China
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/07/2026
NASA Launches Artemis II, First Manned Moon Mission in 50 Years
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/02/2026
Kuomintang Chair Cheng Li-wun Accepts Xi's Invitation To Visit China
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 03/30/2026
Taiwan To Raise Fuel Prices Again as Middle East Conflict Continues
Reporter/Provider - Eason Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 03/29/2026
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