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Articles by Patrick Chen
Invasive Green Iguanas Spread to Taiwan's Southeast
Published 11/04/2026 14:53 Updated 11/04/2026 14:54 By Patrick Chen/Sandy Chi Invasive green iguanas continue to be a problem Taiwan, with more than 200,000 of them removed as of the end of October. While most have been spotted in the south of the country, sightings are becoming increasingly common in the southeastern county of Taitung. Authorities are working with professional removal teams and trained members of the public to capture the reptiles and bring their population under control.
Chinese Military Sorties Around Taiwan Hit Single-Day High for 2026
Published 11/03/2026 15:24 Updated 11/03/2026 16:27 By Dolphine Chen/Patrick Chen/Lery Hiciano Taiwan's defense ministry says it detected 49 Chinese military aircraft, six naval vessels and six official ships operating around Taiwan between Monday and Tuesday morning. According to the ministry, 31 of the aircraft crossed into areas closer to Taiwan's main island. The ministry said the total number of aircraft detected was the highest recorded in a single 24-hour period so far in 2026.
Over a Hundred Galleries Represented at This Year's Art Taipei Fair
The annual Art Taipei fair is underway, bringing together galleries from Taiwan and around the world to showcase a diverse range of art. Among the highlights are works by Indigenous Taiwanese artists using art to explore how their communities navigate questions of identity, modernization and social change.
Global Race to Patch PHP Flaw as Millions of Cyberattacks Target Websites
Companies and governments worldwide are rushing to patch critical flaws in the widely used PHP programming language. They are in a race against hackers who have launched millions of attacks to exploit the vulnerabilities. From Tokyo to Helsinki, preemptive emergency shutdowns have hit banking, airlines, rail networks, tax offices and government services. Taiwan’s digital ministry is among those moving to contain the threat.
Analysis: NSB Warns of Rising Cyberattacks Ahead of Elections
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau warns that Chinese cyberattacks and disinformation efforts are ramping up ahead of local elections. TaiwanPlus spoke with Crystal Tu, an assistant research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research who says the attacks may help China gather intelligence on Taiwan’s political environment and undermine public trust in government institutions.
Taiwanese Tattooist Jimmy Shy Taps Into History
Published 10/20/2026 16:04 Updated 10/20/2026 20:50 By Yuan Tuan/Patrick Chen/Alec MacDonald/Bryn Thomas Taipei-born tattoo artist Jimmy Shy is making waves in the United States. Known for his vibrant colors and Asian motifs, his style is commonly described as American Traditional, or sometimes Hong Kong traditional. In an interview we discuss his body of work, his influences including Pinky Yun, and the little-known history of tattooing in Asia. This video was re-uploaded to correct a typo.
Taiwan Hits Back After China Sanctions Officials From Paraguay and Belize
Published 10/13/2026 15:54 Updated 10/13/2026 16:51 By Devin Tsai/Patrick Chen/Lery Hiciano Taiwan has condemned China's latest sanctions as a new form of transnational repression. China has imposed sanctions on officials from Paraguay and Belize, two of Taiwan’s 12 remaining diplomatic allies. Paraguay and Belize have rejected Beijing’s pressure and reaffirmed their ties with Taipei.
People Working Past Retirement Age on the Rise
Across Taiwan 11% of people 65 and older are still working. It’s a number that’s grown within the past five years and could continue growing as the population’s steadily declines—with fewer newborns to rebalance the country’s demographics. The labor ministry says about half of the older workforce stays in the job market because, financially, they have no other choice. TAIPEI: "Some people don’t have children they can rely on.
The MoCA Memory Index Score (MIS) as an indicator of episodic memory impairment and its implications for cognitive screening in a mixed clinical sample
Abstract Objective The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Memory Index Score (MIS) has shown promise as a brief indicator of episodic memory decline, but its correspondence with standardized neuropsychological memory measures in diagnostically heterogeneous clinical populations remains poorly understood. Methods Participants were 119 adults referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation at a Southern California academic medical center for a range of neurological conditions.
Taiwan Newborn Gender Ratio Nears Balance as Traditional Preferences Fade
Published 10/07/2026 19:50 By Patrick Chen/Irene Lin Ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, Taiwan's Health Promotion Administration released long-term birth statistics showing that the nation's gender ratio at birth has steadily moved closer to natural balance, decreasing from 1.107 male births per female birth in 2004 to 1.072 in 2025. The data comes as many parents move away from a traditional preference for sons.
Taiwan Considers Clinic Subsidies To Ease Holiday ER Crowding
Published 10/06/2026 14:26 By Patrick Chen/Irene Lin During recent extended consecutive holidays, major medical centers across Taiwan experienced unprecedented surges in emergency room patients. Because most neighborhood clinics close during public holidays, patients with minor illnesses overflow into emergency departments. In response, Taiwan's health ministry is meeting with medical representatives to discuss adopting Lunar New Year-style subsidy models.
Trump and AI Leaders Agree to 'Morally Binding' Voluntary Safety Standards
Published 09/30/2026 16:57 Updated 09/30/2026 17:03 By Patrick Chen/Ai Chi US President Donald Trump has met with US tech leaders at the White House, including top executives from from Nvidia, xAI, Meta, Google, OpenAI and Anthropic. The companies agreed to “morally binding” voluntary standards for responsible AI development, including internal controls, independent audits and board oversight. The meeting comes amid growing concerns about AI safety and the impact of expanding datacenters.
Analysis: What Apple’s Foldable iPhone Means for Taiwan Suppliers
Apple has entered the foldable smartphone market with the iPhone Duo. The release comes as the smartphone industry faces continued pressure from rising component costs. TaiwanPlus speaks to TrendForce Research Vice President Boyce Fan about how the new release could impact Taiwanese suppliers.
Taiwan-Japan Defense Forum Highlights Regional Stability and Drone Cooperation
A visiting delegation of Japanese lawmakers highlighted the importance of regional stability and the stakes it holds for both Taiwan and Japan.
Sports Ministry's Fitness Vouchers Top 500,000 Handouts in First Week
A new cash incentive is here to encourage people in Taiwan to stay fit... Those who work out and provide digital proof with time stamps can qualify for a weekly voucher of about 2 US dollars. And there’s been a strong response in the first week of the initiative. FANG REI-WEN, SPORTS FOR ALL AGENCY, SPORTS MINISTRY: "We’ve received the latest information that there’s been over 500,000 handouts. I believe we will hit the 2 million mark soon." The program recognizes a 30-minute workout session...
Lutnick: Taiwan To Bring 40% of Semiconductor Production to US
Published 09/03/2026 19:36 Updated 09/03/2026 20:02 By Patrick Chen/Ai Chi US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says Taiwan plans to invest another US$20–30 billion in the US and has agreed to move 40% of its chip production there, according to an interview with CNBC on Wednesday. The remarks come as Washington prepares new semiconductor tariffs targeting companies that do not manufacture in the US.
Semicon Taiwan 2026 Kicks Off in Taipei
Published 09/02/2026 18:56 Updated 09/02/2026 19:06 By Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Semicon Taiwan 2026 is underway in Taipei with 1,300 exhibitors and over 100,000 expected visitors, highlighting Taiwan’s key role in the global AI chip boom. Officials and industry leaders forecast strong growth, while Taiwan plans to expand chip capabilities and energy capacity to meet rising AI demand.
Analysis: Defense Ministry Warns of China's Military Expansion
Published 09/01/2026 19:23 Updated 09/01/2026 19:41 By Patrick Chen/Lery Hiciano Taiwan's defense ministry has delivered three reports to lawmakers, including its closely watched assessment of China's military power. INDSR research fellow Su Tzu-yun says this year's report places greater emphasis on China's amphibious assault capabilities, expanding helicopter fleet and development of uncrewed systems, compared with last year's focus on missile forces.
Taipei Metro’s New Red Line Terminal Opens After 10-Year Build
Published 08/31/2026 15:28 By Patrick Chen/Irene Lin Taipei Metro’s Red Line has officially extended one stop past Xiangshan Station as the new Guangci/Fengtian Temple Station welcomes its first passengers. Built over a decade through challenging underground terrain, the 10-story deep station offers improved transit connectivity for residents and visitors heading to the nearby temples and hills. A new Taipei metro station... packed with first-time riders on Sunday...
Taiwan Election Authorities Reject Flogging, Traffic Fine Referendum Proposals
Published 08/29/2026 15:27 By Patrick Chen/Leslie Liao Taiwan’s election authorities have rejected two referendum proposals ahead of the country’s local elections in November. One proposal, backed by the main opposition Kuomintang, sought to introduce flogging as an alternative punishment for serious crimes, including sexual assault, child abuse and serious fraud. The Central Election Commission rejected it on legal and human rights grounds.
Taiwan's Major Cities Propose Local Gov't Association
Published 08/21/2026 15:18 By Patrick Chen/Tiffany Wong The governments of Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung and Taoyuan gathered with the leaders of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy to announce a new initiative for a local government association. They hope it can support cities to help each other, and also connect Taiwan's local governments with cities in other countries, as a form of diplomacy.
Taiwan Gov't Pushes Back on Xiamen’s Cross-Strait Outreach
A coastal city in China is proposing measures to deepen ties with Taiwan, including a bridge linking one of Taiwan's outlying islands to the Chinese coast. But Taipei says it has no plans to pursue such projects, which cannot be decided by one side alone.
Taipei Simulates Treating Wounded Troops in Annual Military Exercise
A week into Taiwan’s 10-day Han Kuang military exercise, troops in Taipei are practicing how to treat serious battlefield injuries. The casualty-care drill comes after live-fire exercises on Taiwan’s strategically important outlying Penghu islands.
Typhoon Dolphin Brings Heavy Rainfall to Northern Taiwan
Northern Taiwan has seen heavy rain and strong winds from Typhoon Dolphin, which has been responsible for injuries to five people and over 200 incidents of damage. The storm, currently classified as a moderate typhoon and expected to weaken, is now moving away from Taiwan and toward China.
Should Morning-After Pills Remain Prescription-Only in Taiwan?
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Hank Hsu/Klein Wang/Ting Yeh Publish Date - 07/27/2026 A proposal in Taiwan to track three prescription drugs, including two emergency contraceptives, has reignited debate over access to the morning-after pill. Pharmacists and women’s rights groups say a delay in taking the pill can reduce its effectiveness, while medical professionals remain divided over whether they should be available directly from pharmacies under pharmacist supervision.
Analysis: Taiwan's Recent Market Volatility and Future Outlook
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 07/20/2026 Taiwan's stock market has been volatile recently, plummeting last Friday after TSMC announced record Q2 figures and another US$100 billion investment in the US. The market rallied but Monday's gains were short-lived. TaiwanPlus speaks to Nolan Chen, an analyst at Inclusion Securities Investment Consultant Co., to learn what's really driving these market changes. TSMC Stock market TAIEX Taiwan Republic of China
Analysis: How TSMC Keeps Taiwan Ahead Despite US Expansion - TaiwanPlus
Lily LaMattina (REPORTER): TSMC just announced an extra $100 billion US dollars to expand its capacity in the US. What is the significance of this latest investment, and why do you think it's happening now? Jason Ho (SENIOR ADVISOR, QUANTUM INTERNATIONAL CORP): This is a strategy of using investment to secure future growth while strengthening ties with top US AI customers. AI chip demand continues to outstrip supply.
TSMC Pledges Another US$100 Billion for Arizona Expansion
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Lily LaMattina Publish Date - 07/16/2026 TSMC has announced it plans to spend another US$100 billion in Arizona to further expand its chip production in the US. CEO and Chair C.C. Wei announced the new investment at TSMC's earnings conference in Taipei, where the company reported another quarter of record profits.
Analysis: Could an AI Market Correction Threaten Taiwan’s Growth?
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Lily LaMattina Publish Date - 07/09/2026 Taiwan has benefited from the AI boom, but global growth risks are rising. An AI market correction and slower investment could put pressure on the island’s biggest growth driver. Darson Chiu, director-general of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry, explains why.
Taipei Exhibition Preserves Legacy of Hong Kong's Apple Daily - TaiwanPlus
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Lily LaMattina Publish Date - 06/19/2026
Communities in Rural Japan Train To Deal With Bear Encounters - TaiwanPlus
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Bryn Thomas Publish Date - 06/18/2026 Authorities in central Japan's Tochigi Prefecture have carried out a bear attack response drill as concerns grow over increasing encounters between humans and bears as climate change, habitat shifts and rural depopulation push bears closer to populated areas. Police Japan Bear Wildlife Wild Animal Rogue Bears in Japan REPORTER: What would you do if attacked by a bear?
Weeklong Storm Front Puts Taiwan on High Alert With Strong Winds and Rain
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Irene Lin Publish Date - 06/09/2026 A powerful storm system is sweeping across Taiwan, bringing intense downpours and strong winds that have seen work and school suspended in parts of six cities and counties. In Hualien, first responders rescued a man swept away by a surging river after a 15-hour search.
Analysis: Intel's CEO Hails Taiwan as 'Silicon Island' as COMPUTEX Opens
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Devin Tsai/Ai Chi Publish Date - 06/02/2026 COMPUTEX 2026 kicked off with keynote speeches from the heads of Qualcomm, Marvell and Intel. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan praised Taiwan's role in the global semiconductor supply chain, calling it a "silicon island." TaiwanPlus speaks with semiconductor expert Marco Mezger, executive vice president and COO of Neumonda, to discuss Tan's remarks and Taiwan's role in the global AI supply chain. Semiconductors Computex Taiwan Intel
Keelung Gets New Lease on Life
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/John Van Trieste Publish Date - 05/28/2026
Three Taiwanese Yiguangdao Worshippers Detained in China
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 05/23/2026
Uber's Beitou Motorcycle Transport Service Plan Faces US$790,000 Fine Threat
Ride-hailing giant Uber is eyeing a trial service for motorcycle taxis in the hillside town of Beitou, modeled after the area's decades-old local tradition. However, Taiwan’s transportation ministry warns the plan is illegal, as current regulations only permit four-wheeled vehicles for commercial transport. Uber could face fines up to US$790,000 if the unauthorized pilot plan goes forward.
Lai Proposes New Subsidies To Turn Around Taiwan’s Birth Rate Crisis
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Irene Lin/Tiffany Wong Publish Date - 05/21/2026 President Lai Ching-te has called Taiwan's fertility crisis a “national security issue” and proposed new monthly subsidies of around US$150 per month for all children through age 18. But policy experts warn cash incentives alone may not solve deeper problems facing young families.
Analysis: The Motives Behind Trump’s Upcoming Visit to China
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 05/12/2026
Spycams Found in Cosmetic Surgery Clinics Spark Nationwide Probe
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Tiffany Wong Publish Date - 05/11/2026
Taiwan Stocks Hit Record High Amid Tech Rally and Optimism Over Iran Peace Talks
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 05/07/2026
Cybersec 2026: Taiwan Firms Use Chip Prowess To Advance Cybersecurity
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 05/05/2026
Bloomberg: Germany and Czech Republic Denied Lai Transit Request
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Leslie Liao Publish Date - 04/30/2026
Shanghai Tourism Reps Visit Kinmen After Beijing Relaxes Restrictions
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Cadence Quaranta Publish Date - 04/29/2026
Taiwan Unions Demand Housing, Pay Reform in Taiwan
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Tiffany Wong Publish Date - 04/28/2026 Members of a dozen labor unions gathered outside Taiwan’s Cabinet building ahead of Labor Day, calling for better housing benefits and stronger retirement protections. Union members say rising living costs and low wages are making it difficult for young people to start families, while leaving older workers unable to save for retirement. Executive Yuan Housing Protest Wages Labor Day Labor Cost of Living
Analysis: Is China Closing the Gap With the US in the AI Chip Race?
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Lily LaMattina Publish Date - 04/23/2026 How quickly is China closing the gap with the US in the chip industry? For the latest developments in the US-China AI chip race, our reporter Lily LaMattina spoke with Olivia Shen, director of the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. She explains how controls on AI chips could influence the Trump-Xi meeting next month, where both sides want to see trade wins.
Hualien Rock Balancing and Art Festival Hit by Lack of Big Stones
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Sandy Chi Publish Date - 04/22/2026
Young Taiwanese Wins Silver Medal at Asian Skateboarding Championships
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Sandy Chi Publish Date - 04/14/2026
Analysis: What's Behind China’s New Cross-Strait Measures?
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Lily LaMattina Publish Date - 04/13/2026 China has announced 10 new policy measures it says will deepen ties with Taiwan's economy, following KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun’s meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. TaiwanPlus speaks with Professor Chiou Jiunn-rong from National Central University about whether these are normal tools for trade and integration, or if Beijing has an underlying political agenda.
Taiwan Keeps Feul Prices Unchanged Amid Energy Market Turmoil
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 04/06/2026
Central Bank Hints at Interest Rate Hike if Energy Prices Remain High
Reporter/Provider - Patrick Chen/Ai Chi Publish Date - 03/30/2026
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