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Lawrence Chung
Taipei
Lawrence Chung covers major news in Taiwan, ranging from presidential and parliament elections to killer earthquakes and typhoons. Most of his reports focus on Taiwan’s relations with China, specifically on the impact and possible developments of cross-strait relations under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party and mainland-friendly Kuomintang governments. Before starting work at the South China Morning Post in 2006, he wrote for Reuters and AFP for more than 12 years.
Lawrence Chung covers major news in Taiwan, ranging from presidential and parliament elections to killer earthquakes and typhoons. Most of his reports focus on Taiwan’s relations with China, specifically on the impact and possible developments of cross-strait relations under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party and mainland-friendly Kuomintang governments. Before starting work at the South China Morning Post in 2006, he wrote for Reuters and AFP for more than 12 years.
Island’s air force suspends all T-34C flight training operations and orders fleet-wide inspections following accident at Gangshan Air Base.
Surge in mainland Chinese coastguard vessels around the Dongsha over past year fuels concerns in Taiwan, with navy tasked to help respond.
American defence contractors say such deals can offer greater flexibility and faster procurement amid Beijing’s mounting military pressure.
The delegation is being led by former general Charles Flynn, who has become one of the most outspoken US military voices on Taiwan.
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Taiwan’s defence minister says Washington has not notified the island of any pause to a US$14 billion weapons package.
Plan to discuss US$14 billion arms package with island’s leader would anger Beijing and raise questions about US policy, analysts say.
William Lai portrays his government as responding firmly to mainland pressure, days after Trump said he did not support Taiwan independence.
Critics in Taiwan argue the island’s leader and his Democratic Progressive Party are rolling back decades of rhetoric under US pressure.
Apec meeting in Suzhou next week highlights Beijing’s attempts to balance Taiwan stance with responsibilities as forum host, analysts say.
Managing ‘Taiwan question’ to be primary factor for ‘constructive strategic stability’ in ties over the next three years, analysts note.
Coming Xi-Trump summit has triggered renewed anxiety in Taiwan about becoming a bargaining chip in broader negotiations.
Taipei fears US leader’s transactional approach to diplomacy could turn the island into a bargaining chip for a broader Sino-American deal.
Taiwan’s main opposition parties have cleared special defence budget bill after months of fractious debate and infighting.
Kuomintang chairwoman says hostility towards mainland is a product of political engineering that does not reflect reality of Taiwan.
Taiwan must choose peace over war, opposition party chairwoman Cheng Li-wun says, as she reflects on her visit to mainland China to meet Xi Jinping and upcoming trip to US.
The opposition party can’t agree on what spending package to back despite warnings it could hurt its prospects in this year’s elections.
Lai travels to island sole African ally after earlier visit cancelled because of overflight permission withdrawn.
KMT chairwoman will test her cross-strait message when she meets think tanks, overseas Taiwanese and potentially policymakers in America.
Battalion commander’s screening stirs debate over Beijing’s state-led messaging to sway opinions on the self-ruled island.
Acquisition marks the biggest upgrade to Taiwan’s armoured forces in decades as island moves to bolster northern defence.
Maybe, analysts say, but there are big barriers to fielding the uncrewed vessels on the scale needed.
Beijing denies using economic coercion to derail Taiwanese leader’s visit to African ally.
Results also suggest a more pragmatic public mood on cross-strait relations, with many respondents favouring dialogue over confrontation.
Taiwan blames Beijing for the move, which forced William Lai to put off visit to eSwatini, the island’s sole remaining partner in Africa.
The island’s government has sparked a row by accusing industry groups of bowing to pressure from mainland China.
Island vulnerable to panic should real-world crisis happen ‘because we are unprepared’, security scholar says.
Measures spark hopes for hard-hit sectors in possible KMT poll boost, but ruling DPP warns about economic access as a ‘political tool’.
The recent conflict has raised questions about whether the island could keep fighting if its air defences were targeted by the PLA.
It largely depends on Cheng’s Kuomintang regaining power in Taiwan, analysts say.
