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Politics & Society

How the Sunflower Movement changed Taiwan

A decade after the Sunflower Movement, Taiwan continues to drift apart from China. However, the new political landscape and third-party forces once highly anticipated have now taken divergent paths.

Ryan Hass on U.S.-Taiwan-China triangle: turbulence ahead but manageable

A few days after Taiwan’s presidential election, Ryan Hass, a foreign policy analyst and the director of the Brookings Institution's John L. Thornton China Center, spoke to an audience of 200 top Taiwanese business leaders at the 2024 CommonWealth Economic Forum. He emphasized that the U.S.-China-Taiwan triangle is likely to experience manageable turbulence in 2024, with leaders in Taipei, Beijing, and Washington having strong incentives to avoid uncontrolled spikes in tensions.

The fight in Taiwan for better migrant worker conditions

Often burdened by heavy brokerage fees needed to get and keep their jobs, some of the 750,000 foreign workers employed in Taiwan feel pressure to leave their legal employers to make ends meet. How seriously is Taiwan taking the challenge?

Politics & Society
ECFA Trade War

Which industry is next on China’s hit list?

China has canceled preferential ECFA tariff rates for 12 Taiwanese petrochemical industry products. Has Beijing’s stance toward Taiwanese businesses changed? And which industries could be impacted under the next wave of reprisals?

Roundtable highlights 2024 elections preparation in Taiwan Dissecting Taiwan's election polls, trends

The recent "Taiwan Goes to The Polls" roundtable organized by ICRT and TVBS World Taiwan, coincided with the release of a TVBS Poll Center survey, offering insights into Taiwan's political climate ahead of the presidential election. What are the trends and opportunities in 2024?

60% of Taiwan CEOs fear outbreak of war

Bidding farewell to the most pessimistic year in history, Taiwan’s CEOs are optimistic about 2024. However, 60 percent fear the outbreak of war within five years, their fears going beyond those of most people.

Is Taiwan foreigner-friendly? They have something to say

Would you, as a foreigner, want to live long-term in Taiwan? From the perspectives of law, society, and personal identity, what does it take for a foreigner to become Taiwanese?

Taiwan’s failed opposition alliance in presidential election

With less than 50 days to go before Taiwan’s presidential election, following a turbulent week of discussions, the nominees for the Taiwan People’s Party and Kuomintang registered their candidacies separately. What is keeping opposition forces from consolidating? And how will things play out in the upcoming elections?

Taiwan’s white-collar fraud infiltrating banks

Annual losses to fraud in Taiwan are nearly 1 percent of its GDP, the highest among developed countries. It is being driven by new fraud models that use advanced technology, but would be unworkable without the help of key insiders: bank workers.

Does Taiwan have a housing crisis?

If the rent is higher than the mortgage, renting is not as good as buying, and the price of housing will go up. But why are rents not rising as much as housing prices in Taiwan? Is Taiwan's housing market in danger of bubbling?

Ahead of national election, nearly half of voters fear war

With only a few months to go before Taiwan’s presidential election, nearly half of voters are worried that war could break out in the Taiwan Strait, even as the long-standing divide between the pro-unification (blue) and pro-independence (green) camps begins to fade.

How Taiwan cops bust crypto crimes

As fraud cases in Taiwan surged by 24% in the first seven months of this year, Taiwan's judicial branch is pulling out all stops to apprehend the culprits and recover stolen assets, subsequently auctioned to ensure victims receive compensation. Even the Wild West of cryptocurrency isn't safe from the reach of justice.

Terry’s VP candidate Tammy Lai: “it’s about a better life for all”

Taiwanese actress Tammy Lai won acclaim for her portrayal of a presidential candidate in the popular political drama series “Wave Makers”. In real life, she has been picked as running mate by Foxconn founder Terry Gou, who is throwing his hat into the ring for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. It seems Taiwan is set for a political reality show.

CommonWealth's 2023 Poll: Smaller cities lead in local leadership approval

After eight months of governance battles following last year's September 11th general election reshuffle, who has most effectively won the people's hearts in the latest survey on county and city heads' satisfaction with their governance?

Companies push for safety on Taiwan’s roads

Mixing technology and training, industry players are doing their part to increase safety for motorists, including professional drivers, in Taiwan.

Can Taiwan be the bridge between China and the US?

While the Taiwan issue is often seen through a lens of cross-strait conflicts, how does it impact Taiwan’s economy and interactions with the world? Are there alternative and more nuanced ways for us to talk about Taiwan? In this episode we talk with George Yin, a research associate at Fairbank Center at Harvard. Amidst growing geopolitical tension, he argues that the importance of diplomacy cannot be overlooked. How can Taiwan be the bridge, rather than the frontline?

What comes after Taiwan’s #MeToo moment?

At the end of May, a young woman launched Taiwan's #MeToo movement with her personal account of being sexually harassed while working with the ruling party. Over the following weeks, more than 100 victims, mostly women, have come forward to accuse prominent figures in politics, the arts, academia, and civil society of sexual harassment and abuse. More are expected to follow suit.

How do ‘digital detox camps’ in Taiwan wean kids from the Internet?

When your child is addicted to the Internet, going cold turkey is not going to solve the problem. One digital detox camp in Taiwan has proven that it takes fun and engagement in the real world, reinforced by constructive communication, to help children and teenagers break the unhealthy habit.

New York Times editor Joseph Kahn: China is not just a threat

Joseph Kahn, the executive editor of The New York Times, had been stationed in China for years. During his recent visit to Taiwan, he had a one-hour interview with CommonWealth Magazine. Apart from discussing the transformation of media business models, he emphasized that in the context of escalating geopolitical risks, the issues concerning China should not only be viewed through the filter of geopolitical risks and threats. China's economic and social development deserve more attention.

Taiwan’s looming 2025 power crunch

Taiwan’s last operating nuclear power reactor will be shuttered in 2025. But with the development of natural gas, wind, and solar power behind schedule and shortages potentially in the cards, Taiwan may have to reconsider its nuclear power policy.

Friendly Washing Society cleans schools helps homeless regain esteem

Author Lin Li-ching led a group of homeless people from Taipei on a community cleanup effort. Using military-grade water canons, they not only washed away the dirt and grime from the streets and campuses, but also washed away stigmas, earning a steady income along the way.

Taiwan's TMI Trail Paves a Greenway Across the Country

A marvelous green trail, hundreds of miles long, is being built with manual labor and old-fashioned wooden materials instead of steel and cement. The nonprofit TMI Trail is asking for people's help to rebuild the Danlan Old Trail, so that we may reconnect with the arteries that vitalized our island economy.

Taiwan’s water woes: Can anything be done?

Taiwan has had two major droughts in the past three years, and its ability to overcome them has grown increasingly precarious. With water scarcity slowly becoming a fact of life, Taiwan is running out of options, and may have only one solution left.

Solution to Taiwan’s aging population: Reimagining family

Last year, the percentage of unmarried females in Taiwan exceeded 50 percent for the first time. Is the combination of an aging population with a low birth rate beyond redemption? More and more people are turning to artificial insemination and adoption in search of breakthroughs, and we must reopen the discussion of how we imagine what “family” means.

The story behind the Taiwan visit of US defense contractors

What is behind Washington’s decision to send a delegation of 25 defense contractors to Taiwan for discussions on defense industry cooperation? What does Taiwan stand to gain?

What is hampering redevelopment of the Xinwei Building with its 500 tiny flats?

Sitting in the middle of Taipei’s affluent Da’an District next to an MRT Station is the run-down Xinwei Building. The old apartment complex is infamous for its tiny flats reminiscent of Hong Kong’s notorious “cage homes”. The government had the building constructed in 1970 to relocate families whose dwellings had been demolished to make way for broader roads. Back then, the building was a dream home for many. Today skyrocketing real estate prices and concerns surrounding urban renewal plans make one wonder whose dreams have come true after all.

Who can afford to live in Taipei?

Taipei was once a place where young adults chased their dreams. But today, Taipei has an older population, and 25 years of urban renewal initiatives have led to spiraling housing prices and an outflow of people. What can be done to revitalize the city?

Inclusivity leading to win-win positivity: Turning foreign labor into a talent resource

Migrant workers currently account for more than 70% of the foreign population in Taiwan. Addressing the ever-increasing number of migrant workers here in the city, the Taipei City Government has strengthened its care and counseling measures for these temporary residents.

Facing massive data leak, Taiwan fails the test

It was an unprecedented breach, the personal data of Taiwan’s entire population put up for sale in October 2022. For several months, the Ministry of the Interior denied it, but it was later confirmed. Why the long silence and what did it reveal about Taiwan’s cyber security capabilities?

TSMC and Fubon support the first international think tank headquartered in Taiwan

Syaru Shirley Lin, after retiring from Goldman Sachs, decided to return to Taiwan to establish the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation (CAPRI), the first international NGO headquartered in Taiwan. What was the reason behind her move?

Taiwan’s early retirement crisis

As populations in Europe age, a higher percentage of people 55-64 years old are working to compensate for the lack of younger workers. Not so in Taiwan, where half of that age group has retired. Is Taiwan prepared to deal with this ticking time bomb?

Low pay drives 40% of ‘Gold Card’ expats to leave Taiwan

Taiwan’s “Employment Gold Card” was designed to attract highly skilled foreign workers to come to Taiwan. Since its inception in 2018, over 6,000 Gold Cards have been issued. Why has Taiwan not become more attractive to expats as a result?

Why so few women in Taiwan use their frozen eggs

In a recent study, National Taiwan University (NTU) Hospital, the first medical institution in Taiwan to offer egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, found that only eight percent of women who have their eggs extracted and frozen ever use them. What is behind this low usage rate?

Video report: Is Taiwan prepared to welcome back international travelers?

As borders slammed shut and countries locked down around the world in early 2020, few  were more deeply impacted than those in the tourism industry. From hostels to airlines, the gamut of service providers positioned to facilitate travel and tourism were suddenly cut off from their market - and entire raison d'être. 

Nobel Prize hopeful Wong on Taiwan’s biotechnology industry

Former president of Academia Sinica, Chi-Huey Wong, is a strong contender for this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry. What’s next for the internationally renowned biochemist?

Nuclear power decision in people’s hands: Taiwan deputy economy minister

In this interview with CommonWealth Magazine, Deputy Economy Minister Tseng Wen-sheng, who doubles as chairman of state utility Taipower, discusses the global energy crisis and how it affects Taiwan, how to achieve energy resilience, and whether Taiwan might follow in Germany’s footsteps and postpone the decommissioning of its nuclear power plants.

Taiwan drones solve agricultural labor shortage

Currently, 80 percent of Taiwan’s crops are sprayed with pesticides using drones, not only lessening the burden on aging farmers, but also conserving the use of pesticides. Drone pilots have become a prized profession with the potential to earn NT$2 million a year, fostering the emergence of MIT drone startups.

Video Report: The “Dark Heart” of Taiwan’s freedom pineapples

This short documentary explores the “dark heart” of Taiwan’s most “golden-delicious” export, casting a critical eye on the island’s new politically-charged export strategy and questioning how far a culture of agricultural aid has contributed to its now-chronic food insecurity. Welcome to the “Fruit Kingdom,” an export-oriented land of plenty.

One-third of Taiwanese men will face cancer at some point in their lives

In Taiwan, statistics show that a third of men and a quarter of women will face cancer at some point in their lives. Their financial means could decide their fate. Is there any way for Taiwan to beat the looming threat of cancer?

How will Abe's departure affect the future of Taiwan-Japan relations?

Following the sudden death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, will the future of Taiwan-Japan relations change, now that the spiritual leader of Japan's political friendship with Taiwan is gone? Who will continue to lobby for Taiwan internationally?

Is Taiwan headed for full-fledged inflation?

Inflation is out of control around the world, while in Taiwan inflationary pressure seems moderate. This picture is deceptive, however, as the gap between the rich and the poor widens. How long will the hard times last?

How did Kaohsiung become the YouBike capital of Taiwan?

There are 75 motorbikes for every hundred citizens in Kaohsiung. Despite the odds, YouBike has been a resounding success. In just two years, Kaohsiung has become the YouBike capital of Taiwan. What is its secret?

The MOTC Vows to Bring Smiles to Residents in Remote Areas by Realizing Transportation Justice

Imagining the Future of Transportation Among Taiwan’s 357 townships, 68 have low-density populations made up of mostly children and the elderly. Due to an aging population and population loss, public transportation is difficult to run in these townships. This means that it is especially difficult for those such as children or the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to transportation issues, to get out and about. Although these areas do not contain a large proportion of Taiwan’s population, they account for two-thirds of Taiwan’s land area. Due to inconvenient transportation, it can be difficult for some residents to get to school or seek medical treatment. Considering that subway arrival times in the city are accurate to the minute and second, what else do remote villages need to achieve traffic equality, apart from technology? 

What is behind Matsu’s successful COVID-19 record?

The inhabitants of Taiwan’s outlying Matsu islands not only hold the national longevity record, they have also managed to weather the COVID-19 pandemic without a single severe case and zero deaths.

How can Taiwan learn to coexist with COVID-19?

As the Omicron variant surges in Taiwan, case numbers are expected to reach unprecedented heights. It may not be long before we see over ten thousand cases pop up on a daily basis. In this new normal, we need to focus on preventing deaths rather than lowering numbers.

Could crypto ATMs be breeding grounds for fraud in Taiwan?

A small machine known as a BTM can remit Bitcoin worth around NT$2 million in cash per transaction. Taiwan currently ranks 25th worldwide in the number of BTMs in place, raising the question of just who is running this new technology, which has become a breeding ground for fraud and money laundering.

How can Taiwan fix its doctor shortage?

Taiwanese medical schools can enroll a maximum of 1,300 students per year, a government-set quota that has not changed in 24 years. In Taiwan’s aging society, this is not enough to satisfy rising demand for medical services. What can be done to address the imbalances to future-proof Taiwan’s healthcare system?

A cyber timebomb is ticking, is Taiwan at risk?

Amid Russia’s ground war against Ukraine, the two nations are also engaged in a cyber war. The worldwide web has become a new front. In Taiwan, critical civilian infrastructure such as oil distributors, financial institutions and the semiconductor supply chain have all been attacked by Chinese hackers. What can Taiwan learn from the cyber war between Russia and Ukraine?

Amidst Ukraine crisis, US sends envoy to Taiwan

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has set many in Taiwan on edge; what if Taiwan is next? U.S. President Joe Biden has sent a special delegation to Taiwan. What is the portent of this visit?

Taiwan’s talent drought may raise salaries

The world is headed toward a prolonged talent shortage. According to the latest organizational and human resources forecasts, 2022 will be the year when Taiwanese companies start paying more. The salary structure in Taiwan has been unfair to workers for a long time. Is it time for a change?

New challenges for Taiwan in the 2022 post-pandemic economy

Taiwan experienced its steepest economic growth in more than a decade in 2021. But a slower pace is expected in this year due to the higher base, more normalized demand, and supply chain adjustments.

Chen Shih-chung: Understanding trumps confrontation

Early in Taiwan’s battle against COVID-19, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung was viewed as a hero. Some of that luster has since worn off, but he has remained calm and in control because of many lessons learned from past experiences.

Should Taiwan put its future in U.S. hands?

CommonWealth magazine’s “State of the Union and U.S.-China Ties Survey” has found that more than half of Taiwan’s people believe the United States would help Taiwan militarily in the event of an attack by China. But is that realistic, and should Taiwan tie its future to the U.S.?

The four referendums have failed: What’s next for the KMT?

The referendum of 2021 has come and gone; on all four referendum questions, more people voted “no” instead of “yes”. It’s a resounding defeat for the Kuomintang, but the reprieve for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party is temporary. With the 2022 local elections looming large, it’s still anyone’s guess who will come out on top.

How can the KMT rebuild its US ties after a 13-year absence?

After returning to power in 2008, the Kuomintang (KMT) shuttered its representative office in the United States. Now, 13 years later and no longer in power, Taiwan’s major opposition party wants to mend neglected ties – not an easy task amid a vastly different international situation and a lack of diplomatic talent.

From migrant workers to immigrants: Taiwan’s solution to the declining population

Taiwan has trouble attracting migrant workers. The Ministry of Labor announced a new policy. Not only will migrant workers be welcomed with open arms, there will also be a path toward permanent residency.

Time for migrants in Taiwan to become immigrants?

Big investment projects and COVID-19 border restrictions have conspired to cook up Taiwan’s biggest labor shortage in 30 years. It is time for Taiwan to bid adieu to its cheap labor mindset and allow migrant workers to become immigrants.

Politics & Society
Speculation island:

Why are Taiwan’s housing prices soaring?

Taiwan’s property prices have been on fire, making it even harder for young wage earners to buy their own home. CommonWealth magazine takes you to three parts of Taiwan for a behind-the-scenes look at how the rampant speculation is affecting people’s lives and the real estate market.

Why are Taiwan bank employees taking to the streets ahead of mergers?

With financial mergers on the horizon, why are bank employees taking to the streets, carrying placards and holding up banners in protest? Why don’t these well-paid white-collar workers just jump ship and work for another bank? It’s because traditionally trained banking workers are no longer in demand as online banking and digital financial services spread.

New railways chief calls TRA corporatization best path in wake of Taroko Express accident

Five months after Taiwan’s most fatal train crash, the question is whether anything has changed at the national agency that runs the island’s railways. CommonWealth Magazine interviewed Tu Wei, who took the helm of the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) right after the April 2 accident involving the Taroko Express, about the state-owned agency’s transformation, where the obstacles lie and where progress is being made.

“We never want to go back to Taiwan” How parents of American train crash victim seek to make TRA accountable?

Just that morning she had been texting her brother, right up until 8:00am. Senéad Short, an American woman teaching English in Taiwan on a Fulbright scholarship, perished when the Taroko Express train she was traveling in derailed in a tunnel near Hualien on April 2. Having done thorough investigation over the past five months, Short’s parents discovered that the Taiwan Railways Administration has failed to change its ways in spite of multiple incidents over the years. What next steps will they take?

Dying alone in Taiwan: Can anybody help?

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the extent to which people in Taiwan live and die alone. People of all ages are leaving the world without anybody by their side, and with millions at risk of suffering the same fate, can anything be done to reverse the trend?

New directions in cross-strait relations: Richard Bush

How long can Taiwan afford not to make difficult choices for its future? It is one of the tough questions asked by long-time Taiwan observer and former AIT Chairman Richard C. Bush in his new book. He argues that Taiwan urgently needs to build a consensus and a strategy if it wishes to survive and preserve the good life that it enjoys.

Covid Graduates: "The pandemic only makes us stronger"

Taiwan’s Covid generation, entering the employment market in the midst of a serious pandemic, has not become a lost generation. Instead, they are getting a step ahead, and rather than no longer dreaming they are moving into the future with pragmatism and flexibility.

On the trail of the COVID-19 vaccine Holy Grail

Soon after COVID-19 erupted, a Texas university lab isolated proteins that helped U.S. companies develop vaccines in record time. It then came up with a potentially game-changing 2nd-generation protein, described in a study in which the lead author was Taiwanese. Here’s how they did it, and what it may mean.

Why is Tzu Chi donating 5 million vaccines for high school students?

The Tzu Chi Foundation has made an official request to donate five million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. In this exclusive interview with Tzu Chi Foundation CEO Po-Wen Yen, he explains that the donated vaccines are intended for young students who are vulnerable to the highly infectious Delta variant.

How far is Taiwan from herd immunity?

The US has sent 2.5 million doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, but Taiwan has only taken delivery on one million purchased doses. When will Taiwan’s populace have enough vaccines, and how far are we from herd immunity?

What’s the right screening regime for Taiwan to end the pandemic?

Taiwan has been on a Level 3 alert for a month now. COVID-19 screening stations have been rolling out across the nation, rapid testing at home is also in the pipeline. What is the next step Taiwan should take to bring the outbreak under control?

How is Taoyuan protecting migrant workers from COVID-19?

In early June, there was a COVID-19 outbreak among migrant workers in Miaoli’s electronics industry, setting Taiwan’s tech sector on edge. Taoyuan has the largest population of migrant workers in Taiwan with big tech names such as Quanta, Delta, and Foxconn. How has Taoyuan managed to test 20,000 migrant workers to ensure that no one has the virus?

Taiwan’s COVID-19 legacy depends on working from home and innovative testing

Taiwan is now facing continuous level 3 alerts and uncertainty about how to move forward. Learning from the experience of other countries, remote work is the key to contain the epidemic.

Hsinchu Science Park’s pandemic response holds Taiwan’s economic lifeline

Is the rapid screening of 5,213 migrant workers in five days enough? As community spread among foreign workers at King Yuan Electronics in Zhunan widened, the Hsinchu Science Park took emergency action to conduct rapid screening to cut off the transmission chain. How has it managed to hold the line?

Sustainability: 10 propositions for Taiwan’s future

“Sustainability” and “well-being” are the new post COVID-19 buzzwords. As CommonWealth Magazine celebrated its 40th anniversary, the newspaper talked to prominent figures to find out how they could shape Taiwan’s future and lead to a better quality of life for the country’s residents.

COVID-19 relief amid record economic growth; who suffers, who thrives?

Taiwan has become the world’s weirdest economy. A day after the government released a pandemic relief package, Taiwan announced record economic growth forecast. Given this stellar performance in terms of GDP, where is the crisis?

Is Taiwanese society ready to face a belligerent China?

China's willingness to safeguard "national interests" and fulfill the "historical mission of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" is increasing day by day. Is Taiwanese society ready to face a belligerent China?

Taiwan’s hospitals fighting the COVID-19 blues

In 2020, Taiwan was considered the gold standard for handling COVID-19. Now, a sudden surge in cases has stretched medical resources in the Greater Taipei area to their limits, leaving many to wonder how long it will take to bring this spike under control.

NTU expert: Taiwan doesn’t need lockdowns

The recent COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan continues to spread locally, sparking an island-wide level 3 alert. Yet why do some experts posit that Taiwan does not need to impose a lockdown? What lessons can Taiwan learn from other countries now that it faces a community outbreak?

CommonWealth founder Diane Ying awarded SOPA Lifetime Achievement Award

CommonWealth founder Diane Ying awarded SOPA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Taiwan’s Covid-19 Outbreak

Taiwan’s recent COVID-19 outbreak started with the China Airlines and Novotel clusters before spreading to tea parlors in Wanhua, Taipei City. Follow CommonWealth for the latest developments in the domestic outbreak and information about locations visited by confirmed cases.

Rocketing housing price and zombie companies in Taiwan – blame the low interest rates

What price does Taiwan have to pay for the central bank’s past 20 years of stimulative monetary policy? Three Central Bank directors jointly wrote a book that reveals the adverse effects of monetary policy under former Central Bank Governor Perng Fai-nan on Taiwan’s economy.

Walking a tightrope on Taiwan-U.S. relations: Interview with Hsiao Bi-khim

Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s representative to the United States, is working to further strengthen Taiwan-U.S. relations as China ratchets up its pressure. CommonWealth Magazine asks her about that and other key bilateral issues, such as trade and supply chains, in this exclusive interview.

Deloitte Taiwan faces existential crisis

Deloitte & Touche was once riding high as one of the world’s four largest accounting firms. Deloitte once handled certification of stock and bond issues for half of Taiwan’s KY stock category (foreign based) companies, yet today it is surrounded by a series of controversies. How has it gotten itself into hot water, and why are accountants throwing caution to the wind? The problem lies in organizational culture.

Aiming to Create a “Bilingual Nation”

The government is seeking to greatly increase the level of English fluency in the Taiwan population by 2030 through a variety of programs, mainly focusing on improving the effectiveness of English teaching in the schools. The goal is to raise Taiwan’s international competitiveness. But classroom learning will need to be supplemented through the creation of more “bilingual environments” throughout the society.

How can the Legislative Yuan accelerate SDGs in Taiwan?

Climate change is no longer simply an environmental issue, but also an economic matter. To ensure that the administration is more responsive to the climate crisis, the UN SDGs Advisory Council has four major tasks.

As Taiwan faces its worst-ever water shortage, what more can be done?

The water shortage across Taiwan has reached alarming levels as more than half of reservoirs are running dry. Digging wells and recycling wastewater are longer-term measures that cannot alleviate the immediate critical situation. What else can Taiwan do to better manage scarce water resources?

New Immigrant Inflow – Is Taiwan Ready?

In this article from March 2003, CommonWealth Magazine focused on the surge in the number of spouses from mainland China and Southeast Asia in Taiwan and looked at whether Taiwan was ready to welcome a new multi-ethnic, multicultural, and diverse society.

Talks between Taoyuan & International Cities: Post-pandemic Cooperation

Looking back on 2020, it was a year full of challenges and difficulties. The COVID-19 pressed a pause button of the globe. In this difficult situation, Taoyuan City is still struggling to progress and moving forward, while giving full play to our gatekeeper responsibilities as the nation’s premier airport of entry, and ensuring border control measures implemented on the front line. Meanwhile, we have adopted multiple measures of revitalization and economic relief. We also keep invigorating the city’s economy, continuing international exchanges, and dialoguing with seven prominent international cities around the world to share successful experiences in epidemic prevention, revitalization and relief measures, while focusing on new opportunities in the post-epidemic era driving the bright outlook for urban diplomacy in 2021

While the pandemic rages on, they find sanctuary in Taiwan

What is it like to relocate to Taiwan amidst a global pandemic? Hear the stories from a German family and a French young woman who was studying in London. Slowly but surely, they have found refuge on the island. 

Why Hong Kongers Are Moving to this Town in Central Taiwan

Over the past two years, many people from Hong Kong have sought to escape the Chinese crackdown on freedoms at home. Taiwan has been a popular destination, but their top place to settle has not been big cities such as Taipei or Kaohsiung but a small coastal town in Taichung. Here’s why.

As Taiwan’s GDP Per Capita Caps US$30,000, Grimmer Days Lie Ahead

The global economy has been brought to its knees by the pandemic, but Taiwan’s GDP grew by 3.83% this year--the second highest in a decade. As a new year approaches, we should reflect: What opportunities and risks await Taiwan’s economy?

Politics & Society
A new cold war

What a Biden presidency means for US-China relations

After a drawn out vote tabulation, former Vice-President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party received 306 electoral votes to defeat incumbent President Donald Trump, becoming the 46th president of the United States. When Biden assumes office in January 2021, how will he approach the U.S.-China relationship that rapidly deteriorated during Trump’s four years in office?

Will the US-Taiwan Dialogue Continue in the Biden Era?

Despite only having two months left in office, the Trump administration is still working hard to promote relations with Taiwan. One example of this is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. Is the way being paved for future trade deals between the two countries, or even a visit from the U.S. Secretary of State to Taiwan?

The Power of Taiwan’s Silicon Shield: Will It Hold in Biden Era?

Taiwan’s semiconductor strength has helped protect the country against China and made it a desirable partner for the United States in its technology cold war against Beijing. Can that strength continue to be leveraged as America prepares to swear in a new president?

Richard Bush: Biden's Taiwan Policy would be More Predictable

Our exclusive interview of former AIT Chairman Richard C. Bush, currently a nonresident senior fellow at Brookings, on how the Trump administration views Taiwan, and what a Biden presidency might mean for US-Taiwan relations.

Politics & Society
The International Design Forum at Taiwan Design Expo 2020

Designing a City of Sharing for the Common Good

This year, in order to facilitate the exchange of ideas about the latest design trends and experiences on a global scale, the Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) hosted a meeting of design experts from around the world. Speakers included: Jang-Hwa Leu, Director General of the Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Chih-Chien Lin, Mayor of Hsinchu City; Chi-Yi Chang, President of TDRI; Srini Srinivasan, President of the World Design Organization (WDO); David Kusuma, President-Elect of WDO; and Pradyumna Vyas, a member of the WDO’s Board of Directors. These experts have gathered to share their knowledge. Due to the worldwide pandemic, a virtual format was selected for this year’s forum. The videos were published online from Oct. 1st to 6th. Everyone is invited to learn about design from their own perspectives, because innovative designs can only be made possible through interdisciplinary cooperation.

Despite Verbal Support for Hong Kong, Why is Immigrating to Taiwan So Hard?

Due to the rollback of civil liberties in Hong Kong, the number of Hong Kong citizens applying for residency in Taiwan has nearly doubled compared with 2019. Why can’t Taiwan admit all Hong Kong citizens who want to immigrate?

How Pingtung Cacao Won the Chocolate Olympics

Faced with an existential crisis, the poor southern Taiwan county of Pingtung transformed its agricultural sector. How did they put Taiwan chocolate on the world stage?

Is Taiwan’s Pork Industry Up to the U.S. Challenge?

Taiwan’s government has announced it will allow imports of American pork containing a banned veterinary drug. CommonWealth Magazine has taken an in-depth look at the domestic pork industry to see if it is up to the challenge and how the brand value of Taiwanese pork can be strengthened.

The Cop Who Became Taiwan’s Top-rated Mayor

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih has been rated the most popular mayor among Taiwan’s six biggest municipalities. The honor may have much more to do with the lessons he learned as a boy and during his many years with law enforcement than with any specific policy.

Can the DPP’s Favorite Son Bring Glory to Taoyuan?

Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan is no stranger to failure; he has lost his share of elections. But during the seven years he has been in office, his approval rating has climbed steadily, reaching number three in this year’s poll. Investment and infrastructure in Taoyuan are picking up. Cheng knows to tread softly. Only by winning the support of both blue and green voters can the DPP’s favorite son achieve loftier ambitions.

Local Leaders Approval Survey Hints at Taiwan’s Future

Pan Men-an, Magistrate of Pingtung County, once again came in first in CommonWealth Magazine’s annual approval survey of Taiwan’s local leaders. Hou Yu-ih, Mayor of New Taipei, and Cheng Wen-tsan, Mayor of Taoyuan, came in at numbers two and three, respectively. Keep a close eye on the rising stars of Taiwan’s two dominant political camps. How did they win the respect of experts and the love of over 80% of their electorate?

Politics & Society
No Lockdowns, No Mass Testing

Chen Chien-jen: Solidarity the Key to Taiwan’s Successful Pandemic Fight

Former vice president and Academia Sinica fellow Chen Chien-jen delivered the opening address at the summer CommonWealth Economic Forum. During his remarks, Chen held that solidarity is the key to Taiwan’s successful pandemic containment. People are willing to sacrifice a little freedom so that everyone could live life normally. And that has been the story of Taiwan’s success. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the first global wave is not over yet. The following are highlights from his address:

Local Cases Fan Doubts, Will Taiwan see a Second COVID-19 Wave?

Preliminary results of mass coronavirus testing in central Taiwan’s Changhua County indicate that some of the tested local residents must have previously contracted the novel coronavirus. Does that mean that Taiwan is headed toward a second wave of the pandemic?

Pratas Island Tensions: Could This Be War?

Taiwan and China may be closer to war today than at any time since the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, and the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands in the South China Sea could be a flashpoint. Why do experts believe Taiwan could hold its own in a confrontation?

Politics & Society
From Puppet to Strongman

Lee Teng-hui Heralded Taiwan's Democracy and Plutocracy

After the death of Chiang Ching-kuo, Lee Teng-hui was rushed into the role of leadership. He went on to accelerate Taiwan’s democratic reform and became the country’s first popularly elected president. Time Magazine called him “Mr. Democracy”. In the process of democratizing Taiwan, Lee not only sought to amend the constitution and expand the power of the presidential office, but also heralded the era of populist and plutocratic politics.

Politics & Society
Bye Bye Black Smoke and Diesel Odors

How Taichung Got the Greenest Bus System

Silent, emission-free electric buses have quietly become the new normal in Taichung, once notorious for its dirty public transport. Taiwan’s second-largest city used a mix of measures to turn the public bus system around. Today, Taichung has the highest number of electric city buses, encouraging neighboring Changhua County to follow suit.

Elevated by Kaohsiung, Brought Low by Kaohsiung: Behind the Han Kuo-yu Recall Vote

As the dark horse candidate of 2018, Han Kuo-yu came out of nowhere to secure 890,000 votes in three months. He ended 20 years of DPP rule in Kaohsiung. The nationwide buzz generated by his momentum was dubbed the “Han Wave”. But now, less than two years later, he has lost the groundswell that had elevated him so high. How did he lose his mayoral seat? What does this tell us about the state of Taiwan’s politics?

Politics & Society
Live Election Results

Kaohsiung Voters Decide Han's Future

On June 6th, the people of Kaohsiung vote on whether or not to recall mayor Han. Will Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu become the first special municipality mayor to be successfully recalled in the history of Taiwan?

Pandemic Leading to Wealth Redistribution. Who are the New Coronavirus Poor?

The coronavirus pandemic has swept mercilessly across the world. In Taiwan, more than four million people have applied for financial relief, but those at the top of the wealth pyramid have not only escaped unscathed but have taken advantage of the situation to grow their assets. The nation’s general unemployment rate stood at 5.3 percent in April, a nine-year high for a single month. The pandemic first knocked out the tourism and hospitality industries. Now the shockwave is radiating outward to the technology and manufacturing industries, where the damage has only just begun to surface. Throughout history, each economic crisis has further widened the gap between the rich and the poor. What lies in store for the “new coronavirus poor”?

Politics & Society
Mother's Day Miracle

The Mother I Never Got to Say Goodbye to

It was about my one-year-old birthday when I first met Duwi. At that time, my parents were so busy that they decided to employ a nanny. For me, Duwi's role is more than a nanny, instead, like my second mother. I thought we would be together forever, but one day Duwi was missing. Try not to make me sad, Duwi asked my parents to keep the news secret and went home silently. Until now, I still miss her so much and wish to see her again.

Politics & Society
Mother's Day Miracle

How I Found My Indonesian Mom Through An Open Letter

Recall how the whole event has processed, I know this is nothing but a miracle. There were too many variables involved, whether both Duwi and I are safe and sound, whether Duwi's hometown has the Internet to allow her to see the article, and the total population of Indonesia is 267.7 million. I considered the question, “If I just stop looking for Duwi, will I hold any regret in the rest of my life?” “Definitely!” the voice in my mind responded without any delay. So I acted.

What Tsai Ing-wen’s Inaugural Address Told Us about Future Ties with the U.S., China

Before Tsai Ing-wen gave her inaugural address on May 20, the United States issued three messages showing that ties with Taiwan are closer than ever. But Tsai faces a huge challenge on China. What did her speech reveal?

How a Community Initiative Helped Taitung Custard Apple Farmers Solve a Pandemic-Induced Export Crisis

A smartphone and a bunch of dedicated farmers and farm workers in Taitung is all it took to set up domestic sales channels for tons of custard apples originally destined for export to China. This is the story of how such a feat was accomplished in just 30 days after export markets broke down due to the coronavirus pandemic.

One Rapid Test Kit Produced Every Second: Can Taiwan Provide COVID-19 Testing for Everyone?

South Korea was able to quickly get the COVID-19 pandemic under control through widespread testing of its citizens. They achieved this because they possess the capacity for mass production in the biotech industry. Taiwan also has a local king of test kit production. It has the potential to increase Taiwan’s testing capability by more than tenfold.

Coronavirus pandemic kills Australian working holiday dreams

As the coronavirus epidemic drags on, many young Taiwanese who went to Australia on working holiday visa can no longer find enough work to fund their stay. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has advised them to return to their home countries, putting them between a rock and a hard place. Should they give up their dreams they had when going to Australia? Would they be able to start anew after returning home?

The Taiwan lab at the heart of the COVID-19 fight

A Chang Gung University lab is searching for potential “magic bullets” that could be used in developing COVID-19 medications. How has the lab’s leader, Shih Shin-ju, led her team in overcoming fears and pressure in trying to bring hope to the world?

Meet Peter Tsai, the Taiwanese inventor behind the N95 mask

The COVID-19 pandemic turned respirators into a global necessity. The variation known as the N95 mask is especially crucial to the safety of medical staff around the world. Peter Tsai, a recently retired professor who taught at the University of Tennessee, invented the core technology used in the N95 mask. How did a Taiwanese teacher of fiber science, born on a family farm in Taichung, end up saving the world?

Politics & Society
Minister of Transportation and Communications

Beyond Relief Packages, a Chance for Taiwan to Transform into a Tourism Hub

In early April, in preparation for the financial crisis that may come in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tsai Ing-wen administration promised to expand the government’s economic relief package to NT$1.05 trillion. However, Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung observes that: “Giving away money will never be enough; the key is how to increase our global competitiveness.” He says that, after the pandemic has passed, Taiwan can use its success against the virus as a foundation for it to transform into a major tourism hub. Visitors around the world will come to Taiwan, secure in the knowledge that this is a safe place for tourism and investment.

Sensory Loss Used to Screen for Hidden Coronavirus Infections

As arrivals of students and tourists returning from pandemic-hit Europe and the United States reached a new peak earlier this month, the number of confirmed infections with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Taiwan shot up by 128 cases in a few days. The latest symptom associated with COVID-19 caused by the constantly evolving novel coronavirus is a sudden loss of the sense of smell and taste. How does National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) in southern Taiwan use its experience with previous epidemics and AI-assisted technology to screen for hidden coronavirus carriers with atypical symptoms?

The 36 Hours that Saved Central Taiwan from COVID-19

Taiwan’s first COVID-19 casualty died in Changhua, triggering fears the county would become a major epidemic hot spot. But the alarm was lifted soon after mainly because of two people who treated the challenge like a major criminal investigation.

Taiwan is Now the Sole US Base for Mandarin Training, Former AIT Director Key Facilitator

The Language Flagship initiative, under the United States State Department, moved its Beijing base to Taiwan last year. Now, under the current climate of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the center at National Taiwan University is the only Mandarin training center conducting normal operations, marking a critical milestone in U.S.-Taiwan relations. William Stanton, a career U.S. diplomat and the former director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), has been instrumental in facilitating the establishment of a Mandarin training base in Taiwan.

Remdesivir a Cure for COVID-19? Taiwanese doctors: Not so Fast

The experimental anti-viral drug remdesivir is currently the only medication the World Health Organization thinks may be effective against COVID-19. Challenges remain, however, to getting the drug to market, including in Taiwan. 

How a Competition in Taiwan Changed the Course of German Women’s Soccer

A sports documentary that highlights Taiwan’s little-known role in helping German women’s soccer to greater recognition hit the screens in Germany in early 2020.

Migrant Workers Struggle to Secure Masks in Taiwan amid COVID-19 Fear

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan, the government has launched several waves of public awareness campaigns. One of the consistent messages concerning face masks is that it is unnecessary for healthy individuals to wear a face mask at all times. However, it is advised to wear one when going to hospitals, visiting public places and taking public transport. For those who are already ill, they are particularly advised to wear a face mask. What I would like to point out in the following is grounded on this understanding. Nonetheless, as a labour activist who works closely with, and for, migrant workers, I would like to raise public attention to some critical issues faced by migrant workers which may not be known to the general public.

Civic Tech Versus COVID-19: Online Map and Reservation System Help Fight the Virus

The spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) across the globe has mobilized an army of tech whizzes to fight back against the pandemic. Ever since the Taiwanese government made available data to the public, all kinds of independently developed apps have sprung up, including real-time maps of where to buy surgical masks, systems that help you reserve masks, and a compilation of virus-related news that helps everyone get factual updates. Stay optimistic, because this is not a plague like in the olden days. “Keyboard warriors” are here to save us. What will these engineers come up with next?

Reaching out to Undocumented Workers is Necessary to Contain COVID-19 Outbreak

To effectively curtail the epidemic, the Taiwan government should provide medical support, reach out to undocumented workers, and pardon and rectify their undocumented status. Such measures could incentivise undocumented workers to seek medical help when they fall ill rather than become ostracised. It takes a nation to contain an epidemic. 

Politics & Society
Secret Weapons from the SARS Experience 

How Taiwan Fights COVID-19

Taiwan has been relatively effective in combating the novel coronavirus that is quickly spreading around the world. But that success has not happened in a vacuum. Many of the country’s disease-fighting measures originate from the SARS crisis nearly 20 years ago.

Hundreds of Hongkongers Came to Observe Taiwan’s Elections: What are They Taking Home from This Experience?

The Hong Kong protests against the extradition bill had an impact on Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections and raised the Hong Kong people’s expectations toward Taiwanese democracy, sparking many to travel to Taiwan in groups to observe the elections. At election rallies, flags and banners featuring slogans from the Hong Kong protest movement such as “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Time” could be seen displayed prominently amid the crowds. 

A Deep Dive into Taiwan’s 2020 Election: Big Victory for Tsai, but What Comes Next?

Before and after President Tsai Ing-wen won a big victory in Taiwan’s 2020 presidential election, she spoke of the importance of a united Taiwan. But after a highly contentious campaign that exposed many of the country’s internal fissures, is Tsai’s hope realistic and can truly unify the country?  

Nojima Tsuyoshi​​​​​​​: Taiwanese Youth Vote for Change

Famed Japanese journalist and writer Nojima Tsuyoshi was recently asked by a young Japanese celebrity: “Why do young voters in Taiwan care so much about the elections?” Nojima was halfway into his reply before he realized, “Why am I, a Japanese, criticizing Japan?” It was incredible, but it was also the undeniable truth.

Politics & Society
Exclusive 2020 State of the Nation Survey

Taiwan vs. Republic of China, the Brewing Generational Conflict

Who are we? What’s our country’s name? CommonWealth Magazine’s latest exclusive State of the Nation Survey reveals that on matters of national identity and Chinese unification, the generational schism is at a record high. Taiwanese under forty chooses “Taiwan” over “Republic of China”. Sixty percent of Taiwanese over forty supports the status quo. 

Politics & Society
Higher Productivity ≠ Higher Pay

The Forces behind Taiwan’s Stagnant Wages 

Taiwan’s changing industrial structure has resulted in large-sized companies dominating exports, pushing aside the small and medium-sized companies that were once the country’s backbone. Amid that transition, workers’ real earnings have remained relatively stagnant, unable to keep pace with economic growth. Why is that and what can be done?

Politics & Society
Retirees Wealthier than Middle-Aged Working Population

Generational Wealth Gap: The Older, the Richer

A declining crime rate, a narrowing gender wage gap, and female participation in politics above the world average demonstrate that Taiwan is making good progress toward an equitable and just society. Yet there is a downside: Taiwan’s younger people feel short-changed because wealth remains concentrated in the hands of the older population.

The 2020 Public Opinion War: YouTube the New Cyber Army Battlefield

Taiwan is considered one of the countries hardest hit by fake news from external sources, yet nearly 60 percent of the electorate do not use a system to verify their news. In April, CommonWealth Magazine used data analytic tools for the first time to decipher the models cyber armies were using on PTT. Eight months later, those models were confirmed to exist by judicial authorities. What are the new tricks Taiwan is seeing and can progress be made on strategies to counter the aggression?

Taiwan in 2019: How Have We Moved Forward?

What did Taiwan accomplish, and how have we moved forward? On the flip side, what problems remain unsolved, or may in fact have taken a turn for the worse?

Politics & Society
Sharing Office

Co-Working Spaces Reshape Local Property Market in Taipei

Some of Taipei’s biggest idle buildings are gaining new life after being converted into vibrant co-working spaces. In 2019 alone, four international shared office brands have moved into the city. What is it that is attracting them to Taiwan?

Politics & Society
IMD Smart City Index 2019

Ranking the World’s ‘Smartest’ Cities - Taipei Cracks the Top 10

In the IMD Smart City Index 2019, Taipei was only one of two Asian cities to rank in the top 10, finishing seventh among the 102 cities surveyed. Why did it rank so high and what factors could derail its success in the future?

Politics & Society
When Old Law Meets the New Economy

Deaths of Two Platform Delivery Drivers Highlight Legal Limbo

The recent fatal accident of an UberEats delivery driver shows that the legal problems created by the gig economy must not be neglected.

Taiwan Travel Competitiveness Tumbles - A Warning or an Opportunity?

Taiwan’s ranking for tourism competitiveness tumbled in a recent report by the World Economic Forum. Some of that may be due to factors beyond Taiwan’s control, but a fall in tourism revenues despite a rise in visitor numbers has sent a warning that a new vision may be needed.   

Politics & Society
FutureCity@CommonWealth

The 23-Year-Old Girl Who Put Pingtung Back on the Map

The newly published “Tourism Brochures of Pingtung” are an instant hit on social media. Magistrate Pan Men-an is shocked and awed: “They put Pingtung back on the map!”

Politics & Society
Conversational Commerce, Vietnam-style

A Vietnamese Housewife’s Dream of Designing Children’s Clothes

Truc Nhi, aged 25, is a social seller who mostly operated on Facebook. She sold handmade children’s clothing to help support her family’s income. Inside her bedroom-workshop, a dozen different types of girls’ clothing hung on the wall, ready for her next livestream auction. It was all a little quaint, like a scene from Taiwan’s cottage industry days back in the 1970s.

Foreshadowing History? Why Hong Kong’s One Country, Two Systems Framework Could Survive in Name Only

What kind of historic arrangement could give the anti-extradition bill protesters in Hong Kong such steely resolve that they would have no regrets even if they took everyone else down with them? Annie Zhang Jie-ping, founder of the blockchain-based, decentralized content platform Matters Lab, will write a regular column for CommonWealth Magazine in which she will comb through history to help readers understand the present by examining the past.

Belief, Identity, Patriotism: Why Are We Going Crazy?

Here is a simple example: Do I, as a Taiwanese, have to wave the national flag and cheer on the Taiwanese team at international competitions such as the Baseball World Cup “by all means”? Of course, no one will stop you from doing this (at least not in a democratic country, I guess…), but for sure there will be people, and they will be the majority, who will denounce you as “not patriotic.” 

Taiwan’s Sluggish Minimum Wage Growth Has Fallen Behind Its Contemporaries

Taiwan’s labor ministry announced this week that it plans to raise the country’s minimum wage. However, Taiwan’s wages have been depressed and its economic growth has stagnated—and it is unlikely that this small increase in the country’s minimum wage will help alleviate the livelihoods of low-income Taiwanese.

Politics & Society
Who’s Really Hurt?

Taiwanese Tea Shops' Political Troubles Over 'One Country, Two System'

A series of controversies emerged throughout Taiwan’s to-go tea chains, as Yifang Fruit Tea and other well-known tea chains began explicitly supporting Beijing’s position on Hong Kong and Taiwan’s political status, under pressure from angry Chinese consumers who called them out as “pro-Taiwan.”

Politics & Society
Global Taiwan Institute

Opinion: Rising Populism in Taiwan Politics

There are currently three dominant trends in Taiwan’s politics: 1) the increase of anti-establishment, 2) the birth of anti-reform mobilization, and 3) the rise of populist politicians inside established mainstream political parties. These trends are reflected in the political figures dominating politics in Taiwan today. These trends are not unique to Taiwan and can be observed globally.

Politics & Society
Global Taiwan Institute

New Polling Data Reflect Deepening Taiwanese Identity

In a series of polls conducted annually and released by the National Chengchi University’s Election Study Center in Taiwan, the most recent results released on July 10, 2019 reflect a shift which highlights a strengthening sense of Taiwanese identity, preference for the status quo, and party identification over recent years. 

2020 Presidential Election: A Battle Between Anti-unification and Unification

Taiwan’s opposition Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) on Monday announced Kaohsiung mayor Han Kuo-yu as the winner of its 2020 presidential primary. The result means that Han will be running against President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) as she seeks a second term in next January’s presidential election.

Politics & Society
The KMT’s Presidential Nominee

Who Are Han Kuo-yu’s Hardcore Fans?

The Kuomintang announced on July 15 that Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu will represent it in the 2020 presidential election. It continued Han’s meteoric rise, which has been helped by an extremely loyal core of supporters. So who are these loyal Han fans? CommonWealth interviewed several of them at an event in early June to find out.  

Politics & Society
Embracing the Coast, Acting on the Ground

Delivering Sustainable Coastal Zone Management

While Taiwan has excellent natural resources and conditions, the island is also threatened by typhoons, extreme weather conditions and other natural disasters. Moreover, excessive construction, environmental pollution and other ecological degradation caused by human activity have resulted in Taiwan’s natural coastline being on the verge of disappearing.

Politics & Society
Guest-Writer's Submission

Could Taiwan Make Millions Exporting Water?

This won’t come as a surprise to everyone reading this, but it rains in Taipei, and it rains a lot. We’re apparently in the midst of the dreaded of plum rains at the moment, and a quick glance the next five days’ weather forecasts predicts a solid block of rain and thunder.

Politics & Society
EVA Air Flight Attendants Strike

Why the Labour Union Faces Complete Defeat

A strike by EVA Air flight attendants is the longest in Taiwan’s aviation history. But why, unlike a strike of China Airlines flight attendants led by the same union three years ago in which the airline met all of their demands, is this labor gambit likely to come up short? 

Taitung, the Globetrotting Ironman and Surfer’s Shangri-La

Surf’s up! On the coast of Taitung, the surf breaks range in difficulty from beginner to high-intermediate. In recent years, surfers around the world have made their way here, especially those from Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong.

Politics & Society
Taiwan as Asia’s Social Innovation Hub

Does Taiwan Need More Foreign Talent?

Discussions about Taiwan’s stagnant economy and how it causes countless young Taiwanese to seek better opportunities overseas are no longer news these days. While most media outlets are quick to throw criticism at the government, not much about Taiwan’s potential to attract high-value foreign labor and creative talent has been mentioned in local media coverage.

Politics & Society
Toward Sustainable Tourism by 2020

From Bay Tourism to Small Town Rambling

Located at the heart of Asia, Taiwan is surrounded by the ocean, with abundant tourism resources. In recent years, engaging annual campaigns featuring Taiwan’s brand of tourism, such as Ecotourism, Bay Tourism and Small Town Ramble, have been resonating with travelers around the world, enticing them to explore countless tourism treasures on the island.

Politics & Society
Taiwan, The Hidden Treasure in Asia

The Impasse of Taiwanese Tourism?

Many tourists come to Taiwan while “just passing by” on their way to or from other countries, or as a last resort. How can Taiwan highlight its unique color and depth to better attract international tourists?

Politics & Society
A New Type of Aquacultures

Technology and Management Upgrades Taiwanese Fisheries

The amount of fish produced by Taiwanese fisheries ranks number twenty-three in the world. But Taiwanese fisherfolks are beset by the effects of climate change, the depletion of marine resources, and the harsh reality of international politics.

Politics & Society
Taiwan Presidential Elections 2020

President Tsai Ing-wen Beats Former Premier William Lai to Win DPP's Nomination

Tsai Ing-wen defeated her Democratic Progressive Party's opponent former premier William Lai, as shown by the results of the DPP's primary poll.

Politics & Society
Hong Kong Extradition Bill

Taiwan President Issues Statement Regarding Hong Kong Protest

President Tsai explained that the democratic protests in Hong Kong not only made Taiwanese cherish their existing democratic system and way of life even more, but also made it clear to them that the "one country, two systems" model is not viable.

Politics & Society
Rising Temperatures, Raging Storms

Scholars: Taiwan Should Relocate Its Capital

Taipei is an overdeveloped metropolis located in a basin. This has created what is known as an urban heat island, where temperatures are noticeably higher and storms are much more violent than surrounding rural areas. Indonesia has already decided to move its capital as a response to global warming. Should Taiwan do the same?

Politics & Society
Nan Hai Development Yu Pun-hoi

Hong Kong Tycoon Who Won Taipei Twin Towers Tender Supports Unification with China

Controversy surrounding the development of the Taipei Twin Towers, a huge complex of more than 10,000 pings (about 33,000 square meters) near Taipei Main Station, keeps brewing.

Behind Taiwan’s Same-Sex Marriage Law, The 30-Year Crusade

It took 33 years from the time Chi Chia-wei came out as gay in 1986 to when he could legally get married. How did those many years of struggle finally result in Taiwan becoming the first country in Asia to pass a same-sex marriage law?  

Politics & Society
Gay Marriage Legalization

Taiwan Becomes the First Asian Country to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

As the United Nations marked the International Day Against Homophobia, Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Politics & Society
Taiwan’s Average Monthly Wage 50K?

Are You Making More than the Average Taiwanese?

“Taiwan’s average monthly wage reached a record high of 49,989 Taiwan dollars!” This was a statement from Premier William Lai (賴清德) on the eve of Labor Day last year. It’s now 2019. Do you know which income group you belong to? Which professions rake in the most money in Taiwan?

Exclusive Interview: Terry Gou Moving Hon Hai Production Lines from Shenzhen to Kaohsiung

Against the backdrop of rising punitive tariffs on electronics made in China, can Taiwan look forward to becoming a manufacturing hub for high-end Foxconn network communication equipment and servers?

Politics & Society
Taiwan’s Education Scam

Foreign Students = Illegal Workers?

Several cases of abuse of “work/study” programs have surfaced in Taiwan since October 2018, with universities recruiting students from South and Southeast Asia and turning them into cheap labor for local factories. CommonWealth takes a look behind the scenes at what is going on.

Politics & Society
What Really Happened with Da Vinci Procedure Reimbursements

Controversy of Inflated Reporting for National Health Insurance

In mid-April, the National Health Insurance Administration exposed false and inflated reporting by 38 hospitals and medical clinics on medical procedures using the da Vinci surgical system, totalling surgical costs of NT$350 million. Speaking with CommonWealth magazine, NHI chairman Lee Po-Chang related, "Unless we get rid of these abuses, the National Health Insurance system cannot be saved."

6 Things to Know about Press Freedom around the World

A free press is seen as one of the key measures of a healthy democratic society. However, the media environment in 2019 is becoming increasingly hostile.

As Uber and Taxi Drivers Take to the Streets, Taiwan’s Democracy is Tested

With Uber’s fate hanging in the balance, thousands demonstrated before the Presidential Building. As taxi and Uber drivers take to the streets in turn, how will Taiwan’s democracy protect the greater good?

Politics & Society
NT$100K a Month

Interview with Keyboard Warrior for 2020 Presidential Candidate

Wayne (a pseudonym), 30, is the head of an Internet marketing company. In 2014, he got his first taste of coordinating online promotions for a city assembly candidate, helping win the election and launching his career as an Internet shill. Other than the Chinese Communist Party, his team turns no potential clients away. “We make enough money; it doesn’t make sense to play such high-stakes games,” he says.

Politics & Society
The Black Hole of Fake News

Taiwan Caught in Online Opinion War

“Fake news” is the battlefield of the internet age, with the freedom of speech so valued by democratic societies used against them. Taiwan is a major battleground in this information war. Can it stop “fake news” from influencing its 2020 presidential election?

What keeps Taipei 101 steady during earthquakes and typhoons?

The giant golden ball prevented people inside the skyscraper from harm or discomfort during earthquakes and typhoons.

These Countries Have the Most Expensive Childcare

Childcare costs make up a significant proportion of many working parents’ outgoings. But how much you pay can vary considerably depending on where you live.

Politics & Society
Spanning US-China-Taiwan Situation

Han Kuo-yu's Visit to Hong Kong Raises Suspicions

Three days after the conclusion of Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu's whirlwind economic tour of Hong Kong and Macao, PLA fighters crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, prompting a rebuke from the United States. Other than efforts to promote the sales of Taiwanese fruit to China, just how has Han’s cross-strait tour reshaped relations between the U.S., Taiwan and China?

Politics & Society
CommonWealth Finance Weekly

Gasoline Prices Run-up in Taiwan

Starting April 8th, gasoline in Taiwan will cost an extra 0.2 NTD per liter. Geopolitics and domestic economic activity in oil-producing countries continue to cut supply and hike up oil prices.

Politics & Society
Fake News & Press Freedom

In the Era of ‘Red Infiltration’

A cold institution has become a hot topic. What can the National Communications Commission (NCC) do about fake news? Or rather, what should we use the NCC for?

Politics & Society
Fake News & Press Freedom

In the Era of ‘Red Infiltration’

A cold institution has become a hot topic. What can the National Communications Commission (NCC) do about fake news? Or rather, what should we use the NCC for?

Politics & Society
Opinion from The 90s Generation

“Make Your Fortune” and the Thirty Years of Recession Behind This Slogan

The rule of thumb for every candidate in every political election is that tired old adage: “it’s the economy, stupid.” It sure can get the hearts of the electorate pounding, but for a child of the nineties like myself, I enjoy no such delusions.

Politics & Society
World Economic Forum

How Young People Are Turning the Tide against Corruption

A deluge of corruption-related news and scandals has recently rocked the world. But there are plenty of reasons to believe that 2019 will be the year in which young people turn the tide against this lack of integrity and accountability.

Does the e-Mobility Wave Spell the End of Taiwan’s 28,000 Motorcycle Repair Shops?

Thirty years ago, motorbike repair shops were even more ubiquitous than convenience stores are today. The nearly 30,000 workshops were real cash cows. Now, with the advent of e-bikes, traditional mechanics feel pressure to adjust and venture into unfamiliar terrain.

Politics & Society
From Factory Owner’s Daughter to Rancher’s Wife

A Taiwanese Immigrant’s Tale from the Last Generation

On this new patch of earth, they erected a hotel. Lots of their staff were immigrants like them, people struggling to win their share of the American Dream. Everyone had a story.

Politics & Society
Can Health Insurance Boost Fertility?

The Fertility Effect of National Health Insurance in Taiwan

"Without the high level of immigration that the U.S. has traditionally enjoyed, we might have fertility problems as severe as Taiwan’s, and be facing the challenges of shrinking workforce that Taiwan is facing today—we might yet in the future."

Politics & Society
Red Candle Games

‘Devotion’ Gaming Controversy: Taiwan’s ‘Soft Power’ Meets China’s ‘Tough Power’

Heated discussion has flared up on Internet forums across Taiwan and Hong Kong in recent days after an online game contained reference to the “Xi Jinping as Winnie the Pooh” meme.

Politics & Society
Why Are Landlords Letting Property Sit Idle Instead of Lowering Rents?

Is Taipei’s East District Becoming a Ghost Town?

In mid-January, Yun Fu Lou, a well-known restaurant at East District Taipei, sent shock waves through the gourmet community with its announcement that it will shut down at the end of February. Reportedly, the restaurant, a fixture in the city’s hospitality sector for more than four decades, could not afford the pricey rent anymore. The nearby Swatch watch store ceased business at the beginning of the year, although the landlord had lowered the annual rent from NT$1.8 million to NT$1 million. Is there still hope for a revival of the once buzzing and busy East District of Taipei?

Politics & Society
NT$30 Million Spent on System Codification

Why Are Foreign Visitors Still Getting Lost on Taipei’s MRT System?

How is “Yongan Market” pronounced? Foreigners not conversant in Chinese could easily mistake the phonetic spelling for a phrase in Mandarin that could cause significant embarrassment, and still end up missing their station as well. For people who are lost in the Taipei Metro system, proper spelling is more important than assigning a code to each station.

How Taiwan’s Small-town Factories Keep Making the World’s Money

Taiwan may be known as a high-tech haven, but clusters of small, unsung factories hidden in small towns around the country remain important sources of export revenue. How have they survived in an age of globalization and fierce competition?

Opinion: Taiwan Voted against LGBT Equality, But All is Not Lost

While the results of the referendum were daunting for Taiwan’s LGBT community, and its global allies may be tempted to lose heart, buying into the narrative “Stories of Taiwan’s increasing social liberalization may be overstated,” there are some bright spots to be gleaned from.

Politics & Society
The More We Get Together: Singapore’s Playgrounds 1930 – 2030

Singaporean Childhood Memories: Playground History Reflects Local Life

How do playgrounds develop over time as social environments and human needs keep changing? How do the playgrounds of the past influence the selection and design of future playgrounds?

Our World's Biggest Risks in 2019

For leaders surveyed for the latest edition of the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report, environmental threats dominate the list for the third year in row - both in terms of impact and likelihood. “Of all risks, it is in relation to the environment that the world is most clearly sleepwalking into catastrophe,” the report warns.

Opinion: Bilingual Education for a Better Worldview?

Our schools promote English courses and our students learn about nations from outside the Asia-Pacific region, but they remain ignorant of—or even biased towards—the neighboring countries closest to us. This is the fallacy of the much-touted bilingual education and the “international perspective” educators work so hard to foster.

Politics & Society
Tsai Government in a Pickle

2019 State of the Nation Survey

Despite steady economic growth, perceptions of Taiwan’s wealth inequality and deep pension cuts have undermined support for President Tsai Ing-wen’s government. Can it do anything to regain public confidence a year before the next presidential election?

Politics & Society
Get-Rich-Quick Tales from the 1980s

How Rich Was Taiwan?

The nation was dubbed “the Republic of Casino” by astonished foreign media, and just about every Taiwanese was a gambler.

Politics & Society
The Road to Democracy

Lifting Martial Law and Opening-up Taiwan

Under pressure from within and without, late president Chiang Ching-kuo firmly believed that developing the economy and advancing democracy were Taiwan’s most effective weapons to counter Beijing.

Politics & Society
Taiwan’s First Directly Popularly-Elected President

From Constitutional Reform to Democracy

​​​​​​​Having hurriedly assumed the top seat of power, Lee Teng-hui rapidly set about pushing forward democratic reforms in Taiwan, becoming Taiwan’s first directly popularly-elected president. Yet populism and money politics reared their ugly heads from time to time on the road to democratization.

Politics & Society
2018 Taiwan Election

Why So Many Referendums This Year?

Voters were handed a record number of ballots in the just-concluded local elections because they also cast votes in ten concurrently held referendums, with one vote per referendum. Why were so many referendums held this time, and what is the threshold for referendums?

Politics & Society
The Two Key Competencies Both Children and Adults Need

How to Tackle Fake News

How can we equip children with critical thinking and media literacy as fake news and disinformation proliferate all over the world?

From GATT to WTO, Taiwan’s Global Chess Match

Taiwan finally joined the WTO after three years of applications and a decade of negotiations, heralding an era of globalization.

Politics & Society
Golden Horse Controversy

Opinion: China is Part of Taiwan, and Taiwan is Part of the World

It goes without saying that politics is art, and art is politics. Render unto politics what is political, and unto art what is artistic, or you will be left with sound and fury signifying nothing—a poor reflection on both art and politics.

Politics & Society
World Economic Forum

The New Debate on Climate Change

The debate over climate change is no longer about what causes global warming. Rather, the issue for policymakers is how to ensure that billions of at-risk people and businesses around the world can rapidly adapt and ensure that their communities are as resilient as possible.

Politics & Society
g0v Summit 2018

Rise of the Haters, Preventing Fake News

Is giving everyone a voice through technology the ultimate manifestation of democracy? The third g0v Summit on civic engagement through technology invited guests from the global tech realm to address such related topics as open government and combating fake news, demonstrating that there are no quick fixes for technology in relation to democracy.

Politics & Society
Digital Distrust

We’re Losing Faith in Technology to Solve the World’s Problems

Innovation could be one of the casualties of a lack of trust in digital technology in some countries.