Taiwan
COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP
In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.
COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout
While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.
COMMENT: US military sales to Taiwan – a necessary shield or forced purchases by an economic bully?
Amid growing concern over the cross-Strait balance of power therefore, the US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth recently drew headlines for his stark warning of an “imminent” Chinese move against Taiwan.
Countering drones in modern warfare: lessons from Ukraine and beyond
Electronic countermeasures are among the most widely used methods for neutralising drones. These include GPS jamming, radio-frequency jamming and signal spoofing.
COMMENT: US Defence Secretary Hegseth tells Asian countries war with China “could be imminent”
US Secretary for Defence Pete Hegseth put the cat amongst the pigeons during a speech at the at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, by telling the leading Asian countries they should join with the US and get ready for war with China.
CITIES IN PERIL: Taipei’s climate countdown
Located in the Taipei Basin and bordered by the volcanic Yangmingshan mountain range to the north and Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range to the southeast, Taipei’s geography makes it both scenic and vulnerable.
COVID is back - a new "NB.1.8.1" strain is spreading across continents
The coronavirus (COVID-19) is back. Reports from health authorities around the world have detected a new highly contagious strain of the virus that has been spreading through Asia and has now reached Russia.
Harvard ban fallout: international students face a new era of uncertainty
While framed as a matter of national security, the decision has left over 7,000 international students scrambling for clarity, stability, and their futures.
White House orders cessation of semiconductor tech sales to China
The announcement caused initial stock declines for Synopsys, Cadence and potential acquisition target Ansys. Meanwhile, Chinese EDA firms like Empyrean Technology, Primarius and Semitronix are expanding their market presence.
Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum
Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children
Inside Malaysia’s $107bn semiconductor gamble
By betting big on chips, Malaysia is not just investing in factories and engineers, it’s investing in long-term technological sovereignty. As the global race for semiconductors accelerates, Malaysia is proving it intends to play for keeps.
US admits to 500 troops in Taiwan testing Beijing’s red lines
The US has admitted that it has approximately 500 military personnel stationed in Taiwan, breaking previous pledges not to post soldiers on the contested island.
_0_1748406000.jpg)
China shifts from global banker to leading debt collector
Once the primary provider of capital across much of the world, Beijing now finds itself at the receiving end of record repayments, particularly from some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable nations.
ASIA BLOG: Taiwan on the international stage – inclusion is not a concession, it is common sense
It is increasingly absurd – and even dangerous – that Taiwan continues to be excluded from key international organisations such as the WHO, Interpol, ICAO and most prominently, the UN.
INTERVIEW: Karen Chen – adviser to the Taiwan Geothermal Association
Currently, there are over 20 geothermal projects either operational or under development across Taiwan with massive potential across – or under – the main island.
COMMENT: Why Japan-China relations remain key to Asian economic and regional stability
While headlines often dwell on the China-United States rivalry or regional disputes in the South China Sea, it is Sino-Japanese relations that may well determine the trajectory of Asia’s economic prosperity.
Lee VS Kim; a look at South Korea’s leading presidential candidates on foreign policy issues
Whichever way it goes, the result of the presidential election in Korea will play a crucial role in shaping both South Korea and the wider East Asia region’s geopolitical landscape for the foreseeable future.
COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America
Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.
Taiwan’s leader urges renewed dialogue with China as tensions rise
Lai warned that any armed conflict would be disastrous for all parties and reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities to deter any attempt by Beijing to seize the island by force.
ASIA BLOG: South Korea needs political stability now more than ever
iKorea's current political crisis is deeply troubling. The ongoing impeachment proceedings against the disgraced former president Yoon Suk Yeol, regardless of one’s political leanings, are not merely a domestic affair.