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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 defence ministry says Ukraine war underscores urgency of securing sustained ammunition supply in event of armed conflict.
Lawmakers propose minimum sentences and tighter rules for political candidates, while critics warn the changes amount to more social control.
Opposition politicians frame incident as readiness problem created by high operational tempo, ageing airframes and slow equipment delivery.
In a New York Times interview, the US president says he does not believe the island would be attacked during his term.
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Critics warn that the proposed change to a law concerning mainland China risks Beijing’s anger by moving towards de jure independence.
Taipei says its military stands ready, but security experts warn about Beijing’s ability to quickly pivot from drills to actual combat.
Cheng Li-wun is concerned about timing of visit as election season looms, while critics say her plan downplays security threat to Taiwan.
The drills were on a larger scale than previous ones and featured the use of rocket systems that could give mainland Chinese forces an edge.
William Lai Ching-te outlines ‘layered defence’ fusion of satellite, radar and drone data to create backbone for security shield.
Procedural blockade for eight-year military spending package has also stalled 2026 general budget review, piling up pressure on ruling DPP.
Tighter police deployments at transport hubs and major events ordered after deadly violence in central Taipei stokes public anxiety.
Taiwan’s air force says it is pushing US side on production speed and quality control amid mounting scrutiny from lawmakers over delays.
Defence ministry briefs lawmakers on ‘heightened risk’ of sudden strike designed to paralyse command and control systems at start of conflict.
A dispute over how funds are allocated has triggered a stand-off in which both sides accused the other of undermining the constitution.
Proposed changes would also mandate alternative service for transgender and intersex people, a move that has sparked backlash.
Senators’ bid to ‘strongly encourage’ invitation is removed from compromise bill, raising questions in Taipei.
Island’s legislature moves to deter rise in intentional sabotage, which now carries a prison sentence of up to seven years.
Many users and opposition politicians accuse Taiwan’s ruling party of overreach and damaging island’s reputation for open internet access.
‘Little orange book’ sent to nearly 10 million households advises on survival response, but many question its cost and value.
KMT and TPP say William Lai’s government is seeking a ‘blank cheque’ and demand details of procurement plans before proposal can be reviewed.
Taiwan downplays concerns that Kingstown could flip ties to Beijing while eyeing polls in Honduras, where Taipei-friendly candidates lead.
Network would protect key infrastructure from incursions by small commercial drones but there are concerns over use of takeover function.
Critics question where the money will come from to finance Lai’s plans for a massive increase in military spending.
William Lai says in newspaper article that the eight-year spending commitment is aimed to create ‘greater costs and uncertainties’ for Beijing.
Current law requires elected officials to prove they renounced their former citizenship – which is impossible for those born on the mainland.
Citing the Ukraine war, plan entails ‘forward-looking multi-integration development project’ for uncrewed platforms between 2026 and 2028.
If endorsed by Donald Trump, the legislation will require the State Department to review guidelines limiting relations with Taipei.
Island now at risk of becoming a flashpoint in confrontation between two major world powers, opposition says.
Rise in cases since military service term was extended follows a poll that showed an increased reluctance to die in defence of island.
