NTD Surge: Taiwan Loses Leverage in U.S. Negotiations

As the July 9 deadline for the U.S. “reciprocal tariff” moratorium nears, reports suggest that Washington and Taipei are close to reaching a deal. Deputy Premier Cheng Li-chun announced “constructive progress” in the negotiations and expressed hopes for a “mutually beneficial” outcome. Yet the timing of her optimistic remarks has raised eyebrows: why has the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) been appreciating so sharply just as a deal appears imminent?

Ko's Case Led to a Death, Shattering Illusion of Judicial Human Rights

Former Taipei Deputy Mayor Peng Cheng-sheng accused prosecutors of coercive interrogation, harshly criticizing that the judiciary as a political enforcer, and judicial human rights have become mere hollow slogans.

With Errors in Every Speech, President Lai Exposes His Own Weakness

President Lai Ching-te has delivered four out of his planned 10 speeches on national unity, and each one has sparked controversy. Rather than rallying the nation, these speeches have ranged from historically inaccurate gaffes to divisive rhetoric that betrays democratic principles. Instead of elevating public support in the face of an ongoing recall campaign against opposition lawmakers, President Lai’s high-profile address series has only served to expose his weaknesses—and those of his inner circle.

After the U.S. Strikes Iran, Taiwan Should Be Even More Vigilant About Avoiding War

The recent order by President Donald Trump of the United States to bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities marks a historic departure from a long-standing red line—the U.S. had refrained from attacking Iranian territory since 1979. The operation sends a clear message: Washington is willing to use force decisively when necessary. Yet to interpret this as a pivot from isolationism to an interventionist foreign policy—and as a security boon for Taiwan—may be dangerously simplistic.

Who is Responsible for Witch-Hunt Atmosphere in Taiwan？

Once a source of calm and human warmth, Taiwan’s streets are increasingly permeated by suspicion and hostility. In a recent incident, a self-identified “pro-Taiwanese” fitness coach was accosted on the Metro while watching a video, with a stranger demanding, “Are you Chinese?” In another, a former special forces officer was taking a selfie in a public park when Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Claire Guo publicly accused him of being “sneaky,” uploading his photo online and filing a police report. These episodes are not isolated; they point to a disturbing trend of everyday interactions being poisoned by mistrust and paranoia.

President Lai's "Impurities" Remarks Like Purge Threat, Sends Chills

President Lai Ching-te recently delivered the second installment of his "Ten Speeches on Unity" at a Hakka Youth Association event in Taoyuan. Yet, the focus of his speech—eliminating "impurities" through elections and recall votes—has sparked widespread alarm. For the head of state in a democratic nation to refer to dissenting voices as "impurities" stands in sharp contrast to the message of "unity," and strikes a particularly jarring chord.

Reasons Behind the Breakdown of the National Security Briefing

Imagine this scene: In the morning, a photo of President Lai Ching-te shaking hands warmly with opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) leaders before a national security briefing is broadcast across all media platforms. In the afternoon, Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) announced the “Three Arrows” for the grand recall campaign, with billboards erected nationwide and recall groups mobilized across the country.

Risks of Taiwan's Exports to the U.S. Surpassing Those to China

Last month, Taiwan’s exports to the United States surpassed those to mainland China. This number—and the event itself—is worth discussing. Although the figures appear significant, they are primarily influenced by short-term factors. Even if the United States were to replace the mainland as Taiwan’s top export destination, it’s still too early to say whether this is a cause for celebration or concern.

Lai Administration's Self-Contradictory Entry Backlist

Taiwan Strait Simulation: Two Key Factors Will Determine U.S. Intervention

The Center for Peace and Security at the Taipei School of Economics and Political Science Foundation held a 2025 Taiwan Strait defense wargame, which concluded yesterday. Facing a simulated mainland Chinese military invasion, former U.S. Pacific Commander Admiral Dennis Blair emphasized that American intervention in a Taiwan Strait war hinges on two key factors: the cause of the conflict and Taiwan’s own will to defend itself. A participant representing Japan noted that while the Self-Defense Forces are unlikely to take the initiative, they could play a supporting role based on the U.S.-Japan alliance.