Chuang Hui Liang

Chuang Hui Liang

Journalist, Lianhe Zaobao

Chuang Hui Liang is a Taiwanese veteran journalist with Lianhe Zaobao since 2010. She began her career in news reporting in 1988, specialising in Taiwanese politics. She is also a keen observer of cross-strait relations. Before joining the Singapore Chinese-language broadsheet, Hui Liang previously reported for major Taiwanese and Hong Kong publications. She is based in Taipei.

Taiwan Vice-President William Lai makes a speech at the ruling Democratic Progressive Party annual congress in Taipei, Taiwan, on 16 July 2023. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Taiwan Vice-President William Lai’s upcoming transit in the US draws ire

Taiwan Vice-President and Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate William Lai is expected to transit in the US enroute to Paraguay to attend President-elect Santiago Peña’s inauguration in August. US officials are adopting a “low-key” handling of the transit amid Chinese foreign ministry protests. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang has the details.
A group of soldiers who finished a month of training wait to depart from the ferry, and is about to finish the rest of their three-month mandatory military service in Nangan, Matsu, Taiwan, 17 March 2022. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

Taiwan's young men are rushing to complete their military service

With the Russia-Ukraine war top of mind, Taiwan is moving to ramp up its defence capabilities by lengthening its military service from four months to one year. As a result, parents and young men are trying to bring forward the period of service before the extension is implemented. But how effective will lengthening the period of service be? Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang assesses the combat-readiness of Taiwanese young people.
Only ten eggs per person at a time at this grocery store. (CNS)

Egg shortage reveals deeper economic issues in Taiwan

Chuang Hui Liang warns that an egg shortage in Taiwan is indicative of rising inflation in Taiwan, which is currently held in check by the DPP government freezing price hikes on oil and electricity. But the huge losses due to this policy are only building up and one cannot say how long it can last. Harder times may be ahead for the Taiwanese who are tightening their belts and turning to property as a hedge against inflation.
This file photo taken on 18 April 2018 shows China's aircraft carrier, the Liaoning (centre), sailing during a drill at sea. (STR/AFP)

Can Taiwan fight for as long as it takes?

Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said in parliament yesterday that Taiwan stands ready to defend itself. His remarks come on the back of an assessment by a US commander that mainland China may take Taiwan by force in the next six years, and the US and Japan’s joint statement on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Chuang Hui Liang reports.
Confetti is seen in front of Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen's office building during the National Day celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, 10 October 2020. (Ann Wang/REUTERS)

A 'barbaric act' or 'bogus accusations'? Cross-strait hostilities continue to rise

A celebration of Taiwan’s National Day in Fiji led to a physical altercation between Taiwan and mainland China officials, which in turn has resulted in a fresh escalation of cross-strait hostilities. Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang examines where this might lead.
Students at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan, 6 August 2020. (Ann Wang/REUTERS)

Taiwan history textbooks makeover: Eliminating country, people, history and culture?

What is the teaching of Chinese history without recounting the drama of the Three Kingdoms or the antics of concubine Yang Guifei? As Taiwan adjusts its history textbooks and skims over or even leaves out large chunks of China’s history, what exactly is it losing?
This handout picture taken and released on 20 May 2020 by the Taiwan Presidential office shows Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen (centre) and Vice President William Lai waving during an inauguration event for their respective terms in office, at the Taipei Guest House in Taipei. (Handout/Taiwan Presidential Office/AFP)

Chinese academic: Tsai's true intention was to redraw boundaries in cross-strait relations

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s inauguration speech yesterday delved into various areas concerning the future direction of Taiwan, but the most important aspect was the strong tone she set regarding the handling of cross-strait relations. Chuang Hui Liang and Edwin Ong analyse the nuances of her speech and gather reactions from Taiwan and mainland China.
A man (L) holds a Taiwan flag as passengers disembark from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. (Philip Fong/AFP)

Taiwanese stranded in Wuhan: When can they return?

Intransigence from the governments in Beijing and Taipei has kept a number of Taiwanese stranded in Wuhan, the epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak. While views in Taiwan are split, academics have launched a petition calling for politics to take a backseat in the face of a humanitarian crisis.
A supporter wearing a hat with a Taiwanese flag attends a campaign rally for Taiwan's KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu, in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on 21 December 21 2019. (Ann Wang/Reuters)

2020 Taiwan elections: Winning voters’ hearts

​​The 2020 Taiwan presidential elections can be said to be one of the most elusive ones yet. Incumbent Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen’s opinion poll ratings may be miles ahead of the Kuomintang’s presidential candidate, Han Kuo-yu, but the latter’s overwhelming support at rallies suggest that he is still very much in the game. Only the ballots cast on 11 January 2020 will determine if Tsai or Han will emerge victorious.