Chen Kuohsiang
CommentatorArticles by Chen Kuohsiang
Politics
Why Japan and France are trapped in a dangerous leadership deadlock
Japan and France face political deadlock as divided parties and weak governments create a leadership void, threatening democracy and risking a rise in extremism amid global uncertainty. Commentator Chen Kuohsiang looks into the consequences.
Chen Kuohsiang
25 Sep 2025
Politics
How Trump’s assault on universities is sabotaging America’s future
US President Donald Trump has been taking harsh action on elite universities in the US, in an attempt to get them in line with government instructions on academic teaching and admissions, among other things. Commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that this goes against academic freedom and the ideals of the US.
Chen Kuohsiang
06 May 2025
Politics
Deals over ideals: The remaking of American values under Trump
In just a few months, US President Donald Trump has completely overturned the prevailing American value system and replaced it with his own, which is informed by a transactional business mindset that prioritises America’s interests. Commentator Chen Kuohsiang offers his thoughts on Trump’s radical brand of governance.
Chen Kuohsiang
10 Mar 2025
Politics
Quick fixes and false promises: The rise of populism in the West
Commentator Chen Kuohsiang says that the rise of the far right in the West offers seemingly simple solutions to current issues such as immigration, economic difficulties and military conflicts, but it does not get to the root of the problem.
Chen Kuohsiang
29 Oct 2024
Politics
US presidential elections: A battle between old and new America
Commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that Democratic presidential hopeful Kamala Harris portrays her opponent Republican Donald Trump as an eccentric person who wants to return to the past, while he describes her as a radical, far-left, socialist harbinger of chaos. Indeed, their differences and opposition have framed the US presidential election as a battle between old and new America.
Chen Kuohsiang
03 Sep 2024
Politics
Lessons from Ukraine for Taiwan
With the war in Ukraine entering its third year, commentator Chen Kuohsiang asks: could the situation have been avoided? What could Ukraine have done to prevent Russia from invading? Also, by extension, what can Taiwan learn from Ukraine's experience?
Chen Kuohsiang
21 Mar 2024
Politics
China's political black box has become even more opaque
Commentator Chen Kuohsiang says that China's politics have become even more opaque and rigid since the announcement that the premier's press conference will no longer be held at the end of the National People's Congress. With no room left to express personal will or position, the Chinese premier has been reduced to the general secretary's political implementer.
Chen Kuohsiang
07 Mar 2024
Politics
Populism and anti-immigration fervour surges in the West
Taiwanese commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that populist fervour and anti-immigration sentiments in the US and Europe embolden each other and form a vicious circle, dominating major political issues. This has led to the potential political comeback of former US President Donald Trump and the rise of opposition parties in Europe.
Chen Kuohsiang
15 Feb 2024
Politics
Taiwanese commentator: How William Lai can be a good Taiwan president
With William Lai as Taiwan's president-elect, commentator Chen Kuohsiang delves into what the DPP needs to do to cope with losing its parliamentary majority, navigate cross-strait relations and win over the Taiwanese people.
Chen Kuohsiang
17 Jan 2024
Politics
China wielding long-arm jurisdiction of its own
Taiwanese commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that China seems to be using long-arm jurisdiction to curtail overseas critics, activists and publishers. This has far-reaching consequences, not least in officially annexing Taiwan through legal precedent.
Chen Kuohsiang
17 May 2023
Politics
Do businessmen make good political leaders?
With Foxconn founder Terry Gou declaring interest in running for Taiwan president again, commentator Chen Kuohsiang cites examples to show why having a businessman as a political leader may not be a good idea, given the different qualities required for each role.
Chen Kuohsiang
23 Feb 2023
Economy
Future world: A rising Asia and a polarised global economy
Commentator Chen Kuohsiang notes that the US's efforts to counter China is the main driving force behind the redrawing of the global economic map. However, as the US is the sole beneficiary while most of the other countries have supported the US's cause to their own detriment, conflicts of interests will gradually emerge. In the end, the global economy may polarise into various camps with disjointed supply chains.
Chen Kuohsiang
19 Jan 2023