Articles by Chuang Hui Liang

Trump-Xi summit leaves Taiwan independence camp on edge

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is reeling after US President Donald Trump, following his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, bluntly warned against any push for independence. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang notes that this signals a potential shift in US policy, forcing Taipei to urgently redefine its cross-strait strategy.

Chuang Hui Liang

19 May 2026

[Big read] Banned or not, Taiwanese keep heading to mainland China anyway

Despite restrictions on group tours, Taiwanese continue travelling to mainland China in growing numbers, driven by demand, rising costs at home and expanding unofficial travel channels. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang reports from Taipei.

Chuang Hui Liang

15 May 2026

Xi’s message on Taiwan: Confidence on a different level

China’s announcement of establishing and promoting cross-strait communications and exchanges following the meeting with the Kuomintang leader portrays China as pursuing peace. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang notes aside from promoting cross-strait peace, China’s move could give it more leverage against the US.

Chuang Hui Liang

13 Apr 2026

China visit before Trump: Can Cheng Li-wun rescue the Kuomintang?

Ahead of Trump’s visit to Beijing, Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun has accepted Chinese President Xi Jinping’s invitation to visit the mainland next month, raising questions about whether her peace-politics gambit can unify a divided KMT, navigate internal rivalries and election pressures, and advance cross-strait peace. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang dives into the issue.

Chuang Hui Liang

31 Mar 2026

[Big read] Transform or be annihilated: How Taiwanese businesses are dealing with US tariffs

With the US as Taiwan’s largest export market, Taiwanese businesses are expected to bear the brunt of the US’s reciprocal tariffs. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang speaks with academics and industry insiders to find out more.

Chuang Hui Liang

15 Jul 2025

[Big read] Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s anti-corruption clampdown: Who’s next?

Lianhe Zaobao journalists Chuang Hui Liang and Miao Zong-Han note that Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is now in a tough spot with the recent detention of its party member for corruption charges. Will the clampdown further impact the DPP party as well as opposition parties?

Chuang Hui Liang, Miao Zong-Han

24 Jul 2024

Property and stock markets worsen wealth gap and financial anxiety in Taiwan

The sudden surge in Taiwan’s stock market index along with inflows to ETFs have left officials and analysts concerned. This could signal a wider wealth gap once markets return to normal and greater home ownership woes for youths. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang looks into the matter.

Chuang Hui Liang

13 May 2024

[Big read] Can older workers solve Taiwan's labour shortage problem?

Given Taiwan's low birth rate and ageing population, the labour shortage has become a severe issue, especially in the hospitality industry. While the government seems to be keen to open up to migrant workers, this might mean larger issues down the road. So why not open up the opportunities for Taiwan's middle-aged and elderly? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang speaks with academics and industry insiders to find out more.

Chuang Hui Liang

17 Nov 2023

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.

Chuang Hui Liang

18 Jul 2023

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.

Chuang Hui Liang

08 Apr 2022

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.

Chuang Hui Liang

11 Feb 2022

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.

Chuang Hui Liang

18 Mar 2021