Articles by Gu Erde

From distrust to friendship: Chiang Ching-kuo and Lee Kuan Yew

You may have heard of Chiang Ching-kuo, Taiwan’s former president and son of Chiang Kai-shek. What you may not know is that Chiang shared a close friendship with Lee Kuan Yew, and that he faced many difficulties in choosing a successor and preserving his father’s legacy. Commentator Gu Erde tells us lesser-known stories about Chiang, which have recently come to light with the declassification and release of previously unseen historical sources, such as Chiang’s personal diary.

Gu Erde

04 Feb 2025

More Taiwanese are venturing overseas for better pay

Taiwan is experiencing a brain drain as it loses talents to neighbouring countries such as Japan and Singapore, due to the prospects of higher salaries compared with back home. Commentator Gu Erde notes that as those countries face an ageing and declining population, they have set up favourable policies to attract talent.

Gu Erde

27 Mar 2024

Survey on US and Taiwan experts: William Lai's presidency will see a turbulent Taiwan Strait

Commentator Gu Erde looks into a recent survey on China experts from the US and Taiwan, which reveals, among other things, that the Taiwan experts perceive a lower military threat from China than the US experts, but a higher proportion of the US experts is confident that the US would intervene militarily to defend Taiwan in a conflict.

Gu Erde

05 Feb 2024

William Lai's biggest challenge will be Xi Jinping and Ko Wen-je

With the Taiwan presidential elections at a close and the Democratic Progressive Party clinching a historic third consecutive term, commentator Gu Erde takes a look at the challenges ahead for president-elect William Lai.

Gu Erde

16 Jan 2024

Taiwan's presidential election a choice between peace and war?

As the Taiwan presidential election heats up in the final month, commentator Gu Erde takes a look at the election narratives surrounding the three parties in the contest, in particular garnering the youth votes, the Taiwan Strait issue and Taiwan's relations with China and the US.

Gu Erde

14 Dec 2023

Has China's chip sector reached the end of the line?

While many are impressed by the release of Huawei's Mate series smartphone equipped with 7-nanometre chips, some would believe that China has reached the pinnacle of its semiconductor development. Commentator Gu Erde takes a look at China's chip sector thus far as it grapples with the US's tech blockade.

Gu Erde

10 Oct 2023

Taiwan's #MeToo: A progressive Taiwanese society's attempt at challenging patriarchy

Commentator Gu Erde notes the recent spate of allegations of sexual offences against notable figures in Taiwan, most prominently from within the Democratic Progressive Party itself. This has put the ruling party in the eye of the #MeToo storm, with victims coming forward to speak out. What does this furore say about patriarchal chauvinism in Taiwan's wider society and culture?

Gu Erde

26 Jun 2023

Why Hou Yu-ih won the KMT presidential nomination and Terry Gou did not

With about eight months to go to the next Taiwan presidential election, commentator Gu Er De explains why Hou Yu-ih won the nomination as KMT presidential candidate, while Terry Gou failed despite his best efforts.

Gu Erde

24 May 2023

Tackling the growing income gap in Taiwan

Veteran journalist Gu Erde looks at the impact of Taiwan's widening income gap, especially on the youth. Is the government doing enough to strengthen the social security network and protect people's livelihoods?

Gu Erde

15 Feb 2023

Taiwan's 2024 presidential race takes shape

Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party took a number of hits during the "nine-in-one" local elections and Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as a result. Veteran journalist Gu Erde notes how the 2024 presidential race has started to take shape, but Taiwan's elections in recent years show that voters' tastes, especially those of the young voters, change quickly and drastically.

Gu Erde

01 Dec 2022

Can Taiwan hold on to its lead in chip manufacturing?

Taiwan's semiconductor industry is booming, but its pole position is at risk. With the industry deemed of national security concern, China, the US and the EU are implementing restrictive measures, upping their investment and aiming for autonomy and self-sufficiency in the sector, which could cause Taiwan to lose its competitive edge.

Gu Erde

07 Nov 2022

Taiwanese commentator: Tsai Ing-wen's steady and prudent approach on Taiwan Strait issue

Tsai Ing-wen has continually clarified her fundamental position on the Taiwan Strait issue during her national day speeches since she became Taiwan's president, much to China's chagrin. However, this year, some have viewed her speech as "great domestic propaganda" directed against the opposition party instead. Veteran journalist Gu Erde takes us through the highlights of Tsai's speech and what it means for Taiwan.

Gu Erde

18 Oct 2022