Politics
[Big read] After Xi-Trump summit, a jittery Taiwan takes stock
Soon after the US-China summit in Beijing, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te stressed that peace in the Taiwan Strait would not be sacrificed or traded away, and called for Taiwan to bolster its national strength and cooperate closely with Taiwan’s global democratic partners. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with academics and analyses the situation.
Miao Zong-Han
04 Jun 2026
Politics
Xi raises stakes over Taiwan, warns US of ‘clash or even conflict’
Chinese President Xi Jinping warned visiting US President Donald Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could trigger a “clash or even conflict”, as Beijing raised the stakes in US-China ties. Analysts said the wording signals heightened urgency in Beijing’s Taiwan stance. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han reports.
Miao Zong-Han
14 May 2026
Politics
From airspace to sea lanes: A new front in US-China rivalry
From the skies over Africa to the strategic waters of the Middle East, the world’s vital transit nodes are being transformed into tools of statecraft. As major powers move beyond traditional warfare to weaponising global infrastructure, smaller nations find themselves navigating a high-stakes era of chokepoint diplomacy and economic coercion. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han finds out more.
Miao Zong-Han
24 Apr 2026
Politics
Cheng Li-wun’s China visit: A test of the KMT itself
Observers are carefully watching the potential meeting between the leaders of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Chinese Communist Party not only for its impact on cross-strait relations, but also the implications for the KMT’s internal power structure. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han takes a look at the significance of this meeting.
Miao Zong-Han
07 Apr 2026
Politics
[Big read] US-China push-pull over Taiwan strengthens Beijing’s hand
US-China tensions over Taiwan are deepening, but Washington’s reluctance to make firm commitments may be giving Beijing room to tighten its grip, even as trust in the US declines and regional risks grow. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks to experts about the Taiwan Strait issue.
Miao Zong-Han
20 Mar 2026
Politics
Taiwan’s expanding spy web: China’s post-reunification strategy
Beijing’s espionage operations in Taiwan are expanding beyond the military to journalists and civilians, using intermediaries and digital tools to map networks and prepare for governance after potential reunification. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han tells us more about what these developments mean for Taiwan.
Miao Zong-Han
02 Feb 2026
Politics
China’s military leadership vacuum: A boon or bane for Taiwan?
The recent shake-up of China’s Central Military Commission means that the top leadership now lacks real combat experience. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han observes that this could mean a delay in combat readiness of the People’s Liberation Army, or a more aggressive stance from younger generals looking for professional advancement.
Miao Zong-Han
28 Jan 2026
Politics
[Big read] The first shot Taiwan hopes never to fire
Under mounting military pressure, Taiwan may be pushed to fire a warning shot it hopes never to take — an act that could give Beijing its pretext for war and test America’s commitment. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han finds out more.
Miao Zong-Han
22 Jan 2026
Politics
Taiwan students turn to wargaming amid rising strait tensions
Once confined to military circles, wargaming has gained popularity among university students in Taiwan amid escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with the students and teachers involved with this growing trend.
Miao Zong-Han
17 Dec 2025
Politics
[Big read] If Taiwan wants US help, it has to prove it’s willing to fight
Recent surveys have shown an increased willingness of Taiwanese conscripts to fight in the event of a mainland Chinese invasion, while the average willingness among the Taiwanese public has stayed consistent around 70%. However, is this enough to guarantee US support in the event of war? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han speaks with Taiwanese young men and academics to find out more.
Miao Zong-Han
22 Jul 2025
Politics
[Big read] Taiwan’s risky gamble: Relying on US protection while divided at home
Alongside the Taiwan public’s waning confidence in the US, there are several signs that portend the US would not intervene if mainland China invades Taiwan. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han discusses the issue.
Miao Zong-Han
22 May 2025
Society
[Big read] China women’s long march towards equality
The advent of social media has been a double-edged sword for women’s rights and gender equality movements in China. Though social media helps promote awareness of such issues, it also enables reactionary resistance to these movements and even misogynistic abuse. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han discusses the issue.
Miao Zong-Han
08 Jan 2025