Taiwan Election

[Big read] Satire, deepfakes and virtual voters: AI enters Taiwan’s election race

AI has made its way into Taiwan’s local elections with AI-generated satire videos and virtual party spokespersons. Lianhe Zaobao Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai examines whether AI can sway voters and how Taiwan can manage AI risks without curbing free speech.

Lai Oi Lai

29 Oct 2026

When Taiwan’s stars must prove their political loyalty

Taiwanese host Kevin Tsai’s appearance at a local campaign event triggered cross-strait political fallout. His experience highlights the shrinking space for Taiwanese entertainers operating amid competing ideological expectations. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Miao Zong-Han looks at what is at stake.

Miaw Zong-Han

27 Oct 2026

Taiwan’s local elections: Can DPP disrupt KMT’s Taipei stronghold?

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen’s grassroots surge is shaking up Taiwan’s local elections. Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai looks at whether the DPP can translate this momentum into actual gains at the ballot box.

Lai Oi Lai

19 Oct 2026

Double Tenth speech: A softer Lai, but no thaw across the Taiwan Strait

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s Double Tenth Day address prioritised economic relief over cross-strait policy. Academics told Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai that the speech is a cautious move to calm tensions with Beijing and win domestic voters.

Lai Oi Lai

12 Oct 2026

Taiwan wants nuclear energy back, but can it overcome the hurdles?

Ahead of Taiwan’s November referendum on nuclear power, momentum is building in favour of nuclear energy, even within the ruling DPP, in view of Taiwan’s energy needs amid an AI and semiconductor boom. Taiwan-based researcher Ghulam Ali shares his analysis.

Ghulam Ali

06 Oct 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] 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.

Miaw Zong-Han

20 Mar 2026

Can Kuomintang’s new chairwoman unite the party and reconcile the China question?

Beijing welcomes her victory, while Kuomintang insiders express unease. The rise of the KMT’s new chairwoman, Cheng Li-wun, reflects shifting identities, widening generational divides, and Beijing’s recalibrated approach to Taiwan’s opposition. With her clear pro-China stance, what impact will her leadership have on Taiwan’s politics and society? Japanese scholar Yoshiyuki Ogasawara offers his perspective.

Yoshiyuki Ogasawara

30 Oct 2025

Taiwan’s Great Recall: A grassroots movement meets political reality

The outcome of Taiwan’s recall vote to decide whether to recall Kuomintang representatives was unexpectedly decisive: all 24 KMT incumbents survived the challenge, marking a resounding victory for the opposition party. This result signals looming difficulties for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party but could pave the way for a more robust civil society, says academic Ho Ming-sho.

Ho Ming-sho

29 Jul 2025

Former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je’s downfall could impact cross-strait relations

Taiwan People’s Party chair Ko Wen-je has landed in hot water as a graft probe has shattered his “clean politics” image. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong looks at the events that led to the allegations and the implications for Taiwan’s political scene.

Han Yong Hong

02 Sep 2024

[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, Miaw Zong-Han

24 Jul 2024

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te wagers that China will not attack Taiwan?

Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong rounds up various reactions to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s inauguration speech, observing that the strong tone and emphasis on the pro-unification/pro-independence divide are calculated moves on the part of the ruling party.

Woon Wei Jong

24 May 2024