A record number of foreign students are choosing to study Mandarin in Taiwan, breaking pre-pandemic records. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Woon Wei Jong looks at the appeal of Taiwan as a Mandarin-learning hub and the impact on its international standing.
Taiwan
Culture
Taiwanese art historian Chiang Hsun recalls his memories of his dear friend Ching-ti, from the lectures he conducted in her bakery to the death of her beloved husband. Ching-ti was a generous woman unbothered by life’s trivialities, but was unprepared to face the death of her loved one.
Politics
US academic Zhu Zhiqun observes that the ambiguity and grey areas created through tacit understanding among Beijing, Taipei and Washington have long helped sustain the Taiwan Strait peace and prosperity. Once these grey areas fall apart, the fragile stability in the Taiwan Strait could be broken, leading to crises.
Culture
Cultural historian Cheng Pei-kai takes us on a search for delicious shaobing youtiao and savoury soy milk around Yonghe in Taiwan. While a common breakfast for many, the rich flavours from his youth are not one easily replicated or found.
Politics
Commentator Qi Dongtao gives his take on so-called radical Taiwan independence in Taiwan and popular support for armed reunification in mainland China, and how such forms of "patriotic nationalism" are making it difficult for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to come to an understanding.
Politics
While there are fears that the support of political causes of other countries could lead to societal tensions and public disorder, Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Peter Ong says that we should not be too critical of youths that participate in seminars discussing wars and oppression, want to learn from one another, speak up on the internet and even parade on the streets. While their fight may be futile and their means not necessarily reasonable, it is oftentimes their sense of justice, sincerity and the fearless display of their youthfulness that should be valued.
Technology
Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore are welcoming shifts in the semiconductor supply chain with Taiwan’s TSMC at its heart. Academics Karl Lee Chee Leong and Nur Shahadah Jamil examine the issue.
Society
Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Miao Zong-Han notes that as TikTok and Douyin grow in popularity in Taiwan, there are concerns about mainland China’s influence in terms of cultural invasion. Is this really a "subtle" way to guide society towards eventual reunification, or is it just pure entertainment for young people?