Taiwan

Students cheer on speakers during a gathering to mark the first anniversary of student groups stormed the parliament in Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

10 years ago, the Sunflower Movement pushed Taiwan away from China

March 18 marks the 10-year anniversary of a movement that changed Taiwanese politics for a generation. The Sunflower Movement saw hundreds of students occupy Taiwan’s Legislature — demanding that lawmakers reconsider a trade deal they were about to ratify with China.

10 years ago, the Sunflower Movement pushed Taiwan away from China
street

A close race in Taiwan could decide whether it prioritizes sovereignty or closer ties with China

A close race in Taiwan could decide whether it prioritizes sovereignty or closer ties with China
Seafood Congee, as presented in the Taiwanese cookbook Made in Taiwan: Recipes and Stories from the Island Nation.

A new book explores Taiwan's culinary identity

A new book explores Taiwan's culinary identity
two women

'It's time that we face the issue': #MeToo movement gains momentum in Taiwan

'It's time that we face the issue': #MeToo movement gains momentum in Taiwan
Photo of Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te

Taiwan's political parties beset by sexual harassment allegations

Taiwan's political parties beset by sexual harassment allegations
Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou waves as Ma leaves for China, at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan City, northern Taiwan, Monday, March 27, 2023.

Former Taiwanese president makes historic visit to China

As the former president heads to China, Taiwan's current president, Tsai Ing-Wen, is heading to the Americas this week. The diplomatic trips come as voters prepare for this year’s presidential campaigns. 

Former Taiwanese president makes historic visit to China
Attendees at the 228 Memorial eat squid porridge, the traditional meal eaten every year at the Lee family to remember Lee Ruei-Han.

‘Kneel and apologize!’: 76 years after island-wide massacre, Taiwan continues to commemorate — and debate — the tragedy

On Feb. 28, 1947, the Chinese Nationalist Party began killing thousands of people across the island of Taiwan, in a massacre that lasted for months. Today, Taiwan continues to debates the circumstances of that tragedy — and the legacy of Chiang Kai-Shek.

‘Kneel and apologize!’: 76 years after island-wide massacre, Taiwan continues to commemorate — and debate — the tragedy
Many Taipei residents visit the city's historic Dihua Street to buy goods for the Lunar New Year.

Taiwan and China celebrate Lunar New Year amid vastly different COVID levels

Taiwan has reopened to international travel, and has lifted some other restrictions, as people celebrate Lunar New Year with family and friends.

Taiwan and China celebrate Lunar New Year amid vastly different COVID levels
soldiers running

Taiwanese young people have mixed feelings about increased military service 

Taiwan's president announced last week that mandatory military service for young people will increase from four months to a full year. There is substantial popular support for the move because of a rising threat from China, though among young people themselves, it’s more complicated.

Taiwanese young people have mixed feelings about increased military service 
woman speaking to crowd

'We all want democracy': Taiwanese stand in solidarity with Chinese 'white paper protests'

In China, protests have declined after the loosening of some COVID-19 restrictions. Some Taiwanese continue to support the "A4 revolution," or "white paper protests," in China.

'We all want democracy': Taiwanese stand in solidarity with Chinese 'white paper protests'
About 120,000 people took part in Pride celebrations in Taipei on Saturday, Oct. 29.

Taiwan celebrates LGBTQ pride as activists push for further progress

This year's Pride in Taipei was a celebration of achievements and identities — but also a protest. Groups representing transgender people, sex workers and people living with HIV and AIDS all gave speeches calling for further social and political change. 

Taiwan celebrates LGBTQ pride as activists push for further progress
man waiting at airport

Taiwan reopens its borders after years of COVID controls

On Oct. 13, Taiwan finally reopened to tourists after 2 1/2 years of relative isolation. The country had focused border restrictions to keep COVID-19 cases and death rates low. Travelers and tourism business owners say they’re thankful that their main source of revenue is returning.

Taiwan reopens its borders after years of COVID controls
People take photos with Taiwan national flags during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.

Taiwan celebrates National Day amid heightened tensions with China

Underlying the festivities are increased concerns about Taiwan’s relationship with China as well as changes in its own national identity.

Taiwan celebrates National Day amid heightened tensions with China
Namewee is a Malaysian Chinese singer-songwriter and filmmaker whose controversial songs go viral on Youtube.

'It’s controversial because it's important,' Malaysian Chinese pop artist says of his censored music

Namewee is a singer-songwriter and filmmaker who is known for speaking his mind and composing songs that go viral on YouTube. He tells The World's Rebecca Kanthor why promoting his music is important.

'It’s controversial because it's important,' Malaysian Chinese pop artist says of his censored music
Devotees carry a statue of the goddess Mazu in a procession on Meizhou Island, China.

‘She’s in our hearts’: Devotees from China and Taiwan come together to celebrate the goddess Mazu

The Daoist goddess Mazu is revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. China supports Mazu worship as a way to strengthen cross-strait, political and economic relations. 

‘She’s in our hearts’: Devotees from China and Taiwan come together to celebrate the goddess Mazu