Lawrence Chung
Taipei
Lawrence Chung covers major news in Taiwan, ranging from presidential and parliament elections to killer earthquakes and typhoons. Most of his reports focus on Taiwan’s relations with China, specifically on the impact and possible developments of cross-strait relations under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party and mainland-friendly Kuomintang governments. Before starting work at the South China Morning Post in 2006, he wrote for Reuters and AFP for more than 12 years.
Lawrence Chung covers major news in Taiwan, ranging from presidential and parliament elections to killer earthquakes and typhoons. Most of his reports focus on Taiwan’s relations with China, specifically on the impact and possible developments of cross-strait relations under the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party and mainland-friendly Kuomintang governments. Before starting work at the South China Morning Post in 2006, he wrote for Reuters and AFP for more than 12 years.
No official reason has been given for why the initial two aircraft are yet to leave the Pearl Harbour-Hickam base.
KMT politicians accuse ruling DPP of turning cross-strait exchanges into an election issue ahead of year-end local polls.
Taiwanese defence minister says exchanges with the US are ‘even more extensive than you might imagine’.
Dispute between TPP and KMT over tech hub candidates could have ‘butterfly effect’ and spill into other battlegrounds, analysts say.
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The island’s cabinet approves supplementary budget, with heavy investment in missiles, drones and classified programmes.
Defence ministry says PLA exercises are increasingly focused on plans to cut off the island and control air and sea routes.
Persistent fears of mainland infiltration risk raising unnecessary suspicion and eroding public trust, analysts say.
Conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have shown the power of integration and the extension of targets to include critical civilian infrastructure.
The island’s first pair of US-made Block 70 fighter jets is expected to arrive within days – part of a long-delayed deal for 66 aircraft.
Developers disclose details of Chiang Kung hypersonic interceptor with active radar to convince lawmakers to approve funding.
The government is targeting an 18.2 per cent increase in spending, with much of the extra money needed to pay for US weapons.
Pingtung county government demands explanation after off-course rocket alarms villagers before crashing in remote area.
The island’s military is working to learn the lessons of the Ukraine war and boost its asymmetric defences against the PLA.
The deal with Vatn Systems aims to strengthen Taipei’s asymmetric warfare capabilities amid growing military pressure from Beijing.
Taipei’s effort to build a modern counter-drone shield has suffered setbacks, including the collapse of an army procurement contract.
Mainland Chinese men in rubber dinghy dismissed as ‘sea clutter’ by coastguard radar operator, raising fresh concerns over island’s security.
Critics question value of tests as authorities aim to prepare public for outages caused by war, cyberattacks or natural disaster.
Politicians divided over proposal to ban Chinese Unification Promotion Party after ministry says it jeopardises free and democratic constitutional order.
Taipei to move weapons production, prepare for internet outages and adopt US ‘back briefs’ during Han Kuang drills.
Opposition figure calls on DPP administration to protest to Manila over Philippine attempt to chart a boundary around Scarborough Shoal.
Disagreements over funding and oversight threaten to undermine measures to improve the military’s capacity to wage unmanned warfare.
De facto American embassy says the two sides are coordinating on search, rescue, disaster relief and maritime law enforcement.
Mass protest may have put Taipei mayor Wayne Chiang in pole position to contest the island’s next leadership election.
PLA may be practising ‘reconnaissance and strike’, in which drones and helicopters work in tandem alongside rocket artillery.
Changes to the telecoms law remove barriers to foreign satellite internet firms and could help protect communication networks during a war.
The Pacific nation and Cambodia have both handed Beijing diplomatic wins by reiterating support for the one-China policy.
The opposition has been handed the chance to portray the government as both ineffective and hypocritical ahead of the vote.
The party aims to build goodwill and promote dialogue while supporting cross-strait peace, delegation leader says.
The island hopes contractors at military academies will free up personnel for combat missions, but critics raise infiltration concerns.
Higher pay drives surprise surge despite demographic decline and questions about combat readiness, but keeping them may be another matter.
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Taiwan