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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.
Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun is expected to lead a delegation to mainland China from April 7 to 12.
Taiwan retaliates against countries that have changed its name in official systems, but analysts and lawmakers warn measures could backfire.
The trip signals Washington’s frustration with budget impasse, but analysts say real power over Taiwan policy rests with the White House.
Cheng Li-wun invited to visit Jiangsu province, Shanghai and Beijing next month.
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Plan is to invest US$1.38 billion between 2025 and 2030 for uncrewed systems industry, but questions linger over scale, politics and timing.
Focus is on building sustained and scalable combat capability, defence minister tells legislature as procurement report is tabled.
Analysts and officials in Taipei are assessing what lessons they can learn from the US-Israel precision strikes on the Iranian leadership.
Possible US$14 billion package said to be on track but broader concerns loom as US depletes ammunition stockpiles in war on Iran.
Expensive missiles cannot stop large waves of rockets and drones in an armed conflict, officials on the self-ruled island warn.
Beijing has lashed out over Cho Jung-tai’s one-day visit to Japan, which was described as a ‘private itinerary’ to support the island’s team.
Taipei receives formal US offer for 82 Himars while agreements for howitzers and missiles also await sign-off by island’s legislature.
The island’s main political parties clash over whether to prioritise US arms or invest in home-grown weapons and ‘T-Dome’ air shield.
US secretary of state’s invocation of Cold War expression stirs unexpected debate in Taiwan.
Analysts say attacks on Iran illustrate Taipei’s need for integrated weapons systems, superior intelligence and electronic warfare.
The pricey arms packages are already facing legislative pushback. Now critics say they may be addressing the wrong threat.
Analysts cite pressure from Washington ahead of Donald Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi Jinping, where Taiwan is likely to be a focal point.
Defence minister appeals to lawmakers to back US$40 billion spending plan before the arms deals with the US expire next month.
Taipei scrambles to ensure trade exemptions remain intact, but opposition warns the ruling ‘completely overturned’ tariff deal.
US leader’s talk of consulting Xi Jinping on arms sales could hand Taiwan’s opposition a ‘lifeline’ to reshape spending bill, experts say.
Island’s leader has appealed to opposition parties to stop blocking a US$40 billion spending plan, citing the need to ‘safeguard security’.
Taiwan’s opposition leader warns against ‘being reduced to a pawn in strategic competition’, urges efforts to prevent conflict in strait.
Prototype under Indigenous Defence Submarine programme is seen as central to boosting asymmetric naval capabilities to counter Beijing.
Challenges in forging conscripts into fighting force range from inadequate training facilities to eroding public will to defend the island.
William Lai says the island’s ties with Washington remain rock solid but others are seeing a clear shift.
Landmark trip draws fierce criticism from Taiwan’s ruling party and reignites debate about the island’s cross-strait strategy.
Document splits opinion, with some experts fearing that the island could become a bargaining chip between Washington and Beijing.
Opposition party’s proposal would drop plans for ‘T-Dome’ air defence system and cut budget ceiling to US$12.7 billion.
Taipei is ramping up coordination between its US-made weapons systems and locally developed missile capabilities.
Lawmakers from ruling DPP have dismissed process as political theatre designed to generate publicity ahead of election season.
