TaiwanPlus

Japan plans to deploy long-range anti-ship missiles in Kyushu by next March to counter China’s military expansion, North Korea’s missile threats, and ensure regional stability, especially regarding Taiwan. The deployment strengthens Japan’s counterstrike capability and deepens security cooperation with the U.S.    Watch the TaiwanPlus News report: https://lnkd.in/gw8xazhZ #Military #Japan #Taiwan #China #RegionalSecurity #IndoPacific #MissileDefense #Geopolitics

U.S. President Donald Trump previously accused Taiwan of taking U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and threatened to impose tariffs of 25% or higher on chip imports. With TSMC recently announcing a major US$100 billion investment to expand its U.S. operations, Trump has pledged that the company could avoid the industrywide 25% tariffs. However, does this signal a shift in the most advanced and critical manufacturing processes from Taiwan to the U.S.? Watch our discussion on Taiwan Talks with Liu Fu-Kuo, research fellow at National Chengchi University's Institute of International Relations, and Rocky Uriankhai, CEO of SciTech Power Research. https://lnkd.in/gDyd5jPQ #TSMC #Semiconductors #investment #USTaiwanRelations #Taiwan #Chips #Tariffs

London-based market research firm Euromonitor International recently released its Top 100 City Destinations Index, evaluating global cities based on economic and business performance, tourism performance, infrastructure, policy and attractiveness, health and safety, and sustainability. Paris secured the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, excelling across all categories, while European cities claimed six of the top ten positions. #Taipei ranked 11th globally and third among Asian cities, trailing only #Tokyo (3rd) and #Singapore (9th). #Taiwan #travel #globaldestinations #city #euromonitor #trends #tourism 

Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance reports that exports in February reached $41.31 billion, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous month and a 31.5% year-on-year rise, partly due to last year’s lower base caused by the timing of the Lunar New Year. Cumulative exports for January and February totaled $80.02 billion, up 16.8% from the same period in 2023, with sustained demand for AI applications and preemptive stockpiling ahead of potential U.S. tariff adjustments key drivers. If March export figures meet expectations, the first quarter could set a record as Taiwan’s strongest in history. Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. and ASEAN countries reached all-time highs for the January-February period. And for the first time in 24 years, the U.S. has overtaken China as Taiwan’s largest export market, signaling a shift in global trade dynamics. Looking ahead, moderate global economic expansion is expected, with AI-related technological advancements sustaining strong demand for Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor manufacturing and ICT. However, risks remain, particularly rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty, which could weigh on global trade and economic stability. Watch the TaiwanPlus News report:  https://lnkd.in/eqAauuiv #Taiwan #Economy #GlobalTrade #Semiconductors #AITechnology #USChinaRelations

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has released its 2024 Democracy Index, classifying 167 countries and territories into four categories based on overall scores: "full democracies," "flawed democracies," "hybrid regimes," and "authoritarian regimes." Taiwan ranks 12th globally and remains the highest ranked in Asia, while also meeting the EIU’s criteria for "full democracy." It scored 8.78 overall, slightly down from 8.92 the previous year, receiving a perfect 10 in electoral process and pluralism, while scoring 8.57 in government functioning, 7.78 in political participation, 8.13 in political culture, and 9.41 in civil liberties. According to the analysis, only 6.6% of the global population lives under "full democracy," nearly halving from 12.5% a decade ago, with 2024 marking the worst state of democracy since the index's launch in 2006. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/gAGABh5e #Democracy #GlobalGovernance #Freedom #Taiwan #FullDemocracy

As global temperatures rise, #Taiwan is taking bold steps to cut emissions while maintaining economic growth. From offshore wind and hydrogen energy to circular economy initiatives, the country’s strategy highlights the power of technology and collaboration in achieving sustainability. Check out the article to learn the basics of Taiwan's net-zero roadmap. #NetZero #sustainability #renewableenergy #climateaction #greentech #carbonbeutral 

RightsCon, an annual conference analyzing technology and human rights, has been hosted in #Taiwan for the first time, marking its East Asian debut. The Taipei event welcomed approximately 3,000 experts and hundreds of speakers from government, industry, and academia, representing 150 countries. With over 500 sessions, discussions covered artificial intelligence, digital governance, open-source applications in civic initiatives, and resistance against digital oppression. Taiwan’s Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao attended, emphasizing that as an Asia-Pacific beacon of democracy, Taiwan is committed to digital freedom, internet accessibility, and the responsible use of technology. She highlighted Taiwan’s open internet environment, strong civil society, and transparent governance, which enable the country to innovate digital policy, from participatory democratic initiatives to combating online misinformation. Watch the TaiwanPlus News report: https://lnkd.in/g9ZGEy4Q #RightsCon2025 #DigitalRights #Tech #HumanRights #Democracy #Taiwan

Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC has announced an additional US$100 billion investment in Arizona, including new plants, packaging facilities and an R&D center. The move was announced by TSMC head CC Wei alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Visit the TaiwanPlus website for further updates. https://lnkd.in/gcxn-Z3c #Taiwan #chip #Trump #TSMC #whitehouse #CCwei #investment

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said that U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on imported chips would cause "not a small" impact to Taiwan's semiconductor industry. The premier was questioned by opposition lawmakers about how the country will face the threat. Cho says the government and industry are working closely together to maintain Taiwan's competitive advantage in the sector. Watch the TaiwanPlus News report: https://lnkd.in/gsywg3gD #Taiwan #chip #Trump #tax #tariff

Taiwan's tourism deficit continues to widen, with both visitor numbers and spending showing a widening gap. In 2024, Taiwanese outbound travelers reached 16.85 million, with inbound foreign visitors totaling only 7.86 million. In terms of spending, Taiwanese travelers spent over NT$1.02 trillion abroad, far exceeding the NT$326.8 billion generated by inbound tourism. Japan remains Taiwan's top destination, accounting for over 30% of outbound trips. However, Japanese visitors to Taiwan numbered only 1.3 million (despite its population being over five times larger). While Taiwan has historically seen more outbound travelers than inbound, post-pandemic recovery has been uneven. Outbound travel has rebounded quickly since border restrictions eased in late 2022, yet foreign visits remain sluggish. Experts cite declining domestic tourism appeal as a key factor, with concerns over high hotel prices, repetitive attractions, and the fading popularity of destinations like Kenting. With increasing global travel options, Taiwanese consumers, now more cost-conscious and informed, are opting to head overseas. Watch the TaiwanPlus News report: https://lnkd.in/gT5pW7Gf #Taiwan #Tourism #Travel #Deficit