Country in Asia

Taiwan

Taiwan is a self-governing island in East Asia, located across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China. Known for its strategic semiconductor industry, de facto independence, and as a central flashpoint in U.S.-China rivalry. Recently, Taiwan has faced intensifying PLA incursions into its ADIZ, accelerated defense spending, and uncertainty over U.S. security commitments. Last updated 2 days ago

Within Taiwan

Cheng Li-wun Other Kuomintang Political Party / Movement Lai Ching-te Head of State Changhua County State / Province Changhua Industrial Park Strategic Site Evergreen Energy / Industry

Latest coverage

Leaders

Hillary Clinton:

We have wasted so much of our munitions in Iran, and we have, of course, sent a lot to our allies in the Gulf. They have used it to defend themselves.

So we are in a difficult position because we are not adequately able ...

Hillary Clinton:

We have wasted so much of our munitions in Iran, and we have, of course, sent a lot to our allies in the Gulf. They have used it to defend themselves.

So we are in a difficult position because we are not adequately able to meet unforeseen dangers.

If China were to move against Taiwan, even if we were so inclined -- and it was not clear what Trump would do -- we would be in a difficult position to try to help defend Taiwan.

We have gotten ourselves into this deep hole.

Economy

Taiwan is planning a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 (roughly US$314) per eligible resident/person in the 2027 budget, framed as sharing an “AI dividend” from the semiconductor- and AI-driven economic boom. First-half 2026 GDP growth reached 14.15% (the strongest in about 50 years), and defense spending is set to hit a record above 3% of GDP.

- Bloomberg.

Leaders

China's Foreign Ministry:

Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. This is the prevailing consensus in the international community.

Our message to the DPP authorities is clear: the historical trend is unstoppable and Taiwan independence is a dead end.

The Chinese people's just cause to oppose Taiwan independence separatism and seek national reunification will win more and more understanding and support

Economy

In the first half of 2026, the United States overtook China to become Taiwan's largest trading partner for the first time in 25 years.

Taiwan's overall exports grew strongly by around 47% year on year in this period, driven largely by surg...

In the first half of 2026, the United States overtook China to become Taiwan's largest trading partner for the first time in 25 years.

Taiwan's overall exports grew strongly by around 47% year on year in this period, driven largely by surging high tech shipments (especially semiconductors and electronics) to the US amid global AI demand and supply chain shifts.

This is consistent with the Ministry of Finance's June 2026 trade release showing continued robust export momentum (e.g., +40.3% in June alone).