The hottest Taiwan Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top World Politics Topics

Yao Yang: the post-2018 evolution in China's political economy

Pekingnology • 128 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Since 2018 China has entered a "new era" where the government is correcting reform-era excesses. It is cracking down on corruption, deleveraging finance, shrinking property speculation, and curbing oversized platform and tutoring industries to reassert state control and redirect resources.
  2. The leadership is doubling down on manufacturing and pushing for technological self-reliance, emphasizing "zero-to-one" breakthrough innovation and building a complete, independent tech ecosystem by around 2035.
  3. Those domestic priorities are closely tied to geopolitics: China aims to win tech competition with the U.S., build military strength from industrial and tech capacity, and press for eventual reunification with Taiwan. Possible bilateral outcomes range from stabilized competition and limited investment openings to a peaceful settlement over Taiwan.

China repeatedly tried to block Taiwan from giving toxic COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines to its population - now Taiwan is publishing fraudulent new research covering up myocarditis in mRNA jabbed teenagers

COVID Intel - by Dr.William Makis • 2142 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Taiwan
  1. China tried to prevent Taiwan from administering COVID-19 mRNA vaccines
  2. Taiwan published research on myocarditis in vaccinated teenagers
  3. The study found no significant deterioration in heart function post-vaccination

Beijing appears to warn it could intercept Evergreen ships transporting HIMARS to Taiwan, in war or peace.

Pekingnology • 150 implied HN points • 02 Jan 26
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. China signaled it might intercept and seize civilian cargo ships carrying HIMARS or other military supplies, and presented such actions as lawful both in wartime and peacetime.
  2. The warning was unusually specific and was pushed through multiple official channels — coast guard and PLA posters, state media, and a foreign affairs account — making the scenario explicitly highlighted.
  3. Because that specific message may not have registered widely outside Chinese-language outlets, there is an information gap that could increase the risk of miscalculation if an interception happens.
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Taiwan's Horrible Friday

Taipology • 132 implied HN points • 20 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. A random knife-and-arson rampage in Taipei killed people and caused widespread fear, with a security guard sacrificing himself to stop the attacker; authorities worry about copycat violence and social panic.
  2. The opposition mounted a mass impeachment push against President Lai, claiming executive overreach after the executive refused to promulgate fiscal laws, and collected over six million online signatures despite impeachment being unlikely.
  3. Five Constitutional Court justices formed an ad-hoc emergency panel to rule fiscal legislation unconstitutional, creating a dangerous precedent that deepens political polarization and raises concerns about erosion of separation of powers until major elections in 2028.

My latest #ThoughtoftheDayonChina: Taiwan's election matters but not in the way the global media has written; Sadly, Taiwan’s future is not decided by people in Taiwan, but by China and US.

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 1022 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Taiwan's election outcome may not affect its future as much as China and the US's decisions do.
  2. Taiwan's pro-sovereignty ruling party's victory could escalate tensions between Taiwan, China, and the United States.
  3. Despite the election results, maintaining peace in cross-strait relations depends heavily on Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan Goes Its Own Way

Persuasion • 982 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. The recent election in Taiwan reflected domestic politics more than reactions to China.
  2. Criticism of the ruling party in Taiwan focused on economic performance and frustrations with issues like low wages and housing.
  3. Despite challenges, Taiwan continues to navigate its future with democratic transitions of power.

Drill at the drop of a hat

Taipology • 83 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Nancy Pelosi’s 2022 visit changed the operational environment around Taiwan and led to regular PLA drills that have become a steady salami‑slicing pressure.
  2. China’s surprise “Justice Mission” drills came extremely close to the island, including inside the 12‑nautical‑mile line, creating a horrible double‑bind for Taiwan’s forces: shoot and risk escalation, or hold fire and set a precedent of tolerated intrusions.
  3. Beijing amplified the pressure with a mocking vlog while Taiwan showed logistical hiccups and international backing looked shaky, especially with U.S. leadership taking a hands‑off tone, raising the risk that any future invasion would aim to exploit surprise and limited diplomatic time.

我最新专栏的中文翻译： 台湾的选举很重要，但其重要性并不像国际媒体所写的那样简单；悲哀的是，台湾的未来不是由台湾人民决定的，而是由中国和美国决定的。

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 569 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Taiwan's election is significant but its future is influenced by China and the US, not just the Taiwanese people.
  2. The outcome of the election may lead to challenges with the opposition party controlling the legislature.
  3. The international media may speculate, but it's ultimately up to Beijing and Washington to determine the future of Taiwan.

January 27, 2024: Russian Digest

Unmasking Russia • 412 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Senate deal on border and Ukraine at risk of collapse as Trump calls it 'meaningless'
  2. Ukraine aims to control its airspace with F-16s and other weapons by 2024
  3. Russia aims to challenge Western dominance by strengthening ties with China and the Global South

Xi on financial development; Premier Li's Davos speech; MSS on Taiwan; Spring Festival travel

Sinocism • 334 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Xi Jinping emphasizes strong financial development based on solid economic foundation and key core financial elements.
  2. Annual seminar for provincial and ministerial-level cadres focuses on promoting high-quality financial development.
  3. Efforts to accelerate the construction of a modern financial system with Chinese characteristics are crucial for building a strong financial nation.

How Taiwan Sees the Chip War

ChinaTalk • 548 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Taiwan
  1. Taiwan has become a leader in the semiconductor industry, mainly due to effective industrial policies, the rise of TSMC, and a focus on education and talent. This development is crucial for understanding Taiwan's economic success.
  2. TSMC's success can be attributed to a mix of technological advancement and customer service. They prioritize satisfying customer needs, which is vital for maintaining their competitive edge.
  3. Taiwan's geopolitical situation makes its chip industry crucial for global supply chains. With rising tensions globally, TSMC's role is likened to a protective 'Silicon Shield' for Taiwan, reflecting its importance in international relations.

An impending war in Taiwan Strait? Beijing and Washington must take full advantage of their return to high-level talks to snuff out the dangerous speculation

Wang Xiangwei's Thought of the Day on China • 235 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. War over Taiwan is unlikely if the self-ruled island does not declare independence.
  2. Fears and speculation about impending war between China and the US are fueled by rising tensions and misunderstandings.
  3. Preventing war over Taiwan requires Beijing and Washington to engage in high-level talks and find a new understanding.

China Unpacked (for the moment)

Christopher’s Newsletter • 216 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Understanding the reality of geopolitical relationships in China is crucial; decisions are centralized, and views on America affect policy.
  2. Business communities face challenges in China due to slowed growth, anti-espionage laws, and uncertainty, impacting global investment.
  3. Human rights issues in China are hard to track, European security measures are increasing, and partnerships among transatlantic allies are complex.

Purges and the PLA: Corruption in the Ranks

ChinaTalk • 874 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Taiwan
  1. Corruption within the Chinese military has led to major purges, affecting Xi Jinping's military actions.
  2. Predicting Xi Jinping's actions regarding Taiwan is difficult due to his secretive nature and complex decision-making process.
  3. Taiwan needs to focus on enhancing its defense capabilities with a balance of investments in munitions, technology, and strategic planning.