Apple and Nvida chipmaker TSMC reports huge jump in profits amid Iran war The world's largest contract chipmaker also warned of potential impacts from the Iran war The Independent UK · Apr 16
China’s military support for Somalia is on the rise – what Taiwan and Somaliland have to do with it China recently pledged to expand military support to Somalia in its fight against al-Shabaab militants. Beijing has promised equipment, training and closer security cooperation with Mogadishu. This marks a shift from China’s traditionally cautious and small presence in the country. Brendon J. Cannon has researched how external powers – including… The Conversation · Apr 15
Sunshine Women’s Choir review – weepie prison musical is huge Taiwan hit but drowns in own gloop This schmaltzy film about a choir of inmates might make you cry – but in exasperation, frustration and disbelief rather than heartfelt emotion The Guardian - UK · Apr 13
China to improve ties with Taiwan after visit by opposition leader IN FULL The Independent UK · Apr 13
China eyes strategic gains across Asia as US remains tied down in Gulf crisis The Middle East conflict creates strategic space for China's influence expansion in Asia as US attention diverts. Historical patterns show China increasing activity in the South China Sea and near Taiwan during US focus on other global crises. These calibrated actions, below escalation thresholds, alter the regional strategic environment. The Times of India · Apr 12
China to resume flights, ease trade curbs with Taiwan amid outreach push China is set to resume direct flights to more Taiwanese cities. Imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products will also restart. These moves follow talks between Chinese and Taiwanese leaders. Beijing aims to establish a communication mechanism with Taiwan's Kuomintang party. Trade restrictions are being eased. Infrastructure proposals are also being advanced. The Times of India · Apr 12
China to resume flights to Taiwan in bid to ease tensions China has announced it will resume some ties with Taiwan including direct flights and imports of aquaculture products The Independent UK · Apr 12
Iran war diverts US military and attention from Asia ahead of Trump's summit with China's leader President Barack Obama in 2011 declared it was time to leave behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and “pivot” to Asia to counter China's rise The Independent UK · Apr 12
The week that was in international affairs: Iran war ceasefire and talks; Russia-Ukraine Orthodox Easter ceasefire & more After a short break, welcome back to another edition of My Take 5, your weekly round-up of top international news. This week, we are covering the scheduled Iran-US ceasefire talks in Pakistan, the Orthodox Easter ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, Moldova's pullout from the Russia-led Commonwealth of Independent States, Taiwanese… The Times of India · Apr 10
Taiwan Semi's Blowout Q1 Makes the AI Foundry Too Cheap to Ignore Taiwan Semiconductor's preliminary Q1 revenue performance shows that the AI boom shows no signs of letting up. The pure-play foundry is still plowing forward, full steam ahead. Barchart · Apr 10
Baba Vanga Prophecy: World War 3 in 2026, China Takeover And Vladimir Putin's Downfall A revived Baba Vanga prophecy claims World War 3, a Chinese move on Taiwan and Vladimir Putin's downfall are looming in 2026, alongside economic chaos and natural disasters. International Business Times UK · Apr 10
China will ‘absolutely not tolerate’ independence for Taiwan, Xi tells Taiwanese opposition leader Chinese president tells Cheng Li-wun issue of independence is ‘chief culprit in undermining peace in Taiwan Strait’ The Independent UK · Apr 10
Xi tells Taiwan opposition leader people on both sides of strait are Chinese in rare meeting Cheng Li-wun’s visit to Beijing has sparked controversy in Taiwan, with critics accusing her of being too close to China The Guardian - UK · Apr 10
Taiwanese chip makers call on government to stockpile helium, liquid natural gas — TSIA pleads for strategic supplies as US and Iran sign ceasefire in Middle East Taiwan's semiconductor industry alliance is urging the government to expand its strategic stockpiles of LNG and helium, find alternative suppliers, and restart nuclear power plants to ensure stability during times of crisis. Tom’s Hardware · Apr 8
Tom’s Hardware · Apr 8 China intensifies efforts to poach semiconductor talent from Taiwan, claims report — international restrictions motivate illicit efforts to obtain talent and equipment Taiwan's National Security Bureau claims that China is intensifying efforts to steal semiconductor process technologies and other chip-related know-how from Taiwan as international restrictions get more severe.
Euronews · Apr 8 Taiwan opposition leader makes rare visit to China in 'journey for peace' Taiwan’s opposition leader makes historic six-day trip to Beijing to “boost dialogue and promote peace” ahead of a heavily anticipated summit between US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Barchart · Apr 7 Dear Taiwan Semi Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for April 16 Taiwan Semiconductor's upcoming earnings may show a growing divide between the company's newer AI and legacy segments.
The Independent UK · Apr 7 Taiwan opposition leader visits China amid tensions between two countries IN FULL
The Independent UK · Apr 7 Taiwan opposition leader’s China visit will only serve Xi propaganda, experts warn Cheng Li-wun’s trip to Beijing, the first by a Kuomintang leader in a decade, has sparked concerns it will be used by Xi Jinping to further his ‘One China’ and reunification agenda, experts tell Arpan Rai
The Guardian - AU · Apr 2 ‘I will not yield’: Taiwan convulsed by 17-year prison sentence for populist opposition figure The opposition Taiwan People’s party stands by founder Ko Wen-je despite sentence, alleging prosecutors were pressured by ruling DPP party
The Conversation · Apr 1 How Taiwan came to dominate the global chip industry One firm, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), produces more than 90% of the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips. These chips are essential for smartphones, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and cutting-edge military systems.
The Conversation · Mar 31 How Taiwan is viewing the Iran war – and what it reveals about US credibility The United States and Israeli strikes on Iran have become increasingly concerning for the world due to the risks of further escalation and the impact on energy markets.
Tom’s Hardware · Mar 30 TSMC industrial espionage saga heading to verdict next month in unprecedented Taiwan National Security Act case — former engineer accused of stealing 2nm technical info, faces a total of up to 20 years in prison if found guilty One of the three landmark cases involving the theft of trade secrets from TSMC has run through investigative and court proceedings, and a verdict is scheduled for April 27.
The Independent UK · Mar 30 US senators urge Taiwan to approve $40 billion defence budget amid China tensions While the U.S does not formally recognise Taiwan, it is the island’s strongest informal backer and arms supplier