February 2023

US Conservatives Increasingly Frame Ukraine and Taiwan in Zero-Sum Terms

Brian Hioe
Comments by US Senator Josh Hawley made at the Heritage Foundation last month linked Taiwan’s fate to that of Ukraine, though in the context of calling for the US to decrease support for Ukraine and increase support for Taiwan. Hawley’s comments prove revealing about current views among American Republicans, particularly those of the MAGA camp, about the geopolitical role played by the US with regard to Taiwan and Ukraine...
America and the Asia PacificEnglishFebruary 2023InternationalPolitics6 min read

228 Anniversary Reminds of Continued Struggle for Transitional Justice in Taiwan

Brian Hioe
On the 76th anniversary of the 228 Massacre, commemorations were held to memorialize the event, traditionally viewed as the start of the decades-long White Terror that followed. This includes many events held annually, such as the Gongsheng Music Festival–the indie rock festival held on Ketagalan Boulevard organized by civil society groups–as well as commemorations by the government. Nevertheless, the anniversary of the 228 Massacre should point to how the pan-Blue camp in Taiwan has generally sought to avoid reckoning with its authoritarian past...
EnglishFebruary 2023Self-DeterminationSocial MovementsYouth Movements7 min read

Rally Held to Commemorate One-Year Anniversary of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Brian Hioe
A rally was held this afternoon at Liberty Plaza in Taipei to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, organized by Taiwan Stands with Ukraine. The rally involved a number of Taiwanese and Ukrainian speakers, with interpretation in both English and Mandarin. Around 150 to 200 were present for the rally...
EnglishFebruary 2023Self-DeterminationSocial MovementsYouth Movements5 min read

Paraguay Presidential Visit Repeats a Pattern Previously Seen with Honduras

Brian Hioe
A recent visit to Taiwan last week by Paraguayan president Mario Abdo Benitez saw Abdo emphasize that breaking ties between Taiwan and Paraguay would be a “historic mistake”. Namely, Paraguay is one of Taiwan’s 14 remaining diplomatic allies, and it's only South American ally. However, the Abdo visit takes place ahead of Paraguayan presidential elections in April, leading to questions about whether Abdo’s successor will switch recognition to China...
EnglishFebruary 2023Politics6 min read

Cabinet Spokesperson Scandal Potentially Affects Future DPP Outlook

Brian Hioe
Cabinet spokesperson Chen Tsung-yen has resigned after reports that he traded his political influence for sexual favors during his time as head of the Tainan City Bureau of Civil Affairs. Chen had only held his post as cabinet spokesperson for 18 days, as a result of which he has been termed the shortest cabinet spokesperson in history. Despite resigning, Chen has denied wrongdoing. Chen’s resignation has since been approved by Premier Chen Chien-jen...
EnglishFebruary 2023Politics5 min read

DPP Likely to be Affected by Corruption Scandals in Tainan

Brian Hioe
The Tainan city council speaker, Chiu Lili, and deputy city council speaker Lin Zhi-chan, were detained earlier this month by police under suspicion of corruption. Both are DPP politicians. Chiu was eventually released on 1.5 million NT bail, while Lin was released on 1.2 million NT bail, with Chiu asserting afterward that she respected the judiciary’s actions and apologizing for making supporters worry...
EnglishFebruary 2023Politics5 min read