Chinese Communist Party

20th National Congress Results in Leadership of Xi Loyalists, Potentially Amplifying Echo Chamber on Taiwan

Brian Hioe
The new Politburo standing committee of the Chinese Communist Party has been announced, following the CCP’s weeklong 20th National Congress. As was anticipated by many experts ahead of time, Chinese president Xi Jinping has been confirmed for an unprecedented third term in power, with the limits on the number of terms that a Chinese leader can serve having been undone at the 19th National Congress in October 2017. This was seen as potentially paving the way to lifetime rule by Xi...
Cross StraitEnglishInternationalOctober 20225 min read

Few Surprises in 20th National Congress Comments on Taiwan by Xi

Brian Hioe
Comments by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the start of the Chinese Communist Party’s 20th National Congress highlighted Taiwan as an issue that he intends to address, as part of his political mandate ahead of what is expected to be a third term in office. Xi is expected to be confirmed for an unprecedented third term at the 20th National Congress, with the limit on the number of term limits that a Chinese leader can serve having been undone at the 19th National Congress in 2018. The 20th National Congress began on Sunday and is expected to last for several days...
Cross StraitEnglishInternationalOctober 20226 min read

The Japanese Communist Party’s Feud with Beijing: Will the Global Left Take Note?

Shaun O'Dwyer
On July 1st, 2021, the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its hundredth anniversary, and duly received congratulatory messages from political leaders and parties around the world. Japan was no exception. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s vice-secretary, Nikai Toshihiro, a veteran “pro-China” faction leader, personally relayed a congratulatory statement on behalf of his party. However, one minor party refused to join in the festive spirit...
EnglishOctober 2021Politics16 min read

Despite Stable Outlook, Taiwan Must Contend with Successive Global Waves of COVID-19

Brian Hioe
Taiwan marked one hundred days since the last case of domestic transmission of COVID-19 on July 17th, with the last case of local COVID-19 transmission having taken place on April 8th. It appears as though the COVID-19 situation is still under control in Taiwan, Taiwan having managed to avoid the expansive lockdowns that the rest of the world has seen. However, with the second and third waves of COVID-19 taking place globally and five new imported cases added today, Taiwan is likely to see an uptick in imported cases going forward...
EnglishJune 2020Politics8 min read

The KMT’s Criticisms of the Tsai Administration’s Voucher Program Reflect Desperation

Brian Hioe
An unusual political controversy as of late has been regarding a stimulus coupon that the Tsai administration intends to distribute in order to promote spending. The coupons, which are available for purchase for 1,000 NT, are worth 3,000 NT and can be used at businesses such as night markets, department stores, salons, bookstores, restaurants, and other locations. The KMT has honed in on this program as a means of attacking the Tsai administration...
EnglishJune 2020Politics5 min read

Travel Restrictions on International Students, Cash Rewards for Visa Overstayers Questioned

Brian Hioe
With the COVID-19 situation under control in Taiwan, restrictions on mass gatherings have been lifted and government authorities are attempting to encourage domestic travel. However, with the prospect of opening up borders again to international travel, as some countries in the region are considering doing, questions have been raised regarding current restrictions on international travel mandated by the government...
EnglishJune 2020Politics6 min read