Taiwan News Junkie

Taiwan-related headlines surged on the final day before the Lunar New Year holidays, capped by the signing of a sweeping trade deal with the United States. In the Friday, Feb. 13 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan kick off the holiday break with a look at the major developments — and what to watch as Taiwan rings in the Year of the Horse. Plus: Assignment Desk: Chia Chang explains how we covered the sentencing verdict for jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai.  Reporter’s Notebook: A look at how TaiwanPlus is preparing for Lunar New Year, with Eric Tsai.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What is the latest date in the year that the Lunar New Year can begin?  Watch the TaiwanPlus Lunar New Year’s special: Galloping Into the Year of the Horse! -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

How often do the presidents of China and the US talk on the phone and how much do these conversations matter? In the Friday, February 6 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan discuss the impact of the latest call between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping as it relates to Taiwan. Plus: Taiwan’s first lawmaker with PRC citizenship takes office. Jeremy Olivier has the details on the Assignment Desk.  Reporter’s Notebook: Ai Chi talks about Taiwan’s GDP surge in 2025.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many publicly documented phone calls have Presidents Trump and Xi had since the beginning of 2025?  Watch Ai Chi’s feature: Taiwan’s GDP Growth Topped 8% in 2025 Amid Tariffs and Global Turmoil -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It was a week that began with a historic climb and concluded with a display of force. In the Friday, January 30 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan unpack a week where power, pressure and spectacle all converged in Taiwan. Plus: The latest on Taiwan’s spring military drills, with Assignment Editor Chia Chang.  Reporter’s Notebook: Looking back on Alex Honnold’s free solo climb of Taipei 101, with reporter Bryn Thomas.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Did the Taipei International Book Exhibition begin before or after the end of martial law in Taiwan?  Watch Bryn’s report here: Alex Honnold Free-Solos Taipei 101 in Front of Thousands of Spectators -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Trade policy meets chip politics — with culture in the mix. In the Friday, Jan. 23 edition of Taiwan News Junkie, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan track the ripple effects of a US tariff deal, examine Taiwan’s tech debate and explore how tattoos are reshaping local identity. Assignment editor Laurel Stewart traces a line from a US tariff deal to high-profile visits from Arizona politicians.  A look at Taiwan's tattoo culture with reporter Sandy Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: As American rock climber Alex Honnold prepares to free-climb Taipei 101 on Saturday, what are the fastest times for men and women mounting the skyscraper’s 2,000-odd stairs in its annual run-up event (and what was Andrew’s personal best)?  Watch Sandy Chi’s report: Paiwan Tattoo Artist Revives Once-Forbidden Traditional Technique  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Finally. Taiwan has secured a trade deal with the United States to lower tariffs on its goods from 20% to 15%. In the Monday, Jan. 16 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan have the latest on the monthslong negotiation. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu takes a look back on an eventful week that began with warnings of a Chinese disinformation campaign and ended with a trade deal.  A look at the role of AI in Taiwan’s economy with reporter Chris Gorin.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Taiwan’s stock market breached the 30,000 mark this month; when did it pass 10,000 and 20,000 points?  Watch Chris Gorin’s live cross here: US-Taiwan Trade Deal to See US$500 Billion Taiwan Investment, Tariffs Cut to 15% -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It was a dramatic way to start the first week of 2026: the United States’ capture of Venezuela’s president. Then the US withdrew from dozens of international organizations. And the week closed with new comments from President Donald Trump to the New York Times, including about the possibility of China launching an attack on Taiwan. In today’s podcast, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take a closer look at how these stories could impact Taiwan. Plus: A Super-Aged Society: Assignment editor Jeremy Oliver talks about what this new designation means for Taiwan.  Reporter’s Notebook: Remembering Taiwan’s “comfort women” during WWII with Tiffany Wong.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many cyberattacks did China launch against Taiwan every day in 2025?  Watch Tiffany’s report here: Remembering Taiwan's 'Comfort Women,' 80 Years After WWII -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Hello 2026! In the Friday, January 2 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look ahead to the coming year and how the TaiwanPlus newsroom plans to cover it. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang takes us through what are likely to be some of the major stories and themes of the year ahead, from Taiwan becoming a super-aged society to elections at home and a challenging diplomatic landscape abroad.  A look at what retirement means for dolphins in Taiwan with reporter Sandy Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What significance does January 1 hold for the Republic of China (Taiwan)?  Watch Sandy’s report: Taiwan's Dolphin Performances To End in 2026  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It’s our final episode of the year and we’re packing in the big moments and the big questions. In the Monday, Dec. 29 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan pause to reflect on the year that was. Plus: How do you sum up a whole year in one video? Eric Tsai offers a behind-the-scenes look at TaiwanPlus’s Year-in-Review report.  Reporter’s Notebook: Parsing Taiwan's income inequality with reporter Ai Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many of Taiwan’s words of the year have been positive since the first word was chosen in 2008?  Watch Ai’s report: Taiwan’s Top 10% Earn Nearly 50% of Income, Hold 60% of Wealth -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Some years conclude with a celebratory feel. But in the Friday, Dec. 26 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan take a closer look at some of the challenges facing Taiwan on the cusp of the new year. Plus: Assignment editor Laurel Stewart has the latest on efforts to impeach Taiwan’s president.  Reporter’s Notebook: A look at Taiwan’s gelato world champions with reporter Sandy Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Why do young Pinuyumayan men travel to every house in the village on Dec. 31?  Watch Sandy Chi’s report: Team Taiwan Creates World's Best Gelato -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan is trying to understand two major stories from last week – a complicated piece involving the courts and a disturbing incident that left four dead. In the Monday, December 22 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan search for clarity. Plus: Assignment editor Laurel Stewart takes us through the day’s top stories, including the latest on an evolving constitutional crisis involving multiple branches of government, and public safety concerns following a knife attack on Friday evening that shocked the country.  A look at the guardian deity of Taipei’s oldest district with reporter Bryn Thomas.  Taiwan Trivia Q: This year Taiwan will get a day off on Dec. 25 for Constitution Day. When was the last year that Taiwan got a holiday on that day?  Watch Bryn Thomas and Zalán Sata’s report: Qingshan King: Centuries-Old Festival Kept Alive in Modern Taipei -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The day began with a move to impeach Taiwan’s president, and then in the afternoon it transitioned to a constitutional crisis. In the Friday, Dec. 19 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan get to the bottom of a memorable day of news. Plus: Constitutional Crisis – assignment editor Stacy Hsu walks us through this late-breaking story and how we’re covering it in the newsroom.  A look at Taiwan’s first hydrogen refueling station with reporter Ai Chi.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What weather phenomenon in 2017 got Taiwan a Guiness World Record?  Joey speaks with TaiwanPlus business and tech reporter Ai Chi about Taiwan’s first hydrogen refueling station in Kaohsiung. They explain why the rollout targets buses and heavy trucks, how “blue hydrogen” is produced from natural gas, and why cost, safety, and logistics will determine whether hydrogen can help Taiwan meet its 2050 net-zero goals. Watch Ai’s report: Taiwan's First Hydrogen Refueling Station Opens in Kaohsiung -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

A landmark court ruling in Hong Kong. In the Monday, December 15 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan consider the long-awaited verdict in Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai’s national security trial and what on earth is going on with China’s new professional baseball league. Plus: Assignment editor Stacy Hsu takes us through the day’s top stories, including a landmark conviction in Hong Kong and controversy over defense procurement in Taiwan.  A look at how a Chinese baseball league crossed the foul line for Taiwanese fans, with reporter Leslie Liao.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which international YouTuber was recently seen in the news in a story connected to Taiwan?  Watch Leslie Liao’s baseball reports: Shanghai Baseball Team Accused of Plagiarizing Taiwan Ball Club Logo Taiwanese Baseball Players Commit to New Chinese League -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Pax Silica and a turning point in gender equality. In the Friday, December 12 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look at a new US-led initiative that could shake up the global semiconductor industry and the legacy of a politician whose death brought about a wake-up call for Taiwan. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier brings us the top stories of the day from the TaiwanPlus newsroom  A look at a tragedy that led to Taiwan’s landmark domestic violence and sexual assault laws with reporter Tiffany Wong.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Are there more scooters or more people in Taiwan?  Watch Tiffany Wong’s report: Remembering Peng Wan-ru  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

More than 3 million people in Taiwan use the Chinese social media app Rednote, or Xiaohongshu. In the Friday, Dec. 5 edition of our show, we find out why the government is planning to ban it, and what the response has been. Plus:  On our radar: China has sent 10 Taiwanese people who had finished prison sentences back to Taiwan with little notice. Assignment Editor Chia Chang explains why Taipei is not happy.  Reporter’s Notebook: Lery Hiciano tells us why the defense ministry is training reservists how to use drones.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many monthly global users does Rednote (Xiaohongshu) have?  WATCH: Reservists Undergo Drone Training Exercise  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

US President Donald Trump has signed a new bill that could improve ties with Taiwan. In the Wednesday, Dec. 3 edition of the show, Andrew Ryan and Laurel Stewart dive into the details. Plus: On our radar: Honduras’ elections, Taiwan’s stalled defense budget, and an award for former Digital Minister Audrey Tang in Sweden.  Reporter’s Notebook: Tiffany Wong tells us what’s at stake in Taiwan’s next local elections and why lawmakers are trying to change the way people vote.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many seats are up for grabs in the 2026 local elections?  Watch Tiffany’s report: Lawmakers Propose Absentee Voting Amendments Ahead of 2026 Local Elections -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It’s a busy first day of December in the TaiwanPlus newsroom and we’ve sent a reporter to the legislature for a live cross. In the Monday, Dec. 1 edition of the show, we’ll walk you through the story that warranted it. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang has the latest on the US-Taiwan trade negotiations.  Reporter’s Notebook: A look at TSMC’s alleged trade secret leak, with reporter Leslie Liao.  Taiwan Trivia Q: What’s the number one tourist attraction in Taipei? You might be surprised!  Watch Leslie Liao’s report: “TSMC Intellectual Property Case Exposes Brain Drain Risks” -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Prosecutors have raided the homes of a former TSMC executive in what they say could be a potential national security case. In the Friday, Nov. 28 edition of the show, we break down what the investigation means for Taiwan – and for the country’s most strategic technology. Plus: Assignment Desk: Chia Chang walks us through this weekend’s presidential election in Honduras, and why it matters for Taiwan.  What makes a top-performing Instagram reel? Social Media News Editor Sara Conway explains how TaiwanPlus News captured one of its biggest viral hits.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which city or county in Taiwan has the highest proportion of Foreign Residents?  Watch our top performing Instagram reel of the past three months:H ualien Floods Again as Tropical Storm Fung Wong Heads For Taiwan  >) -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The top story of the day: an announcement from Taiwan President Lai Ching-te to announce his intention to spend US$40 billion to protect Taiwan from an attack. In the Wednesday, Nov. 26 edition of the show, we bring you the details. Plus: Assignment editor Chia Chang walks us through the decision-making process that saw our team pivot to covering a surprise late-morning press conference.  Reporter’s Notebook: Why accidents on Taiwan’s fishing boats remain so common. We hear from John Van Trieste who spoke to survivors, advocates, and safety inspectors about the biggest risks on board.  Taiwan Trivia Q: Which places in Taiwan get the most and the least sunlight?  Watch: Preventing Accidents in Taiwan’s Fishing Fleet -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Let me Google that for you. In the Monday, Nov. 24 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan learn more about the company’s expanded footprint in Taiwan. Plus: Top Story: Taiwan begins mailing civil defense handbooks to everyone in the country. Plus, Assignment Editor Jeremy Olivier explains why China has escalated Japan tensions to the UN.  In Reporters Notebook, a look at Google’s new R&D Center in Taipei with tech reporter Chris Gorin.  Taiwan Trivia Q: If you ask Google’s AI tool about the most fascinating thing about Taiwan, what’s the top response?  Watch: Chris Gorin’s report -- Google Expands With New R&D Center in Taipei. Read: The Taiwan Civil Defense Handbook  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Hard-hitting stories doing the rounds. In the Friday, November 21 edition of the show, Charlie Storrar and Andrew Ryan look at how Taiwan’s leaders are urging support for Japan in Tokyo’s ongoing row with Beijing… and what it takes to become an Olympic boxing champion. Plus: Assignment editor Jeremy Olivier talks us through the top stories of the day, including China’s displeasure at Panamanian lawmakers visiting Taiwan and a look at safety issues affecting Taiwan’s migrant fishing workers.  Reporter’s Notebook, Sandy Chi tells about her sit-down interview with Taiwanese Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Yu-ting.  Taiwan Trivia Q: How many gold medals has Taiwan won at the Olympics?  Watch Sandy’s interview with Olympian Lin Yu-ting: The Untold Story of Lin Yu-ting's Boxing Journey  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn