Politics

Taiwan Just Made Its Biggest Defense Move Ever — But China’s Reaction Could Decide Asia’s Future

Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan is taking one of its strongest steps yet to strengthen its defense capabilities as tensions across the Taiwan Strait continue to rise, sending a clear message that the island is preparing for a more uncertain security environment. The move comes as Taiwan faces growing military pressure from China, including increased military activities around the island and escalating competition between Beijing and Washington over regional influence. Taiwanese officials say the goal

Politics

Taiwan’s Homegrown Rocket Just Broke the Sound Barrier — But This Is Only the Beginning

The Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) successfully launched the Maraho (島脈 MARAHO) sounding rocket from the Xuhai Indigenous Scientific Rocket Launch Site in Pingtung County at 7:10 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, completing a crucial first flight test for the country's long-term orbital rocket programme. The rocket's numbers tell an impressive story. Maraho's engine fired for approximately 18 seconds, generating about 1,500 kilogram-force of liftoff thrust. It accelerated to a maximum speed of 408 metr

Politics

PM Wong to Unveil New Family Support Measures Tonight — But How Much Will Singaporeans Really Get?

SINGAPORE — Prime Minister Lawrence Wong is set to use his 2026 National Day Rally to unveil new measures aimed at supporting Singaporean families, as the city-state confronts a record-low fertility rate, rising pressures on parents and an ageing population. The highly anticipated address is being held on Sunday, Aug. 23, at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Headquarters in Ang Mo Kio. Mr Wong’s Malay speech began at 6.45 p.m., followed by Mandarin, while his English address is schedul

Asia

Taiwan Offshore Wind Turbine Catches Fire — But the Cause Behind the Mystery Incident Is Still Unknown

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A fire involving a wind turbine at Ørsted's Greater Changhua 4 offshore wind farm has raised fresh questions about safety at Taiwan's rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy sector, although the incident caused no injuries and did not disrupt the rest of the wind farm. The affected turbine automatically shut down after its system detected an abnormal condition on August 8, before a fire was observed. The blaze later extinguished, and the turbine was immediately isolated fro

Entertainment

Zandvoort Just Hosted Its Final Formula 1 Race—But the Real Reason It’s Disappearing Has Nothing to Do With the Fans

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Formula 1 has said an emotional goodbye to one of the loudest, most colourful and most distinctive stops on its calendar, as Circuit Zandvoort staged its final scheduled Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23. Packed grandstands, orange smoke, pounding music and tens of thousands of Max Verstappen supporters transformed the seaside circuit into one last enormous celebration — but behind the party was a reality that says much about the changing economics of Formula 1. Za

Politics

Taiwan Just Approved Its Biggest Defense Plan Ever — But What China Does Next Could Change Asia Forever

Taiwan is dramatically increasing its military spending to a historic level as fears grow over China’s expanding military pressure around the island. The Taiwanese government has proposed a record NT$1.12 trillion (around US$35 billion) defense budget for 2027, marking an increase of about 18% from the previous year and pushing defense spending above 3% of Taiwan’s GDP for the first time. The move comes as President Lai Ching-te continues to push for stronger national defense, arguing that mil

Politics

Thailand’s Opposition Leader Met Taiwan’s Top Envoy — Why the Public Reveal Is Raising Eyebrows

Thailand’s largest opposition party is drawing attention after its leader publicly confirmed a meeting with Taiwan’s representative in Bangkok — an unusual move that analysts say could signal growing political openness toward Taiwan despite the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding Beijing. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said he had dinner with Taiwan’s Representative to Thailand, Peter Lan Hsia-li, and officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO). Taiwan’s repr

Uncategorized

Trump Hits Canada With 50% Tariffs—Carney Just Ordered Canada’s Counterattack. What Comes Next Could Change North American Trade

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Ottawa will impose “dollar-for-dollar” retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports beginning September 8, escalating a rapidly worsening trade confrontation with President Donald Trump after last-minute negotiations between the two countries collapsed. The move came after the United States imposed 50% tariffs on about US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods, pushing relations between two historically close economic partners into a deeper trade war. From near-de

Sport

Dwight Howard Is Returning to Taiwan — But What Happens After His First Game Could Change Asian Basketball Forever

Taiwanese basketball fans are about to see a familiar superstar return. NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dwight Howard is set to make his comeback to Taiwan next month, where he will headline a special charity exhibition game organized by the New Taipei Kings and The Asian Tournament (TAT). The announcement immediately sparked excitement among fans who still remember Howard’s unforgettable influence on Taiwan’s basketball scene — a period when the former NBA superstar helped

Politics

Belize Minister Visits Taiwan to Unlock Disaster-Response Secrets—What’s Coming Next Could Deepen Ties for Years

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A high-level visit from Belize is putting renewed focus on Taiwan’s expanding partnerships with its diplomatic allies, as Belize’s Minister of Public Service and Disaster Risk Management, Henry Charles Usher, wraps up a five-day trip aimed at learning from Taiwan’s experience in civil service development, disaster preparedness and emerging technology. Usher and his delegation visited Taiwan from August 19 to August 23, meeting with government officials and touring institutions