James Rivera
Americas Desk
James Rivera runs Americas coverage at The Taiwan Times, following US politics, elections and developments across Latin America, with a particular focus on technology and trade policy.
He connects shifts in Washington to global supply chains and their real effects on Taiwan’s industries — a single tariff announcement or export control can rewrite a Taiwanese company’s plans for the year. He also tracks Latin America’s political cycles and resource economies.
He believes the United States remains the single variable that moves the world most, and that understanding it is the first step to understanding the environment Taiwan lives in.
Areas of expertise
- US politics
- Latin America
- Trade
Latest by James Rivera
Teresa Teng: The Voice That United a Divided World
Teresa Teng was one of the most beloved singers in Asian history, her gentle voice cherished across the Chinese-speaking world and Japan. A profile of a Taiwanese icon.
Above the Clouds: Taiwan's High-Mountain Tea Culture
Taiwan's high-mountain oolong teas are prized around the world. A look at the tea culture, geography and craft behind one of the island's signature products.
Two Oil Tankers Attacked in Strait of Hormuz Spark Global Security Fears
Greek shipping giant Dynacom Tankers recently confirmed that two of its tankers were struck by unidentified objects while navigating near the Strait of Hor
A Mountainous Island: Taiwan's National Parks and Hiking
Much of Taiwan is covered in steep, forested mountains, home to spectacular national parks and hundreds of peaks. A guide to the island's wild, high places.
Lin Hwai-min: The Visionary Behind Cloud Gate
Lin Hwai-min founded Cloud Gate Dance Theatre and turned it into one of the world's most admired dance companies. A profile of a giant of Taiwanese arts.
US Soldier Killed During Controlled Explosion of Iranian Drone in Iraq
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) recently issued a statement confirming that a U.S. service member was killed while conducting operations in northern Iraq. T
UN Appoints Bangladeshi Diplomat Rabab Fatima as New Afghanistan Mission Chief
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has officially announced the appointment of Rabab Fatima, a veteran Bangladeshi diplomat, as the new head
Taiwan Regrets Papua New Guinea's Unilateral Demand to Relocate Representative Office
Papua New Guinea’s Foreign Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, recently announced that the government has requested the representative office of Taiwan in Port Mo
Japan Passes Law Making Public Desecration of National Flag Punishable by Prison
The Japanese Diet has officially passed a landmark bill criminalizing the destruction, removal, or defacement of the national flag (Hinomaru) in public set
Powerful Earthquake Devastates Northern Venezuela, Death Toll Climbs to 5,069
Northern Venezuela has been devastated by a series of twin earthquakes, with the latest statistics confirming that the death toll has risen to 5,069. The s
IRGC Attack on Oman Radar Facility Escalates Tensions in Persian Gulf
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) recently launched an attack on a radar facility located within Oman. This sudden military operation has
Turkey Launches Operation Heroes-34, Arresting 119 ISIS Suspects Across the Country
The Turkish Ministry of Interior recently announced the launch of a nationwide counter-terrorism operation, codenamed "Heroes-34," which has resulted in th
Mali Army Ambushed as Extremists and Rebels Align, Fueling Regional Instability
The situation in the West African nation of Mali has deteriorated further. According to local reports, the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM)—an a
Former Mexican Governor Rufo Arrested for Organized Crime and Fuel Smuggling
Ernesto Ruffo Appel, the former governor of the Mexican state of Baja California, was recently arrested by local judicial authorities on charges of involve
Iran Condemns US Airstrike on Children’s Hospital, Demands Immediate Official Protest
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei recently accused the U.S. military of conducting airstrikes near Ahvaz in southwestern Iran, alleging
Ukraine's Defense Minister Ousting Sparks Protests Over Fears for Digital Defense Strategy
Nationwide protests have erupted across Ukraine following a major personnel shake-up by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Citizens gathered in major cities, i
Seven Dead, One Missing After Rubber Boat Explosion Off Liaoning Coast
A serious maritime accident occurred recently off the coast of Liaoning Province, China, when an inflatable boat exploded while in transit, resulting in ca
US Navy Intercepts Iranian Tanker in Arabian Gulf to Enforce Sanctions
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed this week that U.S. forces successfully intercepted and disabled the Curaçao-flagged oil tanker "M/T Belma" during
Israel and Lebanon Hold Sixth Round of Peace Talks in Rome
Israel and Lebanon have commenced direct negotiations and their sixth round of peace talks at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy, marking a significant milest
UK designates Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.
The British government has formally announced that it will designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and compre
US Military Launches New Strikes, Triggering International Concern and Debate
The U.S. military announced a new round of strikes against specific targets at 4:45 p.m. local time, just hours after President Donald Trump declared that
The First Island Chain Explained
The 'first island chain' appears constantly in discussions of Indo-Pacific security, with Taiwan at its centre. What is it, and why does this string of islands matter so much? A neutral explainer.
Iran Announces Indefinite Closure of Strait of Hormuz, Triggering Global Concern
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has announced the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that it has opened fire on two ves
Israeli Drone Strike in Gaza Kills One, Further Escalating Regional Tensions
An Israeli drone strike in central Gaza has left one Palestinian dead and two others injured, further fueling tensions between Palestinians and Israelis. P