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
US Central Command Redeploys 55 Ships Amid Rising Concerns Over Iran Activities
The U.S. Central Command has announced that it has reassigned 55 vessels related to Iran since July, when the blockade was resumed. As one of the 11 unifie
Historic Total Solar Eclipse Appears Along Atlantic Coast
A historic solar eclipse appeared on the Atlantic coast, with partial eclipse views visible in parts of North America, Europe, North Africa, and North Asia
Zambia's Presidential, National Assembly Election Results to Determine Future Development Course
Zambia is set to hold crucial presidential and national assembly elections, with incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema vying for a second term. The outcom
Ricoh Sees Strong Recovery in Second Quarter with Non-PC Revenue at 80%
Ricoh's Second Quarter Performance Surpasses Expectations Ricoh's performance in the second quarter of the year has been nothing short of impressive, with
Zambia's President Hichilema Faces Reelection Battle, Economic Record Under Scrutiny
Zambia's presidential election is approaching, with Hakainde Hichilema vying for re-election. His economic achievements will be scrutinized. Zambia is a co
Uganda Requires Taiwanese Travelers to Use Chinese Passport, Raising Diplomatic Concerns in Taipei.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today expressed strong concern over Uganda's requirement that Taiwanese citizens hold a Chinese passport with a visa sticke
Unveiling the Hidden Gem of West Africa: A Journey Through Cameroons Turbulent History
Tucked away in the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon is a captivating country that boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and an
Palestinian Football Federation Reinstates Football and Sports Activities
The Palestinian Football Association has announced the resumption of football and sports activities, marking the end of a three-year hiatus following the o
Columbia hit by 7.4 magnitude earthquake, national emergency declared
The 7.4-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Colombia yesterday has resulted in a worsening casualty situation, with the death toll exceeding 240 people,
Taipei Prosecutors Charge Woman and 15 Relatives Over $20 Million Insurance Fraud Scheme
Taipei District Prosecutors Office has today charged a female suspect, identified as Li, and her related family members with insurance fraud, involving mor
Chen Yung-Chi Returns Home to Lead Taitung Lions to Victory
In the stadium of the Chinese Professional Baseball League, today was a day of celebration for the fans of Taitung. Chou Yi-hsiang, a 43-year-old veteran p
Taiwanese Citizens Group Urges Legislative Yuan to Reconsider Cutting NTDTV Budget
A coalition of Taipei civic groups, including the Taipei Media Watch and Education Foundation, has issued a joint statement calling on the Legislative Yuan
US Military Operation in Yemen Kills 153 Civilians, Raising Global Outcry Over War Efforts
A Pentagon Assessment Report Reveals US Military Actions in Yemen Claim 153 Civilian Lives in 2025 The US military actions around the world have been the s
The Philippines Improves Passport Processing, Taiwanese Citizens Benefit from New Service Center
The Philippines is an important partner for Taiwan in the Asia-Pacific region, with the two countries cooperating closely in various areas such as the econ
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Not Enough to Offset Hormuz Strait Disruption Fears, Oil Prices Rise Slightly
The Future of the Hormuz Strait's Navigation Remains Uncertain, International Oil Prices See a Slight Rise The Hormuz Strait, located at the mouth of the P
Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen Meets St. Vincent & the Grenadines' PM Phills With First Official State Visit
President Lai Ching-te held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, in Taipei today, marking the firs
Unseen Africa: A Hidden Land of Ancient Kingdoms, Towering Waterfalls, and Endless Wildern
Deep in the heart of Southern Africa lies Zambia, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This lower-middle-income country boasts
Syria to Cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency in Cleaning Up Radioactive Materials.
The Syrian government recently announced that it will cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to remove nuclear materials from a secre
Li Haoyu Leads Tigers to Stunning Comeback Win Over Giants
Li Haoyu continues to showcase his skills in the American professional baseball league, securing a crucial victory for the Tigers in an extra-inning game a
Revitalizing T09 Historic Building in Jiayi's Hinoki Village Preserves Cultural Heritage
The T09 historical building in the Jia-yi Sheng-hui Village, Chiayi City, is a significant cultural artifact with deep historical value. In recent years, t
Japan's Accommodation Industry Sustains Over $180 Million in Damages Two Weeks After Quake
Two weeks have passed since a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan on July 28. The disaster not only resulted in severe casualties
Taiwan Boosts Maritime Defense with Oceanic Patrol Vessel Naming Ceremony in Kaohsiung
President Rai Qingde attended the naming and launching ceremony of two new ships, 100 and 300 tons, held this afternoon at the Guo Hai Institute in Kaohsiu
Russia's Supreme Court Bans Yavlinsky's Party from Participating in 2026 Parliamentary Elections
The Russian Supreme Court has ruled that the liberal party, Yabloko, must be banned from participating in the 2026 Russian legislative elections. The reaso
Philippines' Mountain City of Bacuag Hit by Landslides, Death Toll Rises to 10
Rescue efforts in the weekend landslide incident in the mountain city of Baguio in the Philippines have been completed, with the confirmed death toll risin