Michael Chen
Asia-Pacific Desk
Michael Chen leads Asia-Pacific coverage at The Taiwan Times, reporting on political, economic and social change across East and Southeast Asia. He has reported from Tokyo, Seoul, Hanoi and Jakarta.
He values first-hand material and local perspective, and has a gift for spotting a regional trend in a single local story. He pays particular attention to cross-strait dynamics and their knock-on effects for Indo-Pacific security and supply chains.
He believes the Asia-Pacific is the region Taiwanese readers most need to understand yet the one most often flattened by Western media, so he insists on portraying neighbouring countries in all their complexity.
Areas of expertise
- East Asia
- Southeast Asia
- Cross-strait affairs
Latest by Michael Chen
Bolivia Declares National Emergency Ahead of Super El Niño.
Bolivia’s president, Rodrigo Paz, declared a national state of emergency on Monday, 12 March, in anticipation of a “super” El Niño event that is expected t
Mercedes Driver Kimi Antonelli Becomes Formula One's Youngest World Champion
Italian driver Kimi Antonelli secured the Formula One World Drivers' Championship on Sunday after finishing third at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Driving fo
Chiayi City Enforces New Drug Driving Law, Police Seize Vehicle, Impose Heavy Penalties.
At dawn today, while conducting routine traffic checkpoints and patrols, the Chiayi City Police Department intercepted a man surnamed Cai, who was suspecte
National Palace Museum's Dragon Sutra craze goes viral ahead of permanent exhibition
Since being exhibited at the National Palace Museum's Northern Branch this year, the Dragon Sutra has become a major focal point for social media check-ins
Trump proposes US-Canada trade ideas in Iowa, leaders eye energy cooperation
U.S. President Donald Trump stated today in Dubuque, Iowa, that the U.S. government has developed a "concept" to incorporate a new trade agreement between
Chiang's Praise of Ko Fuels Corruption Row, Heats Up Taipei Race
The intensity of the Taipei mayoral election heated up again early this month when Chiang Wan-an expressed praise for former mayor Ko Wen-je during a debat
Kuo Hsing-chun Fights to Fourth Place at World Weightlifting Championships
At the World Weightlifting Championships held in Ningbo, China, Taiwan's beloved "weightlifting goddess" Kuo Hsing-chun, who has captured the attention of
Midterms Will Determine Trump Tariffs as Democrats Seek Political Leverage
The upcoming U.S. midterm elections on the 3rd will determine the majority seats in both houses of Congress. If the Democratic Party recaptures control of
President Lai presents 3x3 basketball awards to promote sports and global stage
In a bustling Taipei arena, the awards ceremony for the "Presidential Cup 3x3 Basketball Tournament" held today drew significant attention from both specta
French Skater Kevin Aymoz Wins Skate Canada to Make History
French figure skater Kevin Aymoz claimed the men's singles title at Skate Canada in Kelowna, British Columbia, delivering a stellar performance that allowe
Kinmen Boat Collision: Two Rescued Safely After Coast Guard and Fishing Vessel Crash
A maritime traffic and operational safety accident occurred off the coast of Taiwan's Kinmen today, involving an accidental collision between two local ves
Taiwan Eases Rules to Expand Family Office Services and Boost Wealth Management
The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) recently announced that eligible banks may expand their family office advisory services to regions outside the d
Japan's Proposed Consumption Tax Cut Sparks Fierce November Debate Over Fiscal Impact
The Japanese government has designated the consumption tax cut as its top priority for the current session of the Diet, planning to submit the relevant bil
Tseng Hopes Yilan Voters Elect Golden Partner for County Leadership
KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun, speaking to reporters in Taipei today, once again focused her attention on local politics in Yilan County. Describing Yilan a
Bangladesh Records 173 Dengue Deaths in October, Setting a New High
Bangladesh recorded 173 dengue-related deaths in October, setting a new single-month mortality record. This figure not only underscores the explosive natur
Lai urges youth to stay in Nantou while addressing elder care
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson and President Lai Ching-te traveled to Nantou County today to campaign all-out for the party’s Nantou County
Polish Ambassadors to Romania, China Resign Over Tribunal Suspension
Polish ambassadors to Romania and to China, Paweł Soloch and Jakub Kumoch, announced their resignations today in a joint statement, citing their protest ag
General Strike in Italy Paralyzes Cities Over Cost of Living Crisis
A general strike and widespread protests brought major Italian cities to a standstill on Friday, as labor unions, workers, and citizens mobilized against t
Experts Urge Japan-Style Artisans to Tackle Historic Building Restoration Crisis
During its half-century under Japanese rule, Taiwan accumulated a vast and diverse architectural heritage, ranging from official government offices, school
Foxconn urges Taiwan firms to join robot standards for full automation
The Hon Hai Group once again emphasized its strategic deployment in the automation sector at its annual technology day, HHTD 26. Speaking at the event, Li
Taipei Mayoral Debate Sparks Clash Over Drug-Driving Bill and Local-Central Power
The heated confrontation in the Taipei mayoral race officially kicked off today, with a closely watched mayoral debate becoming the focal point of politica
Taiwan Sports Reaches Historic Milestone as National Sports Museum Begins Site Selection
Taiwan’s sports development has reached a historic turning point in recent years. With the government’s organizational restructuring and the long-standing
Wen Hsun magazine launches Xingyu Lou special exhibition and publication commemorating Wang Wen-hsing
Wang Wen-hsing, a perennial figure in the literary world of Taiwan, passed away in 2023, three weeks ago. To honor this creator whose prose was as vivid as
US-Iran conflict pushes oil past $70, boosting major petroleum giants' profit margins
The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran has led to tightening supplies in the global crude oil market, causing oil prices to rise signif