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
Syria's Transition Government Collaborates with IAEA to Clean Uranium Material Factory Hideout
Syrian Interim Government Confirms Collaboration with International Atomic Energy Agency to Clear Hidden Nuclear Material Facility This decision was made a
Cook Islands Election Underway, Challenges Prime Minister Brown
In the Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific, voters recently cast their ballots to elect 24 members of parliament. The election has seen intense comp
Taiwan's Taipei International Flora Exposition attracts NT$16.5 billion in sales.
The Taiwan Cultural and Creative Industry Exhibition's (TCIE) branding exhibition concluded its week-long run today, leaving a trail of excitement among at
Taiwan's New Dollar Surges to 32.168 Against the US Dollar, Highest in 6 Months
Taipei's foreign exchange market once again displayed strong buying sentiment this morning, with the Taiwan dollar's closing price against the US dollar ri
Japan's Royal Family Faces Challenges Amid Succession Crisis and Image Overhaul
Japan's Imperial Family has been facing a series of challenges in recent years, including issues related to the succession of the throne, modifications to
Taiwan Defense Minister Leads Han Kuang 42 Military Exercise to Boost National Security
Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng Visits Han Kuang 42nd Exercise in Taipei Area Today (12th), Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng conducted a tour of the Han Kua
Beyond the Headlines: Unveiling the Hidden History and Rich Culture of Taiwan
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US Marine Corps Soldier Released from Russian Custody Amid Improved US-Russia Relations
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South Sudan's Unity Government Suffers Devastating Blow from Libyan Rebel Group
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North, or SPLM-N, and the Rapid Support Forces, or RSF, a Libyan militia, launched an offensive last Thursday, repor
Tainan Woman Accused of Murdering Sister to Be Tried After Prosecutors Complete Investigation.
An 84-year-old woman, surnamed Lo, has recently made headlines in Taiwan with a tragic incident in which she used a knife to slash her 92-year-old sister's
Taiwan Team Wins Three Consecutive Matches at the Asian Little League Championship
The Asian Little League Championship: Taiwan Team's Power Hitter Breaks Out, Clinches 3 Straight Wins and Advances to the Next Round The Asian Little Leagu
Taiwan Stock Market Surges to New High, Trading Volume Breaks $85 Billion Barrier
The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) put on an impressive show today, with a gain of 397.35 points, closing at 55,518.07 points. The trading value broke throug
Rescue Efforts Underway in Colombia After Earthquake, Survivor Found in Collapsed Buildings
Rescue efforts in Colombia are still ongoing following a recent earthquake, with the latest reports indicating that a survivor has been found trapped in a
China's Town Resilience Drill Sparks Backlash over Misuse of Internet Speed Test as Disconnection Tool.
Recently, the urban resilience exercise has incorporated elements of mobile network speed testing, sparking controversy and criticism from the opposition.
US Justice Department Cracks Down on China's Plot to Smuggle US Military Equipment
The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced a major crackdown on a plot by a Chinese citizen to smuggle U.S. military equipment. According to the dep
Taiwanese President Lai And Former Japanese VP Stress Cooperation for People's Well-being
President Lai Ching-te met with Japan's former Chief of Staff, Shigeru Ishiba, and other Japanese lawmakers today, discussing the importance of strengthene
Beyond the Flames: Uncovering the Hidden History and Lush Landscapes of Malawi
Deep in the heart of Southern Africa lies a country with a profound history, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes - Malawi. This landlocked nation, ne
Taipei City Spokesperson Embroiled in Labor Contract Leaks Probe Linked to Taichung City Officials
Taipei City Government's Former Spokesman, Lee Cheng-Hsuan, Under Investigation Lee Cheng-Hsuan, the former spokesman of Taipei City Government, has recent
Fubon Guardians sign American right-hander Ryan Leo to boost pitching power
The Fubon Guardians recently announced the signing of A.J. Candelario, a right-handed pitcher with Major League experience, in a move seen as a significant
Taiwan's Chunghwa Telecom Partners with Nokia to Drive AI-RAN Technology Advancements
China Telecom and Nokia Collaborate on AI-RAN Technology Verification and Application Recently, China Telecom announced that it has signed a strategic coop
Australian Prime Minister Albanese Embroiled in Scandal, Faces Global Backlash and Intense Criticism
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Furore Over Lewd Joke Sparks Controversy In the Australian political arena, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's
Australian Queensland cross-party lawmakers strengthen Taiwan tech and energy ties on visit.
A bipartisan delegation of Australian Queensland parliamentarians is visiting Taiwan to gain insight into the country's technological and energy transforma
WHO Launches Effort to Contain Outbreak of Ebola in Guinea-Bissau and Other Nations
Eswatini Reports Ebola Outbreak, World Health Organization Launches Response Effort Recent developments indicate that Eswatini has reported an Ebola outbre
Taiwanese Baseball Hero Chen Yung-Chi Returns Home for Retirement Series Opener
The veteran infielder Chen Yong-ji of the Fubon Guardians, Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), is currently embarking on a series of fare