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Samson Ellis
For Samson Ellis's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Global demand for the hardware that underpins AI has sparked an economic recovery in Taiwan, giving policymakers room to focus on battling inflation.
BUSINESS / Tech
Mar 21, 2024
AI frenzy gives Taiwan central bank room to battle inflation
Taiwan’s exports and benchmark stock indexes have gained over the past few months, even as growth in major overseas markets remains weak.
Taiwan's Chief trade negotiator John Deng. Taipei is seeking to expand U.S. trade talks, as the island faces challenges from China in its effort to join the CPTPP.
WORLD / Politics
Dec 6, 2023
Taiwan looks to expand U.S. trade deal to counter isolation
The island’s trade officials are talking with their U.S. counterparts about broadening the scope of their current arrangement, reached earlier this year.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 12, 2023
Taiwan ruling party taps vice president for closely watched election
The winner of the January 2024 vote will immediately step into a role that could determine the trajectory of geopolitics and the global economy for years to come.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 31, 2022
Taiwan tensions raise alarms over risks to world’s subsea cables
A disruption in a conflict with China could result in Taiwan getting cut off from the world, similar to what happened to the Pacific Island nation of Tonga earlier this year.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Jul 4, 2022
Xi's suppression of Hong Kong democracy pushes Taiwan further from China
China's handling of the city's 'one country, two systems” plan shows 'all promises of autonomy and respect for local conditions will be violated,” experts say.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
May 29, 2022
COVID-19 surge leaves Taiwan’s insurers struggling to pay out
The head of the financial regulator has ordered insurers to pay out on valid COVID-related insurance policies after they faced criticism from lawmakers for dismissing claims.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Feb 21, 2022
Mike Pompeo to make Taiwan trip in rare visit by former top U.S. diplomat
Pompeo, a potential Republican presidential contender, will visit Taiwan from March 2 to March 5.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
Dec 17, 2021
Pork referendum poses test for strengthening U.S. and Taiwan ties
Taiwanese citizens will vote Saturday on four questions, but it's a potential pork ban that has Washington worried.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 30, 2021
Taiwanese tycoon speaks out against independence after fines in China
Chinese officials and media made it clear that his companies were penalized because of donations to Taiwan's ruling party.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 25, 2021
JPMorgan Chase CEO joins Lithuania and WTA in testing China on free speech
Jamie Dimon knew right away Beijing wouldn't like his joke about the Communist Party's downfall, noting immediately afterward: 'I can't say that in China.”
Japan Times
BUSINESS / ANALYSIS
Sep 24, 2021
Taiwan’s trade deal application sets up showdown with China
Taiwan's request to join the TPP, coming just days after China's submitted its own bid, presents the member nations with a difficult choice: admit one, both or neither?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Aug 25, 2021
Japan and Taiwan ruling parties to hold security talks Friday
The talks are the latest sign of a more coordinated response among democratic governments concerned about China's increasingly assertive actions.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 14, 2021
China says U.S. raising Taiwan tension with Biden-backed visit
'Such a meeting is not helpful for improving cross-strait ties and stabilizing the cross-strait region,” said a spokesman for the Beijing office that handles matters related to Taiwan.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 19, 2020
Taiwan shuts pro-China TV channel in battle over press freedom
Taiwan’s broadcast regulator has ordered the closure of one of the island’s most ardently pro-China cable news networks following a monthslong battle over journalistic standards and freedom of the press.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 29, 2020
Record 200 days with no local coronavirus cases makes Taiwan envy of world
Taiwan holds the world's best virus record by far and reached the new landmark on Thursday, even as the pathogen explodes anew in Europe and the U.S.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Oct 8, 2020
Here’s what could happen if China invaded Taiwan
Fears are growing among analysts, officials and investors that an invasion could actually happen, potentially triggering a war with the U.S.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jun 25, 2020
Chinese jets buzzing around Taiwan show long-term risk of war with U.S.
While the number of incursions this year is still on pace with previous years, the recent outburst is unusual and could augur a dramatic escalation if sustained.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Jan 13, 2020
No soul-searching for Xi Jinping after Taiwan rebuffs China in election
In a democracy, two resounding election defeats in a matter of months might prompt some soul-searching in the losing camp.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Oct 3, 2017
Founder of TSMC, Apple's top chip supplier, to hand over reins in June
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. founder and Chairman Morris Chang will retire next June, handing the helm of the world's largest producer of made-to-order microchips to the company's two co-chief executives.

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