Taiwan

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia. The main island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, lies between the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. It has an area of 35,808 square kilometres, with mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds and plains in the western third, where its highly urbanized population is concentrated. The combined territories under ROC control consist of 168 islands in total covering 36,193 square kilometres. The largest metropolitan area is formed by Taipei, New Taipei City, and Keelung. With around 23.9 million inhabitants, Taiwan is among the most densely populated countries.
taiwan

Some of the key events about Taiwan

  • 1895
    Taiwan was ceded to Japan by China following the First Sino-Japanese War
  • 1945
    Taiwan experienced severe economic disruption and hyperinflation after World War II
  • 1947
    The February 28 Incident resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and decades of martial law
  • 1949
    The Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan, establishing a new base for democratic governance
  • 1949
    The Chinese Civil War led to the retreat of the Kuomintang government to Taiwan
  • 1958
    The Second Taiwan Strait Crisis involved intense artillery bombardment of Kinmen islands
  • 1965
    Taiwan's first export processing zone was established in Kaohsiung, boosting economic development
  • 1971
    The world's tallest building at the time, Taipei 101, began construction, becoming a symbol of Taiwan's economic growth
  • 1971
    Taiwan lost its seat in the United Nations to the People's Republic of China
  • 1979
    The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to the People's Republic of China
  • 1987
    Martial law was lifted, marking a significant step towards democratization
  • 1996
    Taiwan held its first direct presidential election, solidifying its democratic system
  • 1999
    The 921 earthquake struck central Taiwan, causing over 2,400 deaths and widespread destruction
  • 2000
    The first peaceful transfer of power between political parties occurred in Taiwan's presidential election
  • 2003
    Taiwan successfully contained the SARS outbreak, demonstrating effective public health management
  • 2003
    Taiwan was severely affected by the SARS epidemic, resulting in 73 deaths
  • 2009
    Taiwan participated in the World Health Assembly as an observer for the first time since 1971
  • 2016
    Taiwan was excluded from the World Health Assembly for the first time since 2009
  • 2019
    Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage
  • 2020
    Taiwan's successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic gained international recognition

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Taiwan Latest news

Diplomat gets kicked out of Paraguay after secret Taiwan-related meetings

Diplomat gets kicked out of Paraguay after secret Taiwan-related meetings

December 5 2024 , 11:21 PM  •  1243 views
Paraguay takes unexpected step against Chinese diplomat over Taiwan pressure

Paraguay takes unexpected step against Chinese diplomat over Taiwan pressure

December 5 2024 , 05:37 PM  •  713 views
US House Speaker's secret call with Taiwan leader triggers Chinese warning

US House Speaker's secret call with Taiwan leader triggers Chinese warning

December 5 2024 , 09:23 AM  •  2081 views
Taiwan's top leader makes surprise Pacific trip while China watches closely

Taiwan's top leader makes surprise Pacific trip while China watches closely

December 4 2024 , 03:55 PM  •  2022 views
Chinese navy moves raise questions as Taiwan leader plans Pacific journey

Chinese navy moves raise questions as Taiwan leader plans Pacific journey

December 3 2024 , 12:45 PM  •  1720 views
Baltic tensions rise as Lithuania kicks out Chinese embassy workers

Baltic tensions rise as Lithuania kicks out Chinese embassy workers

December 2 2024 , 07:04 PM  •  805 views
Chinese diplomats kicked out from Lithuania as relations hit new low

Chinese diplomats kicked out from Lithuania as relations hit new low

December 2 2024 , 01:38 PM  •  495 views
Taiwan leader's secret chat with Pelosi raises eyebrows during Pacific journey

Taiwan leader's secret chat with Pelosi raises eyebrows during Pacific journey

December 2 2024 , 01:28 PM  •  149 views
China objects to new US military deal with Taiwan and presidential visit plans

China objects to new US military deal with Taiwan and presidential visit plans

December 2 2024 , 01:17 PM  •  121 views
Taiwan leader's Pacific trip through US territories makes waves in regional politics

Taiwan leader's Pacific trip through US territories makes waves in regional politics

December 2 2024 , 01:12 PM  •  122 views
Taiwan leader starts Pacific journey while US approves military equipment deal

Taiwan leader starts Pacific journey while US approves military equipment deal

November 30 2024 , 09:34 AM  •  2513 views
US gives green light to massive Taiwan defense deal as president starts Pacific tour

US gives green light to massive Taiwan defense deal as president starts Pacific tour

November 30 2024 , 08:53 AM  •  2535 views
Three Chinese diplomats get kicked out of Lithuania after breaking rules

Three Chinese diplomats get kicked out of Lithuania after breaking rules

November 29 2024 , 05:37 PM  •  3957 views
Pacific trade group leaves Taiwan hanging while Costa Rica moves forward

Pacific trade group leaves Taiwan hanging while Costa Rica moves forward

November 29 2024 , 06:47 AM  •  1768 views
Taiwan leader's Pacific trip stirs up fresh talks between global powers

Taiwan leader's Pacific trip stirs up fresh talks between global powers

November 28 2024 , 09:59 AM  •  1071 views
Chinese official stays silent about former leader's son marriage to Taiwan citizen

Chinese official stays silent about former leader's son marriage to Taiwan citizen

November 28 2024 , 08:11 AM  •  883 views
Chinese defense chief caught in military corruption storm - what's next?

Chinese defense chief caught in military corruption storm - what's next?

November 27 2024 , 04:17 AM  •  1142 views
Trump picks new team: See who will shape America's future China relations

Trump picks new team: See who will shape America's future China relations

November 26 2024 , 11:10 PM  •  1223 views
US Navy aircraft crosses Taiwan Strait as China tracks its movement

US Navy aircraft crosses Taiwan Strait as China tracks its movement

November 26 2024 , 12:41 PM  •  1544 views
US Navy plane flies Taiwan Strait as China tracks the aircraft

US Navy plane flies Taiwan Strait as China tracks the aircraft

November 26 2024 , 10:35 AM  •  1002 views
Lithuanian defense chief warns: Europe must pay its fair share for protection

Lithuanian defense chief warns: Europe must pay its fair share for protection

Lithuanian Defence Minister points out unfair US defense spending burden and calls for European action. She highlights need for stronger military industries while warning about Russiaʼs expanding military plans

Economics, Politics • December 11 2024 , 07:55 PM  •  64991 views
China's massive naval deployment near Taiwan raises global attention

China's massive naval deployment near Taiwan raises global attention

Chinese military increases its presence around Taiwan with unprecedented naval and air operations. Taiwan officials suggest these moves are aimed at sending messages to Washingtonʼs new leadership

Politics • December 11 2024 , 05:38 AM  •  1694 views
China puts on biggest naval show near Taiwan since 90s - what's happening now?

China puts on biggest naval show near Taiwan since 90s - what's happening now?

Chinese navy deploys its biggest fleet near Taiwan in almost 30 years with about 90 vessels spread across regional waters. Taiwanʼs defense ministry spots dozens of military aircraft and ships in nearby areas

Politics • December 10 2024 , 06:44 AM  •  1368 views
US and Taiwan ready to launch game-changing trade deal tomorrow

US and Taiwan ready to launch game-changing trade deal tomorrow

US-Taiwan trade initiative starts its first agreement implementation on Dec 11th. The deal focuses on business cooperation‚ anti-corruption efforts and trade support for smaller companies

Economics, Politics • December 10 2024 , 05:21 AM  •  2532 views
Assad's sudden exit from Syria creates new power dynamics in Middle East

Assad's sudden exit from Syria creates new power dynamics in Middle East

Syrian insurgents take control of Damascus after quick military campaign ends Assadʼs 24-year rule. Russia grants asylum to former leader while new government promises reforms and religious freedom

Society, Politics • December 10 2024 , 12:16 AM  •  795 views
Chinese navy floods waters near Taiwan as regional tensions grow

Chinese navy floods waters near Taiwan as regional tensions grow

Taiwan spotted about 90 Chinese ships spread across regional waters yesterday‚ marking a new pattern in military presence. Chinese authorities set-up no-fly zones near Taiwanʼs coast lasting until mid-week

Society, Politics • December 9 2024 , 07:57 PM  •  589 views
China takes aim at tech giant Nvidia in new monopoly case

China takes aim at tech giant Nvidia in new monopoly case

Chinese regulators started looking into Nvidiaʼs business practices for possible monopoly issues. This move adds to the growing tech-sector rivalry between Beijing and Washington

Business, Politics, Science • December 9 2024 , 07:11 PM  •  687 views
China doubles warship count near Taiwan after president's US territory stops

China doubles warship count near Taiwan after president's US territory stops

China increased its naval presence around Taiwan‚ deploying 14 warships in response to Taiwan leaderʼs Pacific journey. Defense ministry also spotted four balloons crossing the strait‚ with one passing over the island

Politics • December 8 2024 , 02:32 PM  •  1224 views
Joint naval exercises near disputed waters trigger fresh South China Sea drama

Joint naval exercises near disputed waters trigger fresh South China Sea drama

Philippines teamed-up with US and Japan for maritime drills near contested waters just after Chinese vessels used water cannons on Philippine boats. The move adds new chapter to long-running South China Sea dispute

Economics, Politics • December 6 2024 , 08:41 AM  •  643 views
Taiwan leader makes bold statements during Pacific journey while China watches

Taiwan leader makes bold statements during Pacific journey while China watches

During his Pacific-region trip Taiwanʼs president addressed Chinaʼs military activities and called for peaceful dialogue. His US stopovers and meetings with key officials sparked fresh discussions about regional stability

Politics • December 6 2024 , 07:37 AM  •  730 views
Diplomat gets kicked out of Paraguay after secret Taiwan-related meetings

Diplomat gets kicked out of Paraguay after secret Taiwan-related meetings

A year ago Paraguay expelled a Chinese diplomat who broke visa rules by meeting local politicians about Taiwan relations. The low-level envoy tried to convince lawmakers to drop Taiwan ties for better trade deals

Economics, Politics • December 5 2024 , 11:21 PM  •  1243 views
Paraguay takes unexpected step against Chinese diplomat over Taiwan pressure

Paraguay takes unexpected step against Chinese diplomat over Taiwan pressure

Paraguay made quick-fire diplomatic move by ordering Chinese representative to leave country in 24 hours. Foreign ministry acted after alleged attempts to damage long-term Taiwan partnership

Politics • December 5 2024 , 05:37 PM  •  713 views
US House Speaker's secret call with Taiwan leader triggers Chinese warning

US House Speaker's secret call with Taiwan leader triggers Chinese warning

A phone conversation between Taiwanʼs President and US House Speaker during Pacific journey caused immediate reaction from Beijing. Chinese officials quickly reminded about their position on Taiwanʼs status

Society, Politics • December 5 2024 , 09:23 AM  •  2081 views
Taiwan's top leader makes surprise Pacific trip while China watches closely

Taiwan's top leader makes surprise Pacific trip while China watches closely

Taiwanʼs President visits small Pacific nation Tuvalu during his multi-country tour. The diplomatic journey strengthens bonds with Taiwanʼs allies while showing support for climate-threatened Pacific partners

Society, Politics • December 4 2024 , 03:55 PM  •  2022 views
Chinese navy moves raise questions as Taiwan leader plans Pacific journey

Chinese navy moves raise questions as Taiwan leader plans Pacific journey

Taiwanʼs military tracks Chinese carrier group movements near its waters. Intelligence sources hint at possible military practice-runs by China‚ as Taiwanʼs president prepares for Pacific region meetings

Politics • December 3 2024 , 12:45 PM  •  1720 views
Baltic tensions rise as Lithuania kicks out Chinese embassy workers

Baltic tensions rise as Lithuania kicks out Chinese embassy workers

Lithuania made three Chinese diplomats leave the country during an ongoing undersea cable investigation. This step adds to the already-cold relations between both countries since Taiwan office dispute

Economics, Politics • December 2 2024 , 07:04 PM  •  805 views
Chinese diplomats kicked out from Lithuania as relations hit new low

Chinese diplomats kicked out from Lithuania as relations hit new low

Lithuania removed three Chinese diplomats last week citing international law violations. China strongly opposes this move and warns about counter-actions‚ as both nations deal with long-term diplomatic issues

Economics, Politics • December 2 2024 , 01:38 PM  •  495 views
Taiwan leader's secret chat with Pelosi raises eyebrows during Pacific journey

Taiwan leader's secret chat with Pelosi raises eyebrows during Pacific journey

During his week-long Pacific trip Taiwanʼs president had a brief talk with ex-House speaker in Hawaii. The meeting comes as China keeps showing its displeasure about Taiwanʼs ties with US allies

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 01:28 PM  •  149 views
China objects to new US military deal with Taiwan and presidential visit plans

China objects to new US military deal with Taiwan and presidential visit plans

US approved $385M military parts sale to Taiwan right before its presidents Pacific trip through American territory. China responded with strong objections to both the deal and travel arrangements

Economics, Politics • December 2 2024 , 01:17 PM  •  121 views
Taiwan leader's Pacific trip through US territories makes waves in regional politics

Taiwan leader's Pacific trip through US territories makes waves in regional politics

During his Pacific-nation tour Taiwanʼs top official made an unexpected stop in Hawaii‚ visiting Pearl Harbor memorial. His transit through US territories caused immediate push-back from mainland China

Society, Politics • December 2 2024 , 01:12 PM  •  122 views
Taiwan leader starts Pacific journey while US approves military equipment deal

Taiwan leader starts Pacific journey while US approves military equipment deal

Taiwanʼs top official begins multi-country Pacific trip with US stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. Just before departure US confirms new F-16 parts package while China expresses strong disagreement

Politics • November 30 2024 , 09:34 AM  •  2513 views
US gives green light to massive Taiwan defense deal as president starts Pacific tour

US gives green light to massive Taiwan defense deal as president starts Pacific tour

Pentagon confirms new multi-million defense package for Taiwan including F-16 fighter jet parts and radar systems. Deal comes as Taiwanʼs president begins Pacific island-hopping journey through US territories

Economics, Politics • November 30 2024 , 08:53 AM  •  2535 views
Three Chinese diplomats get kicked out of Lithuania after breaking rules

Three Chinese diplomats get kicked out of Lithuania after breaking rules

Lithuania orders three Chinese diplomatic staff to pack their bags due to breaking international laws. This move adds more tension to already-cold relations between these two nations

Society, Politics • November 29 2024 , 05:37 PM  •  3957 views
Pacific trade group leaves Taiwan hanging while Costa Rica moves forward

Pacific trade group leaves Taiwan hanging while Costa Rica moves forward

Taiwan faces set-back in its bid to join major Pacific trade agreement‚ while Costa Rica gets green light for next steps. Island-nation calls for fair treatment in membership process

Economics, Politics • November 29 2024 , 06:47 AM  •  1768 views
Taiwan leader's Pacific trip stirs up fresh talks between global powers

Taiwan leader's Pacific trip stirs up fresh talks between global powers

Chinese military sends strong message ahead of Taiwan presidents Pacific journey with US stopovers. Taiwan responds with defense preparations while maintaining its position on self-governance

Society, Politics • November 28 2024 , 09:59 AM  •  1071 views
Chinese official stays silent about former leader's son marriage to Taiwan citizen

Chinese official stays silent about former leader's son marriage to Taiwan citizen

Chinese government refused to discuss marriage between jailed politicianʼs son and Taiwanese person. The news brings attention to complex family history and delicate cross-strait relations

Society, Politics • November 28 2024 , 08:11 AM  •  883 views
Chinese defense chief caught in military corruption storm - what's next?

Chinese defense chief caught in military corruption storm - what's next?

Third high-ranking defense minister faces corruption probe in Chinaʼs military clean-up efforts. Top-level military reshuffling continues as previous ministers already expelled from Communist Party

Society, Politics • November 27 2024 , 04:17 AM  •  1142 views
Trump picks new team: See who will shape America's future China relations

Trump picks new team: See who will shape America's future China relations

Trumpʼs latest cabinet picks show a clear stance on US-China relations. Most appointees have strong views about Beijing‚ except tech-mogul Elon Musk who brings unique China connections to the team

Business, Politics • November 26 2024 , 11:10 PM  •  1223 views
US Navy aircraft crosses Taiwan Strait as China tracks its movement

US Navy aircraft crosses Taiwan Strait as China tracks its movement

US Navy P-8A Poseidon completed its flight through Taiwan Strait while Chinese forces tracked its path. This routine operation highlights different views on waterway status between Beijing and Washington

Society, Politics • November 26 2024 , 12:41 PM  •  1544 views
US Navy plane flies Taiwan Strait as China tracks the aircraft

US Navy plane flies Taiwan Strait as China tracks the aircraft

A US Navy patrol aircraft made its way through Taiwan Strait while Chinese forces tracked its movement. The flight happened in international airspace as part of US Indo-Pacific operations

Politics • November 26 2024 , 10:35 AM  •  1002 views