Joseph Popper 
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing in our New Year Flash Sale. Counting has begun in Taiwan in one of the most closely watched elections this year. The island’s 19 million-plus voters have cast their ballots to decide who will … Read more
William Lai Ching-te, the candidate for the independence-leaning DPP, is seeking to rewrite the island’s presidential election history by winning an unprecedented third consecutive term for his party. Throughout the race, Lai, the deputy of incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, has faced stiff challenges from his major opponent, New Taipei mayor Hou Yu-ih of the main … Read more
“Full combat readiness, vigorous training, [Taiwan’s armed forces] are the guardians of national security and the defenders of freedom and democracy!” the post said. Who is running in Taiwan’s presidential race and what does it mean for Beijing? Taiwan will hold its presidential and legislative elections on Saturday. William Lai Ching-te, vice-president and candidate of … Read more
Officials from both sides discussed areas of cooperation, including “energy transition, methane, circular economy, low-carbon provinces/states and cities”, the ministry said. Xie was appointed as China’s first special climate envoy in 2021, the same year Kerry was appointed as America’s special presidential envoy for climate. Asia at risk as Cop28 deal falls ‘far short’ of … Read more
Officials privately say they will work with whoever wins the election, and hope for a clear result that leaves no margin for doubt. They have observed what they described as interference and disinformation by Beijing and fear a “too close to call” election could lead parties to blame external factors and destabilise the region. As … Read more
They chat about their experience and goals as they drive from the city to a country road before they reach the coast. “You can drive better than me,” Tsai tells Lai after she hands him the key and steps out of the car. Lai responds: “She’s here. We have no problem.” Hsiao Bi-khim, his running … Read more
Beijing has warned Washington that it will send the “wrong signals” to supporters of Taiwan independence if an unofficial delegation visits the self-ruled island following Saturday’s presidential election. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters on Thursday that Beijing had expressed “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” to what she called “irresponsible remarks” made by US … Read more
Some of last year’s targets – including education, sports, grain reserves and statistics – were dropped at the meeting, held annually to lay out the CCDI’s work programme for the year ahead. ‘[We must] keep up the pressure, continue to keep a close eye on key problems, key areas, key people, new forms of corruption … Read more
When public polling stopped in early January, multiple pools reported Hou and his running mate Jaw Shaw-kong trailing Vice-President William Lai Ching-te of the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by one to five points, while Ko Wen-je, who heads the smaller Taiwan People’s Party was lagging behind both. The middle way Hou’s “middle way” vision … Read more
“The corruption in Chinese football does not only exist in certain individual areas – it’s everywhere, in each and every aspect,” Chen said in the CCTV documentary on Tuesday. Chen, who was charged with bribery in September, said he had received a “congratulatory” 300,000 yuan (US$42,000) each from two club officials the night before he … Read more
