— By Jane Rickards and Don Shapiro  Ming and Qing Dynasty soldiers described Taiwan as a place where “disease is rampant.” Yet before large numbers of Han people began arriving in the mid-17th century, the island’s indigenous peoples had managed to live generally healthy lives. Japanese researchers later documented how the Austronesian peoples used local medicinal plants to cure various…

A bi-weekly snapshot of Taiwan business news stories brought to you by CommonWealth and AmCham Taipei’s TOPICS Costco unveils second Taichung location The grand opening of American multinational retailer Costco’s 14th Taiwan location place on November 20. Costco’s new outlet, the second to be opened in Taichung, is unique for specializing in yachts and designer…